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INTHEUNITEDSTATESDISTRICTCOURT
FORTHEWESTERNDISTRICTOFPENNSYLVANIA
AMERICANBEVERAGECORPORATION,and
POUCHPACINNOVATIONS,LLC
Plaintiffs, CaseNo.
v. JURYTRIALDEMANDED
DIAGEONORTHAMERICA, INC.,and
DIAGEOAMERICASSUPPLY,INC.t/d/b/a
CAPTAINMORGANCO.,
Defendants.
VERIFIEDCOMPLAINT
Plaintiffs,AmericanBeverageCorporation(ABC)andPouchPacInnovations,LLC
(PPI) (together,Plaintiffs),bytheircounsel,filethisVerifiedComplaintagainst
DefendantsDiageoNorthAmerica,Inc.andDiageoAmericasSupply,Inc.t/d/b/aCaptain
MorganCo.,andinsupportthereofaverasfollows.
PreliminaryStatement
ThiscaseinvolvesABCsDailysCocktailsandtheinfringementofABCsintellectual
propertyrightsthereinbytheDefendantsandtheiraptly-namedParrotBayCocktails.This
casearosebecausetheDefendants,seekingtocapitalizeonthecommercialsuccessof
ABCsDailysCocktails,anddespiteamyriadofavailablealternatives,recentlylaunched
theirParrotBayCocktailspackagedinpouchesthat truetotheirname parrot boththe
patenteddesignandtradedressofABCsDailysCocktails.TheDefendantsParrotBay
CocktailsnotonlyinfringeABCspatentpouchdesign,butare also sosimilarinappearance
toABCsDailysCocktailsthatconsumerconfusionislikelytooccurandinfacthasalready
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occurred,toABCsdetriment.WhileABCwelcomesfaircompetition,theDefendants
conductinthiscasegoesfarbeyondthestandardsoffaircompetitionasrecognizedbythe
law.ABCbelievesthattheDefendantsareplanninganextensivenationwiderolloutoftheir
ParrotBayCocktailsfortheupcomingspringandsummermonths,whicharethemost
profitableseasonforfrozencocktailpouchsales.Unlessenjoined,theDefendantswillbe
abletoexploittheactualandinevitableconsumerconfusioncausedbytheirinfringing
productsduringthisprimebuyingseasonandtherebypoachpotentialcustomers,sales,
andmarketsharefromABC.OncetheDefendantshaveestablishedasubstantialshareof
thefrozencocktailpouchmarketthroughtheirinfringingactivities,thedamagetoABCwill
alreadyhavebeendone,asanymonetarydamagesorremedialactions(e.g.,redesignthe
pouchpackaging)imposedbythisCourtwouldbeinsufficienttoredresstheirreparable
harmsufferedbyABC.Giventheforegoing,Plaintiffs seeksthisCourtsinterventionto
restrainandenjointheDefendantsinfringingconduct.
TheParties
1. PlaintiffAmericanBeverageCorporation(ABC)isacorporationorganized
andexistingunderthelawsofDelaware,withaprincipalplaceofbusinessinVerona,
Pennsylvania.
2. PlaintiffPouchPacInnovations,LLC(PPI)isalimitedliabilitycompany
organizedandexistingunderthelawsofFlorida,withaprincipalplaceofbusinessin
Sarasota,Florida.
3. Uponinformationandbelief,DiageoNorthAmerica,Inc.isaConnecticut
corporationwithaprincipalplaceofbusinessinNorwalk,Connecticut.
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4. Uponinformationandbelief,DiageoAmericasSupply,Inc.isaNewYork
corporationwithaprincipalplaceof businessinNorwalk,Connecticutandthattradesand
doesbusinessasCaptainMorganCo.
JurisdictionandVenue
5. ThisCourthasjurisdictionoverthesubjectmatterofthisactionpursuantto
15U.S.C.1121(actionarisingundertheLanhamAct),28U.S.C.1331(federalquestion),
28U.S.C.1338(a)(anyActofCongressrelatingtopatentsortrademarks),28U.S.C.
1338(b)(actionassertingclaimofunfaircompetitionjoinedwithasubstantialandrelated
claimunderthetrademarklaws),and28U.S.C.1367(supplementaljurisdiction).
6. ThisCourthaspersonaljurisdictionovertheDefendantsbecausetheyhave
committedandcontinuetocommitactsofinfringementinviolationof35U.S.C.271and
15U.S.C.1125,andplaceinfringingproductsintothestreamofcommerce,withthe
knowledgeorunderstandingthatsuchproductsaresoldintheCommonwealthof
Pennsylvania,includinginthisdistrict.Uponinformationandbelief,theDefendantsderive
substantialrevenuefromthesaleofinfringing productswithinthisdistrict,expecttheir
actionstohaveconsequenceswithinthisdistrict,andderivesubstantialrevenuefrom
interstatecommerce.Thematterincontroversyexceedsthesumorvalueof$75,000
exclusiveofinterestandcosts.
7. Venueinthisdistrictisproperpursuantto28U.S.C.1391and1400
becausetheDefendantsaresubjecttojurisdictioninthisDistrict,transactbusinesswithin
thisdistrict,andofferforsaleinthisdistrictproductsthatinfringethePlaintiffs
intellectualpropertyrights.
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ABCsDailysCocktails
8. ABCmakesandsellsalineofsingle-serveready-to-drinkfrozencocktails
packagedinpouchesunderitsDailysbrandname(theDailysCocktails).
9. Foralltimesrelevanthereto,ABChaspackageditsDailysCocktailsin
pouchesthatarethesubjectofthisaction.
10. ThedesignofthepouchinwhichABCpackagesitsDailysCocktailsisthe
subjectofU.S.DesignPatentNo.D571,672(the672Patent).Atrueandcorrectcopyof
thepatentisattachedheretoasExhibitA.
