On July 9, 2012, Jayaram Law filed a lawsuit for copyright infringement against defendants around the United States who, according to the complaint, have reproduced and distributed counterfeit versions of apparel designed and manufactured by Algierz, Inc., a Los Angeles based apparel designer and one of the Firm’s clients. That same evening, the Honorable Rebecca R. Pallmeyer granted Algierz’s emergency motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and preliminary injunction. In doing so, the Court issued a seizure order, permitting Vivek Jayaram and co-counsel Philip Kimball to assist the Department of Justice in seizing Algierz counterfeit apparel located in the Northern District of Illinois.
On July 10, 2012, Mr. Jayaram and Mr. Kimball assisted a U.S. Marshal to the offices of Hip Hop Trading, LLC (“Hip Hop”), a defendant in the case located in Niles, Illinois. The Firm seized counterfeit goods that were unlawfully reproduced by Hip Hop.
About 72 hours later, on July 13, 2012, Judge Edmond Chang issued a preliminary injunction order and extended the TRO against the manufacturing defendants who Algierz believes are responsible for manufacturing the counterfeit apparel. Mr. Jayaram, in arguing on behalf of Algierz, explained to the Court that his client had suffered irreparable harm and would be seriously harmed if an injunction failed to issue. In relying upon the voluminous record presented by Algierz, the Court agreed.
Algierz also has pending claims against a number of Retail Defendants located in and around the United States, all of whom have been distributing the apparel manufactured in Chicago. Algierz seeks money damages and a permanent injunction against all the defendants in the case.
The case is an example of how companies can use the Courts to swiftly and efficiently enforce their IP rights. Within the span of one working week, Algierz was able to file suit, seize goods, and stop an infringement that had started to harm the company this spring on a nationwide basis.
“This is a significant victory for our clients, and one that hopefully makes future infringers think twice about reproducing or distributing fake Algierz products,” said Jayaram. “A big win for the creative class.”
JAYARAM LAW PROVIDES LEGAL SERVICES TO BUSINESSES IN AND AROUND THE UNITED STATES, EUROPE, AND SOUTHEAST ASIA. WE LITIGATE COMMERCIAL AND IP MATTERS, ADVISE AND COUNSEL OUR CLIENTS ON BUSINESS ISSUES AND CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS, AND ADD VALUE BY STREAMLINING THE LEGAL PROCESS IN A TIMELY, COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER.