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PARTIES
COMPANY, INC. (JEMBEVCO) is a Texas Limited Liability Company with a principle place
of business at 2525 Tarpley Rd., Suite 104, Carrollton, Texas 75006 and may be served with
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process by and through its Registered Agent, John Straits, located at 2525 Tarpley Rd., Suite 104,
Carrollton, Texas 75006 or wherever else he may be found.
3.
and may be served at 727 Lathrop St., Argyle, Texas 76226 or wherever else he may be found.
4.
may be served at 13208 S. Pipeline Rd., Euless, Texas 76040 or wherever else he may be found.
II.
5.
28 U.S.C. 1391.
III.
7.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
BUZZBALLZ has been using the term BuzzBallz and a stylized form of such
term as trademarks in connection with its sale of pre-mixed, alcoholic beverages for over five (5)
years and has registered such trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (the
USPTO).
8.
Registration No. 3,865,524, in International Class 33 for an image consisting of the word
BuzzBallz in Gill Sans Ultra Bold Font with depictions of rounded drink containers (the
BuzzBallz Graphic Mark), as follows:
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9.
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Said BuzzBallz Graphic Mark was first used by BUZZBALLZ not later than March
1, 2009 and was first used in commerce not later than October 1, 2009. A true and correct copy
of the Certificate of Registration for said BuzzBallz Graphic Mark is attached hereto as Exhibit
A and is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
10.
4,498,235, in International Class 33 for the text BuzzBallz (the BuzzBallz Text Mark)
(hereinafter the BuzzBallz Text Mark and the BuzzBallz Graphic Mark are collectively referred to
as the BuzzBallz Marks). Said BuzzBallz Text Mark was first used by BUZZBALLZ not later
than March 1, 2009 and was first used in commerce not later than October 1, 2009. A true and
correct copy of the Certificate of Registration for said BuzzBallz Text Mark is attached hereto as
Exhibit B and is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
11.
Additionally, in connection with its sale of products under the BuzzBallz Marks,
BUZZBALLZ has used product packaging with a consistent overall look constituting trade dress
comprised of a beverage container in the approximate form of a primary geometric figureto wit,
a ball shapeof a single bright color with a suggestive or fanciful flavor name and texts in fanciful
fontsincluding,
and
suggest a party atmosphere (the BuzzBallz Trade Dress). Fig. 1 below is a representative
sampling of the BuzzBallz Trade Dress demonstrating its overall consistent appearance:
Fig. 1
PLAINTIFFS ORIGINAL COMPLAINT
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12.
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In creating, developing, and designing its line of products sold under the BuzzBallz
Marks and the BuzzBallz Trade Dress and the manufacturing procedures associated therewith,
BUZZBALLZ has developed and worked to protect various trade secrets, including, but not
limited to, formulas and recipes for its pre-mixed, alcoholic beverages (the BuzzBallz Trade
Secrets).
14.
BuzzBallz has developed a companion brand for its line of pre-mixed wine cocktails under the
name Tropic Chillerz (the Tropic Chillerz Line). BUZZBALLZ has developed and marketed
its BuzzBallz line and Tropic Chillerz Line in conjunction with each other so as to offer consumers
a wider variety and selection of pre-mixed alcoholic beverages and cocktails from which to choose.
15.
On or about March 25, 2013, BUZZBALLZ hired and employed GUILLEM as its
Director of Operations.
16.
In the course of his employment with BUZZBALLZ, GUILLEM was privy to some
or all of the BuzzBallz Trade Secrets, including beverage formulas and recipes; accordingly,
GUILLEM entered into a non-disclosure agreement with BUZZBALLZ and covenanted not to
copy, disclose, publish, release, transfer, disseminate, use, or allow access to any of
BUZZBALLZ confidential information, including the BuzzBallz Trade Secrets, without
BUZZBALLZ consent (the Non-Disclosure Agreement). A true and correct copy of said NonDisclosure Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit C and is incorporated by reference as if set
forth fully herein.
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17.
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December 2013.
18.
GUILLEM, in combination with others, began a concerted effort to unfairly compete with
BUZZBALLZ and trade off the consumer goodwill BUZZBALLZ had developed in its products
sold under the BuzzBallz Marks and BuzzBallz Trade Dress.
20.
Specifically, upon information and belief, over the course of 2014, JEMBEVCO
and GUILLEM, in combination with others, began developing a line of pre-mixed, alcoholic
beverages under a name confusingly similar to the BuzzBallz Marksnamely, BoozeBoxand
a trade dress confusingly similar to the BuzzBallz Trade Dressspecifically, a beverage container
in the approximate form of a primary geometric figureto wit, a box shapeof a single bright
color with a suggestive or fanciful flavor name and texts in fanciful fonts designed to create and/or
suggest a party atmosphere. Fig. 2 below is a representative example of the BoozeBox products:
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Fig. 2
21.