11. The672Patentcoverstheunique,novel,andnon-obviousornamentaldesign
andappearanceofABCspouchpackaging.
12. PPIownsthe672PatentandlicenseditexclusivelytoABC,whichowns
substantiallyallrights,title,andintereststoandinthe672Patent,includingbutnot
limitedtotherighttobringsuit,aloneandinitsownname,forinfringementofthe672
Patent.Accordingly,ABChasstandingtoassertclaimsforinfringementofthe672Patent,
andPPIjoinsasco-plaintiffastheregisteredownerofthe672Patent.
13. ThepouchpackagingoftheDailysCocktailsembodies asingularand
inherentlydistinctivetradedresscharacterizedbyageneraloverallappearanceand
commercialimpressioncreatedthroughsize,shape,colorscheme,pictoralelements,
labeling,andlayout.TheseelementsincludethepatentedhourglassshapeofABCspouch
packagingandthreehorizontallabelingpartitions,withthetop-mostportionconsistingof
aperforatedtear-awayflapwiththelanguageFREEZEANDENJOY,themiddleportion
containingtheDailysbrandname,acolorfuldepictionoftheparticularfrozencocktail
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flavorandcorrespondingfruit imagery,andthebottomportionidentifyingthespecific
productandkeyinformation thereof.
Illustration 1:ADailyscocktail.
14. TheelementsofABCstradedressarenon-functional.
15. Continuouslysincethefallof2005,ABChasmadeandsoldininterstate
commerceitsDailysCocktailsinitstradedresstoidentifythesourceoftheDailys
Cocktailsandtodistinguishthemfromthosemadeandsoldbyothers.ABChas
prominentlydisplayeditstradedresstodistributors,retailers,andconsumersthrough
advertising,theinternet,industrypublications,andpoints-of-sale.
16. ABChasinvestedsubstantialtime,resources,andmoneyinmakingand
sellingitsDailysCocktailsintheirpouchpackagingtradedress.
17. AsaresultofABCscommercialactivitiesassetforthherein,ABCstrade
dresshasdevelopedandnowhasasecondaryanddistinctivemeaningtoconsumersand
thealcoholicbeverageindustry.Specifically,ABCstradedresshascometoindicatethat
the DailysCocktailscomefromororiginateonlywithABC.
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18. ABCsusesandhasuseditstradedressonallflavorvarietiesoftheDailys
Cocktails,andthus,itstradedresshasarecognizableandconsistentoveralllook.
Illustration 2:TheconsistentoveralllookofABCstradedress onitsDailysCocktails.
TheDefendantsParrotBayCocktails
19. TheDefendantsmakeandsellalcoholicbeveragesundertheirParrotBay
brandname.
20. Plaintiffs recentlydiscoveredthattheDefendantshavebeguntomakeand
sellininterstatecommercesingle-serveready-to-drinkfrozencocktailspackagedin
pouchesundertheirParrotBaybrandname (theParrotBayCocktails).
21. TheDefendantsParrotBayCocktailsarepackagedinpouchesindicatingthat
theyareBREWEDANDBOTTLEDBYCAPTAINMORGANCO.,PLAINFIELDIL.
22. Moreimportantly,theDefendantsParrotBayCocktailsarepackagedin
pouchesthatinfringePlaintiffs patentedpouchdesignandembodyABCstradedressand
socloselyimitateABCstradedressthatconsumersarelikelytobeconfusedastothe
sourceororiginoftheDefendantsParrotBayCocktails.
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Illustration 3:ADailysCocktail(left)andaParrotBayCocktail(right).
23. TheDefendantsParrotBayCocktailsarepackagedinpouchesthatare
identicalinoverallcommercialimpressiontothepouchesinwhichtheDailysCocktailsare
packaged,includingbutnotlimitedtosize,shape,colorscheme,pictoralelements,labeling,
andlayout.Specifically, theDefendantshaveparrotedthepatentedhourglassshapeof
ABCspouchpackaging,aswellasthethreehorizontallabelingpartitions,withthetop-
mostportionconsistingofaperforatedtear-awayflapwiththelanguageFREEZE&
SQUEEZE,themiddleportioncontainingtheParrotBaybrandname,acolorfuldepiction
oftheparticularfrozencocktailflavorandcorrespondingfruitimagery,andthebottom
portionidentifyingthespecificproductandkeyinformationthereof.
24. TheDefendantshavecopiedtheconsistentoverallcommercialimpressionof
ABCstradedressacrosstheDefendantsentireproductline.
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Illustration 4:TheconsistentoveralllookoftheDefendantsParrotBayCocktails.
25. Moreover,theDefendantshavecopiedthepatenteddesignandappearance
ofthe672PatentintheirParrotBayCocktailpouches.
Illustration 5:The672Patent(left)andaParrotBayCocktail(right).
26. TheDefendantsarenotauthorizedtopracticethe672Patent.
27. TheDefendantsconductassetforthhereinisnotonlylikelytocause
consumerconfusion,buthasalreadycausedactualconsumerconfusion.ABChasreceived
correspondencesfromcustomersevidencingactualconfusionwiththeDefendantsParrot
BayCocktails.
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28. Forseveralreasons,furtherconsumerconfusionisnotjustlikely,but
inevitable.
29. TheDailysCocktailsdirectlycompetewiththeParrotBayCocktails.
30. TheParrotBayCocktailsareofferedinmanyofthesameflavorsasthe
DailysCocktails,includingforexample strawberry daiquiriandpiacolada.
31. TheParrotBayCocktailsandtheDailysCocktails arerelativelylow-priced
items,bothcostingapproximately$2.00per unit.
32. TheParrotBayCocktailsandtheDailysCocktailsarebothsingle-serve
frozencocktailproductsthat,giventheirlowcost,areimpulsepurchasesforconsumers.
Assuch,consumersexhibitverylittlebrandloyaltyinconnectionwithfrozencocktail
pouchproducts,andarenotlikelytoexerciseagreatdealofcarebeforeselectingtheir
frozencocktailpouchproductsforpurchase,norinevaluatingthequalityofthefrozen
cocktailproductfollowingconsumption.
33. TheParrotBayCocktailsaresoldthroughmanyofthesametradechannels
astheDailysCocktails,suchasliquorstoresandretailchainsandsupermarketssuchas
WalmartandShaws.
Illustration 6:DailysCocktails(left)andParrotBayCocktails(right)ataWalmartstore.
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34. Oftentimes,theproductsappearnexttoeachotheronracksattheends of
aisles,furtherexacerbatingtheriskofconfusion.
Illustration 7:DailysCocktails(left)andParrotBayCocktails(right).
35. Insomeinstances,thetwoproductsaremixedtogetheronnearbyshelves
andsometimesevenappearonthesameshelfrow.
Illustration 8:Arefrigerateddisplayunitcontainingthetwoproductsonthesameshelfrows.
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36. Whentheproductsappearonthesameshelvesorrows,consumerconfusion
isunavoidablebecauseitisdifficulttodistinguishthetwoproducts.
Illustration 9:Arefrigerateddisplayunitcontainingthetwoproducts.DailysCocktails
exclusivelypopulatethetoptwoshelves,whileParrotBayCocktailsexclusivelypopulatethe
bottomshelf.Bothproductspopulatethethirdshelffromthetop.
Illustration 10:Aclose-upofFigure9 showinghowclosevisualinspectionisrequiredto
discoverthatthesameshelfcontainstwoproductsfromdifferentsources,withtheDailys
Cocktails(left)adjacenttotheParrotBayCocktails(right).
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37. Storesalso stockthe two products inrefrigeratedshelvesbehindfoggyglass
doors,makingitevenmoredifficultforconsumerstonoticeandappreciatewhatever
minutedifferencestheremaybebetweenthepouchpackagingofthetwoproducts.
Illustration 11:ArefrigerateddisplayunitcontainingbothDailysCocktailsandParrotBay
Cocktails.Thefoggyglassdoorasseenbycustomersmakesitimpossibletodistinguishthe
twoproducts.
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38. Thesearrangementscreatethevisualeffectoftheproductsflowing
together,implying toconsumersthattheyalloriginatefromthesamesource.
Illustration 12:Racks containingbothDailysCocktailsandParrotBayCocktailsshowinghow
twoproductsfromdifferentsourcesappeartoflowtogether.
39. TheDefendantsconductassetforthhereinisallthemoreegregiouswhen
measuredagainstcompetingfrozencocktail pouch productsmadeandsoldbyother
beveragemanufacturers.Asurveyofthetradedressusedbyotherbeverage
manufacturersshowsthemultiplepouchpackagingoptionsavailabletocompaniessuchas
theDefendants.
Illustration 13:Otherfrozencocktailpackaging.
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40. ThesimilarityoftheDefendantsParrotBayCocktails totheDailysCocktails
isallthemorestrikingwhenviewedin lightofthisrangeofavailableoptions.
41. Uponinformationandbelief,theDefendantshaveenteredintoacontract
packingarrangementwithAdmiralBeverageCorporation,whichconvenientlysharesthe
sameinitialsasABC,tomakeanddistributetheDefendantsParrotBayCocktails.Asa
resultofthisarrangement,theDefendantsareabletorepresenttodistributorsand
retailersanaffiliationwithabc,which,inconnectionwiththeDefendantsotherconduct
assetforthherein,makesitlikelythatcompanieswithinthealcoholicbeverageindustry
includingbutnotlimitedtodistributorsandretailers maybeconfusedastothesourceor
originoftheDefendantsParrotBayCocktails,ormaycometobelievethattheyaredealing
withABCandtheDailysCocktails.
Notice
42. PPIwrotetoDiageoNorthAmerica,Inc.(Diageo) onDecember8,2011,
advisingDiageothatPPIbelievedthatDiageowasinfringingPlaintiffs rightsand
demandingthatDiageoceaseanddesistsuchinfringingconduct.AcopyofPPIsletteris
attachedheretoasExhibitB.
43. Fromthatpoint,PPIandDiageoexchangedmultiplewritten
correspondencesduringDecemberof2011andupthroughandincludingMarchof2012.
AtnotimedidDiageo indicatethatitwouldcomplywithPPIsdemand.
44. OnApril25,2012,ABCwrotetotheDefendants,advisingtheDefendantsthat
ABCbelievedthattheywasinfringingABCsintellectualpropertyrightsassetforthherein
anddemandingthattheyceaseanddesisttheirconduct.AcopyofABCsletterisattached
heretoasExhibitC.
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45. TheDefendantshavenotcomplied withABCsdemands.
46. Accordingly,Plaintiffs havenochoicebuttoproceedwiththeinstantaction.
The ConsequencesoftheDefendantsInfringingConduct
47. TheDefendantsconductassetforthhereiniswrongful,malicious,
fraudulent,deliberate,willful,and/orintentionalandhascausedandwillcontinuetoharm
thePlaintiffs.
48. Unlessrestrained,theDefendantsconducthascausedandwillcontinueto
causeirreparableharmtoPlaintiffsforwhichtheyhavenoadequateremedyatlaw.
49. Uponinformationandbelief,theDefendantsareplanningforanationalroll-
outoftheirParrotBayCocktailsinpreparationforthesummermonths.
50. Thesummermonthsrepresenttheprimeseasonforsalesoffrozencocktails.
51. IftheDefendantsarepermittedtorollouttheirParrotBayCocktailsand
floodthemarketwiththeirinfringingproductsduringtheprimesellingseason,the
Defendantswillbeabletoexploittheactualandinevitableconsumerconfusiontopoach
potentialcustomers,sales,andsharesofthefrozencocktailmarketfromABC.Consumers
mayalsocometomistakenlyattributeinferiorqualitiesoftheDefendantsParrotBay
CocktailstoABC,causingABCtosufferalossofitsreputation,trade,andgoodwill.
52. TheDefendantsconductalsothreatenstherightofthepublictobefreefrom
confusionanddeception.
53. Uponinformationandbelief,theDefendantsarepreparingtolaunchasingle-
servefrozencocktailpouchproductundertheDefendantsSmirnoffbrandnamein
packagingthat,insofarasitutilizesthesamepouchpackaginganddesignasthe
DefendantsParrotBayCocktails,infringesthePlaintiffsrightsassetforthherein.
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54. Giventheforegoing,thePlaintiffsareentitledtoapreliminaryinjunctionto
bemadepermanentuponentryofafinaljudgment,preventingtheDefendantsfrom
continuingtheactscomplainedofherein.
COUNTI:PatentInfringement
55. ThePlaintiffsincorporatebyreferencetheallegationsinthepreceding
paragraphsasifsetforthherein.
56. Byengagingintheconductsetforthherein,theDefendantshaveinfringed
andcontinuetoinfringethe672Patent,literallyand/orunderthedoctrineofequivalents,
byusing,selling,and/orofferingtosell,intheUnitedstatesand/orimportingintothe
UnitedStates,theirParrotBayCocktailsinpouchpackagingthatinfringesthe672Patentin
violationof35U.S.C.271.
57. Atall timesrelevanthereto,theDefendantsconducthasinvolvedandtaken
placewithininterstatecommerce.
58. TheDefendantsconductassetforthhereiniswrongful,malicious,
fraudulent,deliberate,willful,and/orintentionalandhascausedandwillcontinuetoharm
thePlaintiffs.
59. Unlessrestrained,theDefendantsconducthascausedandwillcontinueto
causeirreparableharmtoPlaintiffsforwhichtheyhavenoadequateremedyatlaw.
60. ThePlaintiffsareentitledtoapreliminaryinjunctiontobemadepermanent
uponentryofafinaljudgment,preventingtheDefendantsfromcontinuingtheacts
complainedofherein.
COUNTII:TradeDressInfringementandUnfairCompetition
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61. ThePlaintiffsincorporatebyreferencetheallegationsinthepreceding
paragraphsasifsetforthherein.
62. TheDefendantshavemadeandsoldininterstatecommercetheirParrotBay
CocktailspackagedinpouchesthatembodyABCstradedress.
63. AsaresultoftheDefendantsconductassetforthherein,consumerscouldbe
confusedandinducedtopurchasetheDefendantsParrotBayCocktails,mistakenly
believingthemtobeDailysCocktails,thusdeprivingABCoftheprofitsofsale.
64. TheParrotBayCocktailsareofinferiorqualitytotheDailysCocktails,and
uponinformationandbelief,theDefendantspouchesaresusceptibletoleaks.Asaresult
oftheDefendantsconductassetforthherein,consumersmaycometoattributethe
inferiorqualitiesoftheDefendantsParrotBayCocktailstotheDailysCocktails,toABCs
detriment.
65. Byengagingintheconductsetforthherein,theDefendantsarepassingoff
theirParrotBayCocktailsasABCsDailysCocktails,tradingoffandexploitingABCs
reputationandgoodwill,toABCsdetriment.
66. Byengagingintheconductsetforthherein,theDefendantshaveinfringed
andcontinuetoinfringeABCsrightsinitstradedress,inviolationof43(a)oftheLanham
Act,15U.S.C. 1125(a).TheDefendantsconductislikelytocauseconfusion initially,
post-sale,andotherwise mistake,anddeceptionamongconsumersastotheaffiliation,
connection,orassociationoftheDefendantswithABCandastotheorigin,sponsorship,
andapprovaloftheDefendantsParrotBayCocktailsandcommercialactivitiesbyABC.
SuchconductalsointerfereswithABCsrighttouseitstradedresstoidentifyABCasthe
singlesourceoftheDailysCocktails.TheDefendantsconductassetforthhereinalso
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constitutesfalsedesignationoforigin,unfaircompetition,andfalseadvertisinginviolation
of43(a)oftheLanhamAct,15U.S.C.1125(a).
67. TheDefendantsconductassetforthhereiniswrongful,malicious,
fraudulent,deliberate,willful,and/orintentional.
68. TheDefendantsconductassetforthhereiniswrongful,malicious,
fraudulent,deliberate,willful,and/orintentionalandhascausedandwillcontinuetoharm
thePlaintiffs.
69. Unlessrestrained,theDefendantsconducthascausedandwillcontinueto
causeirreparableharmtoPlaintiffsforwhichtheyhavenoadequateremedyatlaw.
70. ThePlaintiffsareentitledtoapreliminaryinjunctiontobemadepermanent
uponentryofafinaljudgment,preventingtheDefendantsfromcontinuingtheacts
complainedofherein.
COUNTIII:CommonLawUnfairCompetition
71. ThePlaintiffsincorporatebyreference theallegationsinthepreceding
paragraphsasifsetforthherein.
72. TheDefendantsconductassetforthhereinislikelytocauseconsumer
confusion,tocausemistake,andtodeceiveastotheaffiliation,connection,orassociation
oftheDefendantswithABCandastotheorigin,sponsorship,andapprovalofthe
DefendantsParrotBayCocktailsandcommercialactivitiesbyABC.Suchconductalso
interfereswithABCsrighttouseitstradedresstoidentifyABCasthesinglesourceofthe
DailysCocktails.
73. TheDefendantsconductassetforthhereinconstitutesunfaircompetition
andpalmingoff.
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74. TheDefendantsconductassetforthhereiniswrongful,malicious,
fraudulent,deliberate,willful,and/orintentional.
75. TheDefendantsconductassetforthhereiniswrongful,malicious,
fraudulent,deliberate,willful,and/orintentionalandhascausedandwillcontinuetoharm
thePlaintiffs.
76. Unlessrestrained,theDefendantsconducthascausedandwillcontinueto
causeirreparableharmtoPlaintiffs forwhichtheyhavenoadequateremedyatlaw.
77. ThePlaintiffsareentitledtoapreliminaryinjunctiontobemadepermanent
uponentryofafinaljudgment,preventingtheDefendantsfromcontinuingtheacts
complainedofherein.
PRAYERFORRELIEF
WHEREFORE,thePlaintiffsdemandjudgmentagainsttheDefendantsasfollows:
1. AjudgmentdeclaringthattheDefendantshaveinfringedthe672Patentand
haveinfringedABCstradedress,havecompetedunfairlywithABC,haveinjuredABCs
businessreputationbytheunauthorizeduseofABCstradedress,andhavewillfully
violatedtheapplicablelawsoftheUnitedStatesandofthestateswheretheDefendants
goodshavebeensold,alltothedetrimentofPlaintiffs;
2. ThattheDefendants,theirofficers,agents,servants,employees,attorneys,
successorsandassigns,andallotherpersonsinactiveconcertwithorparticipationwith
thembepreliminarilyandpermanentlyenjoinedandrestrainedfrom:
(a) Infringingorinducinginfringementofthe672Patent;
(b) Infringingor inducinginfringementofABCstradedress;
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(c) UsingABCstradedress,aloneorincombinationwithanyotherelements,to
advertiseoridentifytheDefendantsgoodsorservices;
(d) UnfairlycompetingwithABCinanymannerwhatsoever;
(e) Causinglikelihoodofconfusion;
(f) Engaginginanyactsoractivitiesdirectlyorindirectlycalculatedtotrade
uponABCstradedressorthereputationorgoodwillofABC,orinanywayto
competeunfairlywithABC;
3. ForpreliminaryandpermanentinjunctivereliefdirectingDefendantsto
recallfromdistributionanddestroyallproductsthatinfringethe672Patentorinfringeor
embodyABCstradedressoranycolorableimitationthereof,butwhichdonotemanate
fromABC;
4. ForajudgmentagainstDefendantsawardingthePlaintiffsdamagesandlost
profits,including:
(a) AlldamagessustainedbythePlaintiffsasaresultoftheDefendantsunlawful
infringementofthe672Patent,togetherwithinterestonsuchdamagesand
thatsuchdamagesbetrebled,pursuantto35U.S.C.284and35U.S.C.289;
(b) AlldamagessustainedbyABCasaresultoftheDefendantsunlawful
infringementofABCstradedress,togetherwithinterestonsuchdamages
andthatsuchdamagesbetrebled;
(c) AllprofitsderivedbytheDefendantsfromthesaleofgoodsbythedirector
indirectuseofABCstradedressorcolorableimitationsthereof,andthat
suchprofitsbetrebled;
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(d) AlldamagessustainedbyPlaintiffs onaccountofpatentinfringement,trade
dressinfringement,unfaircompetition,andanyotherdamagessufferedby
Plaintiffs asaresultoftheDefendantsconductassetforthherein,andthat
suchdamagesbetrebled;
5. ForanaccountingofallDefendantsprofitsfromtheconductcomplainedof
herein;
6. ForanorderdirectingtheDefendantstopaypunitivedamages;
7. ForanorderdirectingtheDefendantstopayrestitution;
8. Foranawardofattorneysfeespursuantto35U.S.C.285and15U.S.C.
1117orasotherwisepermittedbylaw;
9. Foranawardofpre-judgmentandpost-judgmentinterestatthemaximum
rateallowedbylaw;
10. Forthecostsandexpensesofthesuitherein;and
11. ForsuchadditionalandfurtherreliefasthisCourtmaydeemjustand
proper.
Case 2:12-cv-00601-JFC Document 1 Filed 05/07/12 Page 21 of 23
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Respectfullysubmitted,
By: /s/StevenW.Zoffer
Dickie,McCamey&Chilcote,P.C.
StevenW.Zoffer,Esquire
PAI.D.#62497
zoffers@dmclaw.com
NathanA.Kostelnik,Esquire
PAI.D.#208480
nkostelnik@dmclaw.com
TwoPPGPlace,Suite400
Pittsburgh,PA15222-5402
Telephone:(412)281-7272
Facsimile:(412)392-5367
Ference&AssociatesLLC
StanelyD.Ference,III,Esquire
PAI.D.#59899
sference@ferencelaw.com
409BroadStreet
Pittsburgh,PA15143
Telephone:(412)741-8400
Facsimile:(412)741-9292
CounselforPlaintiffs
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Case 2:12-cv-00601-JFC Document 1 Filed 05/07/12 Page 23 of 23
VERIFICATION
I, Tim Barr, Vice President of Marketing and Strategy of American Beverage
Corporation, hereby verify that the facts set forth in the foregoing VERIFIED COMPLAINT are
true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of
18 Pa.C.S. 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
23
Case 2:12-cv-00601-JFC Document 1-1 Filed 05/07/12 Page 1 of 5
(12) United States Design Patent
Murray
(10) Patent No.:
(45) Date of Patent:
US D571,672 S
** Jun. 24, 2008
(54) FLEXIBLE POUCH
(21) App!. No.: 29n98,054
(73) Assignee: Pouch Pac Innovations, LLC, Sarasota,
FL (US)
(75) Inventor: R. Charles Murray, Lakewood Ranch,
FL (US)
3/2001 Laudenberg et al.
