152310 canada v. htm lighting - complaint

8/20/2019 152310 Canada v. HTM Lighting - Complaint

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James A. Italia (SBN 212,815)ITALIA IP

Counsel for Plaintiff3500 West Olive Ave., Suite 300

Burbank, CA 91505

Telephone: (818) 973-2720Fax: (818) 973-2702

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

WESTERN DIVISION

152310 Canada Limitee, a companyincorporated in the country of Canada in

the Province of Quebec, DBA AS HangingDisplay Systems,

Plaintiff,

vs.

HTM LIGHTING, LLC, a company

incorporated in the state of Florida, LAURE

MERMINOD, an individual, JEANPHILLIPE MERMINOD, an individual,

Defendants

))))))))))))))))

Case No.: 2:15-cv-08763

COMPLAINT FOR PATENTINFRINGEMENT AND UNFAIRCOMPETITION

DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

Plaintiff, 152310 Canada Limitee, a federal corporation in Quebec, Canada,

(hereinafter “Plaintiff”), for its complaint against Defendants Laure A. Merminod

(hereinafter “Ms. Merminod”), Jean Phillipe Merminod (hereinafter “Mr. Merminod”),

HTM LIGHTING, LLC, doing business as “mbs-hanging-systems.com” or “mbs-

standoffs.com” (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Defendants”) alleges as follows:

Case 2:15-cv-08763-GHK-AS Document 1 Filed 11/10/15 Page 1 of 18 Page ID #:1


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1. THE PARTIES

1. Plaintiff, also known as 152310 Canada, is a federal corporation of Canada,

having an address of 3600 Matte Blvd., Unit L, Brossard QC J4Y 2Z2.

2.

On information and belief, Plaintiff owns and operates “ashanging.com,” whichis an e-commerce website.

3. On information and belief, Defendants Mr. and Ms. Merminod own and operate

HTM Lighting, LLC, a corporation of Florida, having a business address of 6420

Benjamin Road, Tampa, FL 33634.

4. On information and belief, Defendants occasionally do business under its

corporate name.

5. On information and belief, Defendants are also doing business under the names

and/or domain names “mbs-hanging-systems.com” and “mbs-standoffs.com.”

6. On information and belief, Defendants Mr. and Ms. Merminod are individuals

having an address at 4709 Rue Bordeaux, Lutz, Florida 33558.

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

7.

This civil action arises under the design patent laws of the United States pursuan

to 35 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., and more particularly 35 U.S.C. §§ 271, 281, 283, 284, 285, 289,

and 28 U.S.C. §§§ 1331 and 1338; the federal unfair competition laws of the United

States, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a); under California’s Business and Professions Code §§ 17200,

17500 et seq.; and under California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act set forth in Cal. Civ

Code § 17500. Further, Defendants regularly do business or solicit business, engage in

other persistent courses of conduct, and/or derive substantial revenue from products and/oservices provided to individuals in this District and in this State.

8. Venue is proper in this court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b) and 1400(a). Th

infringing products which are the subject of this litigation are and have been distributed

and offered for distribution in the Central District of California; the claims alleged in this



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action arose in the Central District of California; and, the Defendant transacts business in

the Central District of California.

FACTUAL BACKGROUND

9. Since 1964, Plaintiff has been designing, manufacturing, and distributing high-

end picture hanging systems, art display systems, and hanging rails that are of superior

quality and design when compared to conventional hanging and display solutions.

10. As a reflection of its innovation, the company has been diligent and successful i

procuring numerous issued and enforceable United States design patents with the United

States Patent and Trademark Office on its broad range of products. In addition, Plaintiff

has supplied products and hardware for over 30,000 installations for a wide variety of

institutions, including but not limited to: K-12 schools, colleges and universities, hospital

libraries, civic and commercial buildings, museums, and private residences.

11.

In its half century of being in business, Plaintiff has secured its position as a

frontrunner in the high-end hanging display industry, as a result, Plaintiff’s impressive lis

of clients include: Apple, Bellagio Las Vegas, Century 21, Volkswagen, The University o

Chicago, Sotheby’s, BMW, Mattel, Best Western, North Carolina Museum of Natural

Sciences, and many other high-end national retailers and establishments. Plaintiff has

invested hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in research and development focused

on creating the future of hanging and display solutions.

12. AS Hanging is a corporation of Delaware, having a business address of 8396

State Route 9, West Chazy, NY 12992 and is the exclusive distributor of Plaintiff’s

products in the United States.

13.

Plaintiff is intent and diligent in protecting its valuable intellectual property and

has obtained numerous issued Design Patents and Trademark Registrations. Four such

Design Patents are at issue in this litigation.



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14. Plaintiff filed Design Patent Application No. 29/326,793, on October, 24, 2008,

entitled “HOOK.” On September 15, 2009, the United States Patent and Trademark Offic

issued United States Design Patent No. D600,100 (the “‘100 Patent”) which claims the

ornamental design embodied in the HOOK.15. A true and correct copy of the ‘100 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit A and is

incorporated herein by reference.