Upon information and belief, as part of the development of such line of competing
BUZZBALLZ from February 25, 2013 to January 31, 2014 and had previously worked with
GUILLEM, disclosed certain confidential and proprietary information belonging to
BUZZBALLZ, including manufacturing procedures and specifications, to GUILLEM and/or
JEMBEVCO during the course of his employment with BUZZBALLZ.
23.
Marks. Specifically, both the terms BuzzBallz and BoozeBox incorporate an initial term
suggestive of alcohol, which term incorporates an initial b and rounded vowel sound and ends
in a z, followed by a second term suggestive of the shape of the beverage container, which term
alliteratively begins with b and incorporates a rounded vowel sound. Further, both terms involve
the same number of syllables, the same pattern of percussive beats, and the same emphases.
Amidst such similarities, the primary difference between BuzzBallz and BoozeBox is merely
the difference in endings of the first and second termsspecifically, uzz versus ooze and llz
versus x, respectively.
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24.
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Further, in conjunction with the similarity of the terms set forth above, as used on
the BoozeBox product, the term BoozeBox is confusingly similar to the BuzzBallz Graphic
Mark in that the font and the setting of the term is practically identical.
25.
confusingly similar to the BuzzBallz Trade Dress in that both incorporate a beverage container of
a primary geometric shape with bright colors, suggestive or fanciful flavor name, and texts in
fanciful fonts, all evocative of a party atmosphere. As set forth in Fig. 3 below, a side-by-side
visual comparison readily demonstrates the confusing similarity of the product packaging for
BoozeBox as compared to the BuzzBallz Trade Dress:
Fig. 3
26.
Additionally, as set forth above, upon information and belief, the BoozeBox
products have been developed through the misappropriation and use of the BuzzBallz Trade
Secrets.
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27.
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pre-mixed wine cocktails by the name of Cocktail Cube (the Cocktail Cube Line) in imitation
of the Tropic Chillerz Line. Additionally, upon information and belief, it is JEMBEVCOs
standard practice to imitate the successful commercial efforts of others; specifically, JEMBEVCO,
by and through its agent, has previously stated in an interview: Im not sure we have ever had an
original idea in our life. We followed others in, knowing that this was a calculated risk. THE BIG
PLATE, http://thebigplate.com/jem-beverage-co/ (last visited Feb. 19, 2015). Based upon the
foregoing, upon information and belief, JEMBEVCO has, throughout the course of developing its
BoozeBox products and Cocktail Cube Line, sought to copy and mimic BUZZBALLZ operations
in all ways possible using BUZZBALLZ confidential and proprietary gained from GUILLEM
and PURCELL.
28.
For these reasons, because of the similarities between the BuzzBallz Marks and the
term BoozeBox, because of the similarity between the BoozeBox product packaging and the
BuzzBallz Trade Dress, and because of the misappropriation of the BuzzBallz Trade Secrets, all
of which have been done in a willful and malicious effort to unfairly compete with BUZZBALLZ
and deprive it of the benefits of its commercial efforts, BUZZBALLZ comes now and brings this
complaint for infringement of its trademarks, infringement of its trade dress, and misappropriation
of its trade secrets, as more specifically pled for below.
IV.
29.
This is a suit for trademark infringement and trade secret misappropriation and for
related causes of action and relief, as follows: i) Trademark Infringement under 15 U.S.C.
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1114(1)(a); ii) Trade Dress Infringement under 15 U.S.C. 1125(a)(1)(A); iii) Breach of NonDisclosure Agreement; iv) Breach of Fiduciary Duty; v) Misappropriation of Trade Secrets; vi)
Unfair Competition; and vii) Civil Conspiracy, as follows:
A.
32.
33.
the term BoozeBox in that the alleged first use date for the term BoozeBox is August 29, 2014.
34.
BuzzBallz Marksthe primary significance of which, in the minds of the public, is to identify the
source of the product in addition to the product itself.
36.
Defendant JEMBEVCO has infringed upon Plaintiffs exclusive right to use its
proprietary BuzzBallz Marks by, inter alia, placing into commerce, offering to sell, selling, and/or
distributing goods under and/or bearing a colorable imitation of the BuzzBallz Marksnamely,
the term BoozeBoxwithout Plaintiffs consent.
38.
caused actual confusion and is likely to continue causing confusion, mistake, or deception to the
public.
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used the term BoozeBox with the intent and in a willful attempt to trade upon the consumer
goodwill and awareness Plaintiff has developed in its BuzzBallz Marks by using a substantially
similar mark likely to mislead, deceive, or confuse consumers.