512001 Fuqucn 091707
8/2001 Croft et al. 09/6%
7/2002 Thomas
912002 Garcia 09/696
212005 Bennan 091708
912005 Snyder 09/543
8/2006 lJeda D91702
8/2006 lJeda 091702
912006 lJeda 091702
912007 Berman 091708
1012007 Bennan 091708
12/2007 Murray 091708
112008 Bennan 091708
6.199.601 nl
D442,078 S
0446,445 S *
6,422,753 BI
0463,275 S
D502.092 S
D509.144 S *
0526,573 S ..
0527,278 S ..
0528.0II S *
0551,568 S *
D553,008 S ..
D557,614 S ..
D558.596 S * Nov. 28, 2007
14 Years (**) Term:
(22) Filed:
The ornamental design for a flexible pouch, as shown and
described.
* cited by examiner
Primary Examiner-Caron D. Veynar
Assistant Examiner..-Abraham Bahia
(74) AI/orney, Agent, or Pirm--Gifford,
Anderson & Citkowski, P.C
(51 )
(52)
(58)
(56)
LOC (8) Cl. 09-05
U.S. CI. . D9nlO
Field of Classification Search D91702-714.
D9/601, 607, 611, 719,522,434-435.696;
206/822; 383/61.1,81,104,80,901,63.
383/103,203; 2221107
See application file for complete search history.
References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
(57) CLAIM
Krass, Sprinkle,
733,449 A
2,189,174 A
2,703,671 A
3,286,005 A
3,304,977 A
3.924,008 A
4,078.717 A
4,326,568 A
4,361,235 A
4,498,591 A
4.717,046 A
4.848,421 A
4,999,978 A
5,222,535 A
5,267,591 A
5,433.526 A
5,485,714 A
D435,440 S *
711903 Willsie
211940 Hohl
3/1955 Kinds.:th
1111966 Cook
211967 Hanunons
1211975 Fordetal.
3/1978 Stearley
4/1982 Burton et al.
11/1982 Gautier et al.
211985 Smith, 11
111988 nrogli et a!.
711989 Froese et a!.
311991 Kohlbach et al.
6/1993 Roders
121 I993 Wakabayashi et a!.
7/1995 Wild et al.
II I996 Montalvo
1212000 Croft et al. 09/696
DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is a front side elevational vit.'W of a flexible pouch
showing my new design;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof;
FIG. 3 is a rear side elevational view thereof;
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view thereof;
riG. 5 is a front side elevational viewofa secondembodiment
of the flexible pouch;
FIG. 6, a side elevational view thereof;
FIG. 7 is a rear side elevational view thereof; and,
FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view thereof.
1 Claim, 4 Drawing Sheets
o
o o EXHIBrr
Case 2:12-cv-00601-JFC Document 1-1 Filed 05/07/12 Page 2 of 5
u.s. Patent Jun. 24,2008 Sheet 1 of 4
F16-1
l1B-2
US D571,672 S
Case 2:12-cv-00601-JFC Document 1-1 Filed 05/07/12 Page 3 of 5
U.S. Patent Jun. 24, 2008 Sheet 2 of 4 US D571,672 S
"11-4
FIIl-3
Case 2:12-cv-00601-JFC Document 1-1 Filed 05/07/12 Page 4 of 5
u.s. Patent Jun. 24, 2008 Sheet 3 of 4 US D571,672 S
116-6
116-5
Case 2:12-cv-00601-JFC Document 1-1 Filed 05/07/12 Page 5 of 5
u.s. Patent Jun. 24, 2008 Sheet 4 of 4 us I>S71,672 S
FIB 1
F168
Case 2:12-cv-00601-JFC Document 1-2 Filed 05/07/12 Page 1 of 2
ERNEST l. GIFFORD /II
ALLEN M. KRASS
DOUOLAS W. Sl'IUNltl.1!
THOMAS E. ANDERSON III
RONALD W. CITKOWSKI
JULIE A. GREENBERG
DOUGLAS J. McEVOY
JOHN O. POSA
DOUGLASL.WATHEN
MARK D. SCHNEIDER
KEVIN S. MAcKENZIE
JULIE K. STAPLE. 1'11.0.
S. BANCROFT, pu.D. f2J
MARK A. HARPER, PH.D.
JOHN CHAU
CESARE A. SCLAFANI
ERIN B. KLUG
WESTON ll. OOULD. PlI.D. U)
(1) ALSO ADU'TTI!O IN fLOIUDA
()) ALAe ADMITTliD IH .... YOIlK.
(1) Ot4LY AculTTUJ Itt CONN'ICTJI:UT
Mr. Evan Gourvitz
Director & Senior Counsel
Diageo North America, Inc.
801 Main Avenue
Norwalk, Connecticut 06851
.-.
( "
"'
GIFFORD,
KRASS.
SPRINKLE.
ANDERSON &
__ CITKOWSKI. PC.
PATENT, TRAOEMAJ\l< & COl'YRIGHT PRACTICE
December 8,2011
MAtN OFFICE
2701 TROY CENTER DRIVE
SUITE 330
P.O. BOX 7021
TROY, MICHIGAN 48007 7021
TELEPHONE (248) 6476000
FAX (248) 647$110
ANN ".BOl OFFICE
303 DETROIT STREET
SUITE 300
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN 48104-1144
TELEPHONE (134) 91J9300
FAX (134) 9136007
fLORIDA OFFICE
SEABOARD OFFICE PARK
312 EAST VENICE AVENUE
SUITE 201
VENICE. FLORIDA 34285
TELEPHONE (941) 488-4245
INFO@PA TLA W. COM
WWW.PATLAW.COM
Re: Parrot Bay Packaging
Our Reference: PPJ-27981/08
Dear Mr. Gourvitz:
We represent PPi Technologies Inc. in its intellectual property matters. This
correspondence relates to packaging for the Parrot Bay beverage produced by Diageo.
PPi Technologies is the owner of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0247682
and U.S. Design Patent No, D571 ,672, copies of which are enclosed. These patents are directed
to a stand-up flexible pouch. PPi Technologies has licensed the technology covered by the
patent and application to American Beverage Corp. for its use in packaging Daily's frozen
alcoholic beverages. It has corne to our attention that Diageo is marketing a frozen alcoholic
beverage in a flexible pouch under the Parrot Bay brand. We have compared the Parrot Bay
pouch with Design Patent No. D571,672. It is our opinion that the Parrot Bay pouch is an
infringement of the PPi Technologies' design patent. In fact, the Parrot Bay pouch is virtually
identical to the Daily's pouch. A copy of photographs taken of the pouches side by side is
enclosed as Exhibit A. It is interesting to note that not only has Diageo copied the shape of the
pouch but also has copied aspects of the Daily's branding.
As you are well aware, representatives of Diageo visited PPi Technologies and were
infonned of PPi' s patent rights in the pouch. Nevertheless, this will stand as formal notification
of PPi's patent rights. We remind Diageo that the penalties for willful infringement include
triple damages and attorneys fees. Diageo and its customers are infringing PPi's rights. PPi
demands that Diageo cease and desist from producing packaging currently used for the Parrot
Bay product.
EXHI8rT
Case 2:12-cv-00601-JFC Document 1-2 Filed 05/07/12 Page 2 of 2
GIFFORD, KRASS, SPRINKLE,
ANDERSON 8: CITKOWSKI, P.G.
Mr. Evan Gourvitz
December 8, 20]]
Page 2
If you have any questions or wish to discuss the matter, please contact the undersigned.
Thomas E. Anderson
TEAJgs
Enclosures
Case 2:12-cv-00601-JFC Document 1-3 Filed 05/07/12 Page 1 of 3
I 211l-\41 tille'
--------------
Dickie
Steven W. Zotter
Attorney-at-Law
Admitted in PA. DC
April 25, 2012
VIA FEDERAL EXPRESS
Evan Gourvitz
Director and Senior Counsel
Diageo North America, Inc.
801 Main Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06851
RE: American Beverage Corporation General
Parrot Bay Packaging
Our File No.: 0004085.0267432
Dear Mr. Gourvitz:
Direct Dial: 412-392-5492
Direct Fax: 412-392-5367
szoffer@dmclaw,com
This finn has been retained by American Beverage Corporation ("ABC") in connection
with frozen cocktails sold by Diageo North America, Inc., and Diageo Americas Supply, Inc.
CDiageo") under its Parrot Bay brand.
For several years, ABC has been making and selling frozen cocktails under its Daily's
brand name. The Daily's cocktails are packaged in pouches that embody a unique trade dress,
consisting of a distinctive shape, size, and overalI general appearance. ABC has expended
substantial time, resources, and money in connection with its trade dress, and as a result, the
Daily's cocktails have become easily recognizable and popular due to ABC's trade dress. As
you may also know, ABC's pouch is the subject of U.S. Design Patent No. 0571,672, which has
been licensed exclusively to ABC.
It has come to our attention that Diageo is making and selling frozen cocktails under its
Parrot Bay brand in pouches that so closely embody and imitate ABC's pouches that consumer
confusion is likely to occur. In fact, ABC has already received reports of actual consumer
confusion caused by Diageo's conduct. A picture of the two products is enclosed as Exhibit A.
The resemblance is undeniable.
ABC believes that Diageo is infringing ABC's trade dress and the aforementioned patent.
Accordingly, ABC demands that Diageo cease and desist from making and selling its infringing
Parrot Bay cocktails. As you know, damages for willful infringement include treble damages
and attorney's fees. Please confirm in writing by May 1,2012 that Diageo will comply with
ABC's request to cease and desist. If we do not hear from you by that time, ABC will take
DICKIE. MlCAMEY &CHILCOTE, PC I ATTORNEYS AT lAW
MAIN: 4122817272 FAX: 412392-5367
lWO PPG PlACE, sum: 400 I PlTTS8URGH, PA 152225402 I WWW.DMCLAW.COM
EXHIBIT
Chorlotle, NC I CoIumbus,OH I Haddonfield, NJ I HOlrisburg, PA
Philadelphia, PA I Pitlsburgh, PA I Raleigh, NC I Steuben'<iUe,OH
Washington, DC I VvreeIing, Wi IlMlminglon, DE
Case 2:12-cv-00601-JFC Document 1-3 Filed 05/07/12 Page 2 of 3
Evan C;ourvitz
DIrector and Senior Counsel
Diageo North America, Inc.
April ,2012
Page 2
whatever action it deems appropriate including, but not limited to, proceeding to enforce its
rights, should that become necessary, in the United States District Court for the Western District
of Pennsylvania. Nothing herein constitutes a waiver of any of ABC's rights or remedies, al! of
which are expressly reserved.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and please do not hesitate to contact us at the
above address or phone if you have any questions or would like to discuss.
Very truly
for American Beverage Corporation
SWZlpfh
Attachment
cc: American Beverage Corporation (w/attachment)
Nathan A. Kostelnik, Esquire (w/o attachment)
Case 2:12-cv-00601-JFC Document 1-3 Filed 05/07/12 Page 3 of 3
Case 2:12-cv-00601-JFC Document 1-4 Filed 05/07/12 Page 1 of 1
-".;S 44 (Rev, 12/07)
CIVIL COVER SHEET
The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the intormatinn contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or olher papers as required by law, except as provided
by local rules of court. This fonl1, approved by Ihe Judicial Conference ot the United Slates in September 1974. is required for the usc of the Clerk ofCourt for the purpose of1l1itiating
the civil docket sheet. (SEE ON THE REVERSE OF THE FORM.)