41.
Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1116, Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court enter a
permanent injunction against Defendant JEMBEVCO, enjoining it from using the term
BoozeBox or any confusingly similar variant thereof.
42.
JEMBEVCOs profits arising from its use of the term BoozeBox, as well as the costs of this
action and damages to Plaintiff caused by such use.
B.
Plaintiff is the owner of valuable and protectable trade dress rights in its BuzzBallz
Trade Dress for the packaging of its products sold under the BuzzBallz Marks.
44.
45.
Further, such BuzzBallz Trade Dress is, in its entirety, inherently distinctive, being
Moreover, such BuzzBallz Trade Dress has acquired secondary meaning in that the
primary significance of such BuzzBallz Trade Dress in the minds of consumers is as an indication
of the source of the products.
47.
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48.
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BoozeBox, has developed and placed into commerce product packing in imitation of and bearing
a substantial similarity to the BuzzBallz Trade Dress, which product packaging is likely to cause,
and has caused, confusion, mistake, or deception as to the source, sponsorship, and/or approval of
Defendant JEMBEVCOs goods.
49.
constitutes a false and misleading designation likely to cause confusion as to the source of
Defendant JEMBEVCOs goods in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1125(a).
50.
with others, developed and used its product packaging with the intent and in a willful attempt to
trade upon the consumer goodwill and awareness Plaintiff has developed in its BuzzBallz Trade
Dress by imitating such trade dress.
51.
Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1116, Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court enter a
permanent injunction against Defendant JEMBEVCO, enjoining it from using any product
packaging bearing a substantial similarity to Plaintiffs BuzzBallz Trade Dress.
52.
JEMBEVCOs profits arising from its infringement of Plaintiffs BuzzBallz Trade Dress, as well
as the costs of this action and damages to Plaintiff caused by such infringement.
C.
Plaintiff and Defendant GUILLEM had between them a valid and enforceable
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Plaintiff, including, but not limited to, product formulas, product manufacturing processes, and
marketing strategies.
54.
on the basis of and in reliance upon his assent to the constraints of the Non-Disclosure Agreement.
55.
has caused harm to Plaintiff, including, but not limited to, lost sales, lost market share, and lost
competitive advantage.
57.
Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court enter judgment against Defendant
GUILLEM for Plaintiffs damages arising from Defendant GUILLEMs breach of the NonDisclosure Agreement.
D.
Upon information and belief, during the course of his employment with Plaintiff
and the existence of the fiduciary relationship, Defendant PURCELL breached his fiduciary duty
to Plaintiff by disclosing to Defendant GUILLEM and/or Defendant JEMBEVCO certain
confidential and proprietary information belonging to Plaintiff, including, but not limited to
manufacturing and operating specifications and procedures.
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60.
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Defendant PURCELLs breach of his fiduciary duty to Plaintiff has caused harm to
Plaintiff, including, but not limited to, lost sales, lost market share, and lost competitive advantage.
61.
Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court enter judgment against Defendant
PURCELL for Plaintiffs damages arising from Defendant PURCELLs breach of his fiduciary
duty.
E.
Plaintiff owned and owns certain valuable and proprietary information, which
information has been and is the subject of reasonable efforts by Plaintiff to maintain the secrecy
thereof, that derives independent economic value, both actual and potential, from not being
generally known to, nor readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain
economic value from its disclosure or useto wit, the BuzzBallz Trade Secrets.
63.
GUILLEM and/or Defendant PURCELL, misappropriated all or some of the BuzzBallz Trade
Secrets by inducing Defendant GUILLEM and/or Defendant PURCELL to breach their respective
relationships with and obligations to Plaintiff and/or by accepting and using such BuzzBallz Trade
Secrets despite knowing or having reason to know that such information was procured through
breach of duties to Plaintiff.
64.
Plaintiffs BuzzBallz Trade Secrets was done willfully and maliciously in a concerted effort and
attempt to deprive Plaintiff of the commercial benefits arising from its efforts in researching,
developing, and protecting its BuzzBallz Trade Secrets.
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65.
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Pursuant to Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 134A.003, Plaintiff respectfully
requests that the Court enter a permanent injunction against Defendants JEMBEVCO, GUILLEM,
and PURCELL, enjoining them from using any portion of the BuzzBallz Trade Secrets.
66.
has caused harm to Plaintiff, including, but not limited to, lost sales, lost market share, and lost
competitive advantage.
67.
Pursuant to Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 134A.004, Plaintiff respectfully
requests that the Court enter judgment against Defendant JEMBEVCO for Plaintiffs damages
arising from Defendant JEMBEVCOs misappropriation of the BuzzBallz Trade Secrets,
including Plaintiffs actual losses and Defendant JEMBEVCOs unjust enrichment. Plaintiff
further respectfully requests that, in consideration of the willful and malicious nature of Defendant
JEMBEVCOs misappropriation, the Court award exemplary damages to Plaintiff of up to twice
Plaintiffs actual damages.