I. (a) PLAINTIFFS
AMERICAN BEVERAGE CORPORATION and
POUCH PAC INNOVATIONS, LLC
(b) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff
(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES)
DEFENDANTS DIAGEO NORTH AMERICA, INC. and
IAGEO AMERICAS SUPPLY, INC. t/d/b/a CAPTAIN
ORGAN CO.
County of Residence of First Listed Defendant
(IN U,S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)
NOTE: IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES. USE THE LOCATION OFTHE
LAND INVOLVED.
(c) Attorncy's (Finn Name. Address. and Telephone w.
Esquire, Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C.,
PPG Place, Suite 400, Pgh., PA 15222 (412)
II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an .. x.. in One Box Only)
a I U.S. Government 3 Federal Question
Plaintiff (U,S. Government Not a Party)
Zoffer Attorneys (If Known)
Two
281-72 2
III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES(Plaee an "X" in One Box f"r Plaintiff
(For Diversity Cases Only) and One Box for Defendant)
PTF DEl' PTF DEl'
Citi'en of This Stale a I a I Incorporated 01' Principal Place a 4 a 4
of Business In This State
a 2 U,S. Government
Defendant
a 4 Diversity
(Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item Ill)
Citizen of Another State
Citizen or Subject of a
Forei n Count
a 2
a 3
a 2 Incorporated and Princtpal Place
of Business In Another State
o 3 F,,,eign Nation
a 5 a 5
a 0 6
IV. NATURE OF SUIT tPlacean ..x.. in One Box flnl )
(() Tit CT rmn. H RHlTl'IUJP.. R "RlWf( 11IFR. lU..
400 State Reapportionment
4 I0 Antitrust
430 Banks and Banking
450 Commerce
460 Deportation
470 Raeketecr InJIuenced and
Corrupt Organizations
480 Consumer Credit
490 CablclSat TV
810 Selective Service
850 Securities/Commoditiesl
Exchange
875 Customer Challenge
12 USC 3410
890 Other Statutory Actions
891 Agricultural Acts
892 Economic Stabilization Act
893 Environmental Matters
894 Energy Allocation Act
895 Freedom of Infonnation
Act
900Appeal of Fcc Determination
Under Equal Access
to Justice
a 950 Constitutionality of
State Statutes
0
a
a
a
a
a
0
0
a
0
0
II
a
a
a
0
a
a
a
a 422 Appeal 28 USC 158
a 423 Withdrawal
28 USC 157
I I lie;: 10.
a 610 Agriculturc
a 620 Other Food & Drug
a 625 Drug Related Sciwre
of Property 21 USC 881
a 630 Liquor Laws
o 640 R.R. & Truck
a 650 Airline Regs.
a 660 Occupational
SafetylHcalth
a 690 Other
'L 462 Naturaliz.ation Application
a 463 Habeas Corpus -
Alk'11 Detainee
a 465 Other Immigration
Actions
PRI, fit r .... mn
PF-RSONAL INJURY
a 362 Personal Injury -
Med. Malpractice
a 365 Personal Injury -
Product Liability
a 368 Asbestos Personal
Injury Product
Liability
PERSONAL PROPERTY
a 370 Other Fraud
a 371 Truth in Lending
a 380 Other Personal
Property Damage
a 385 Property Damage
Product Liability
a 510 M"tions to Vacate
Sentence
Habeas Corpus:
530 Gencral
535 Dcath Penalty
540 Mandamus & Other
550 Civil Rights
555 Prison Condition
'1\ II RIC.II
PERSONAL INJURY
o 3 I0 Airplane
a 3 I5 Airplane Product
Liability
320 Assault. Libel &
Slander
330 Federal Employers
Liability
a 340 Marine
o 345 Marine Product
Liability
a 350 Motor Vehiele
o 355 Motor Vehicle
Product Liability
a 360 Other Personal
Iniu
o 44 J Voting
a 442 Employment
a 443 Housing!
Accommodations 0
a 444 Welfare a
a 445 Amer. wlDisabilities - a
Employment a
a Amer. w/Disabilities - a
Other
a 440 Other Civil Rights
Itl' l.I'ItOP.'KTY
a 2J0 Land Condemnation
a 220 Foreclosure
a 230 Rent Lease & Ejectment
a 240 Torts to Land
a 245 Tort Product Liability
a 290 All Other Real Property
a I 10 Insurance
a 120 Marine
a 130 Miller Act
a 140 Negotiable Instrument
a 150 Recovery of Overpayment a
& Enforcement ofJudgment
a 15! Medicare Act a
a 152 Recovery of Defaulted
Student Loans
(Exel. Veterans)
a 153 Recovery of Overpayment
of Veteran's Benctits
a 160 Stockholders' Suits
a 190 Other Contract
a 195 Contract Product Liability
a 196 Franchise
V. ORIGIN
KJ I Original
Proceeding
(Place an .. x.. in One Box Only)
o 2 Removed from 0 3
State Court
Remanded from 0 4 Reinstated or 0 5 Transferred from 0 6 Multidistrict
Appellate Court Reopened another dlSlnCt Litigation
s eCl
o 7
Appeal to District
Judge from
Magistrate
Jud ent
Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do Dot cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity):
35 USC 271 and 15
VI. CAUSE OF ACTION
Patent infringement, trade dress infrin ement, and unfair com etition
VII. REQUESTED IN
COMPLAINT:
o CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTION DEMAND $ CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint:
UNDER F.R.C.P. 23 JURY DEMAND: 1{J Yes 0 No
VIII. RELATED CASE(S)
IF ANY
(See instructions):
JUDGE DOCKET NUMBER
DATE
5/7 /12
SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD
lsi Steven W. Zoffer
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
RECEIPT # AMOUNT
---- -------
APPLYfNG IFP
------
JUDGE
-----
MAG. JUDGE
--------