F.
marketed a novel line of products and has engendered valuable consumer goodwill.
69.
the benefits of Plaintiffs commercial efforts and trade upon the consumer goodwill Plaintiff has
established in its goods by creating a slavish imitation of Plaintiffs goods utilizing the knowledge
and experience gained by Defendants GUILLEM and PURCELL as a result of the trust that
Plaintiff placed in them in the course of their respective fiduciary relationships with Plaintiff.
70.
By slavishly imitating Plaintiffs products and seeking to trade upon the consumer
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causing them to mistake Defendant JEMBEVCOs products for Plaintiffs and is unfairly
competing with Plaintiff.
71.
Plaintiff actual damages, including lost profits and lost market share.
72.
Accordingly, Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court enter judgment against
Defendant JEMBEVCO for Plaintiffs damages arising from Defendant JEMBEVCOs unfair
competition, including Plaintiffs actual losses and Defendant JEMBEVCOs unjust enrichment.
G.
combination, the object of which was to accomplish certain unlawful purposes and/or lawful
purposes by unlawful means. To wit, Defendants, together with others, have engaged in various
acts as set forth aboveincluding, but not limited to, trademark infringement, trade dress
infringement, and trade secret misappropriationthe overall purpose of which was a concerted
effort to unlawfully deprive Plaintiff of the commercial benefits of its efforts to create, develop,
market, and sell its products under the BuzzBallz Mark and BuzzBallz Trade Dress and to give
Defendant JEMBEVCO the unearned benefit of such efforts by allowing for swifter entry into the
market and the unfair taking of a portion of Plaintiffs hard-won market share.
74.
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JEMBEVCO, GUILLEM, and PURCELL jointly and severally liable for the wrongful acts
complained of hereinabove.
V.
78.
ATTORNEYS FEES
Because of the conduct of Defendants, Plaintiff has been compelled to engage the
services of an attorney to prosecute this action. Because of the willful and intentional nature of
Defendant JEMBEVCOs infringement of Plaintiffs BuzzBallz Marks and BuzzBallz Trade
Dress, this case is exceptional, and the Court may award Plaintiff its reasonable attorneys fees,
pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1117. Additionally, because of the willful and malicious nature of
Defendant JEMBEVCOs misappropriation of the BuzzBallz Trade Secrets, the Court may award
Plaintiff its reasonable attorneys fees, pursuant to Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 134A.005.
Accordingly, in the event that Plaintiff prevails on its cause of action for trademark infringement,
trade dress infringement, and/or trade secret misappropriation Plaintiff respectfully requests that
the Court award it a reasonable sum for the necessary services of Wilson Legal Group P.C. incurred
in the preparation and trial of this action and any resulting appeal.
VI.
PRAYER
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injunction against Defendant JEMBEVCO, enjoining it from using the term BoozeBox, any
confusingly similar variant thereof, and any product packaging bearing a substantial similarity to
the BuzzBallz Trade Dress. Plaintiff further prays that the Court enter a permanent injunction
against all Defendants, enjoining them from using and/or disseminating any of the BuzzBallz
Trade Secrets. Plaintiff prays that the Court award Plaintiff its actual damages and Defendant
JEMBEVCOs profits arising from Defendant JEMBEVCOs use of the Term BoozeBox,
product packaging bearing a substantial similarity to the BuzzBallz Trade Dress, and/or any of the
BuzzBallz Trade Secrets; award Plaintiff its actual damages arising from Defendant GUILLEMs
breach of the Non-Disclosure Agreement; award Plaintiff its actual damages arising from
Defendant PURCELLs breach of his fiduciary duty to Plaintiff; award Plaintiff exemplary
damages of up to twice its actual damages arising from Defendant JEMBEVCOs willful and
malicious misappropriation of the BuzzBallz Trade Secrets; and award Plaintiff its costs and
reasonable attorneys fees. Plaintiff prays for such further relief, at law or in equity, to which it
may show itself entitled.
DATED: February 19, 2015.
Respectfully submitted,
WILSON LEGAL GROUP P.C.
By:
/s/John T. Wilson
John T. Wilson
State Bar No. 24008284
john@wilsonlegalgroup.com
Kandace D. Walter
State Bar No. 24047068
kandace@wilsonlegalgroup.com
16610 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1000
Dallas, Texas 75248
(T) 972.248.8080;
(F) 972.248.8088;
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EXHIBIT A
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EXHIBIT B
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EXHIBIT C
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EXHIBIT D
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EXHIBIT E
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