16. Plaintiff sells a product titled, “Heavy-Classic Hook” which is the commercial

embodiment of the ‘100 Patent through its website at “ashanging.com.”

17. Plaintiff filed Design Patent Application No. 29/356,951, on March 4, 2010,

entitled “HOOK.” On December 21, 2010, the United States Patent and Trademark Offic

issued United States Design Patent No. D629,291 (the “‘291 Patent”) which claims the

ornamental design embodied in the HOOK.

18. A true and correct copy of the ‘291 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit B and is


19. Plaintiff sells a product, titled, “J-End Cable” which is the commercial


20.

Plaintiff filed Design Patent Application No. 29/443,828, on January 23, 2013,

entitled “SLOTTED MINI-HOOK.” On February 18, 2014, the United States Patent and

Trademark Office issued United States Design Patent No. D699,548 (the “‘548 Patent”)

which claims the ornamental design embodied in the SLOTTED MINI-HOOK.

21. A true and correct copy of the ‘548 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit C and is


22. Plaintiff sells a product, titled, “Mini Hook” which is the commercial


23. Plaintiff filed Design Patent Application No. 29/337,966, on June 2, 2009,

entitled “SWIVEL HOOK.” On October 20, 2009, the United States Patent and



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Trademark Office issued United States Design Patent No. D602,345 (the “‘345 Patent”)

which claims the ornamental design embodied in the SWIVEL HOOK.

24. A true and correct copy of the ‘345 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit D and is

incorporated herein by reference.25. Plaintiff sells a product, titled, “Mini Hook” which is the commercial


26. On information and belief, Defendants are a retail distributor of a variety of

consumer hanging and display apparatuses. As will be demonstrated below, Defendants

took a shortcut by blatantly and slavishly copying the innovative hanging and display

apparatuses designed by Plaintiff, rather than building their own products and services

based on new proprietary technology, and thus failed to provide legitimate competition to

Plaintiff.

27. Defendants’ actions have caused harm to Plaintiff, as alleged below, by

manufacturing, selling and offering for sale Plaintiff’s patented products on their websites

at “mbs-hanging-systems.com” and/or “mbs-standoffs.com.”

28. On information and belief, Defendants have since at least as early as September

2, 2015, offered to sell a product, titled, “Safe Hook for Rod” that is substantially identica

in external, functional, and nonfunctional appearance to Plaintiff’s ‘100 Patent as shown i

Exhibit A, attached hereto, to the public at “mbs-hanging-systems.com” and/or “mbs-

standoffs.com.” Exhibit E is a true and accurate copy of a website printout from

Defendants’ website showing the “Safe Hook for Rod” product offered for sale by and

distributed by Defendants.

29. On information and belief, Defendants have, since at least as early as September

2, 2015, offered to sell a product, titled, “Clear Nylon Cable, J End” or “Stainless Steel

Cable, J End” that is substantially identical in external, functional, and nonfunctional

appearance to Plaintiff’s ‘291 Patent as shown in Exhibit B, attached hereto, to the public

at “mbs-hanging-systems.com” and/or “mbs-standoffs.com.” Exhibit F is a true and



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and feel of Plaintiff’s website and using Plaintiff’s product photographs on their own

websites. Defendants have and will continue to use Plaintiff’s digital photographs to

advertise competing products on their own websites at “mbs-hanging-systems.com” and/o

“mbs-standoffs.com.” As a result of Defendants’ unlawful conduct, Plaintiff will continuto suffer damage.

34. On information and belief, Defendants intend to continue its unlawful infringing

activity, and Plaintiff continues to and will continue to suffer irreparable harm -- for which

there is no adequate remedy at law -- from such unlawful infringing activities unless this

Court enjoins Defendants from further infringing activities.

CLAIM FOR RELIEF, COUNT 1

Design Patent Infringement

[Infringement of the ‘100 Patent]

35. Plaintiff repeats and realleges each and every allegation of paragraphs 1 – 34 as

if recited herein.

36. Alain Moncade (hereinafter “Mr. Moncade”) is the first named inventor of the

‘100 Patent. A true and accurate copy of said patent is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

Plaintiff is the exclusive assignee of Mr. Moncade’s rights under the ‘100 Patent includin

the exclusive right to enforce said patent in a civil action.

37. Exhibit H is a true and correct copy of the executed assignment of the ‘100

Patent from Mr. Moncade to Plaintiff recorded in the United States and Patent Trademark

Office.

38. Plaintiff’s products and/or packaging and/or website and/or catalog have been

marked with the term “Patented under patent number D600,100” substantially at all times

since the issuance of the ‘100 Patent on September 15, 2009. At no time since the

issuance of said patent has Plaintiff marketed and/or distributed its “Heavy-Classic Hook”

without the appropriate patent number.



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39. Exhibit I is a true and accurate copy of a website printout showing Plaintiff’s

“Heavy-Classic Hook” protected by the ‘100 Patent offered for sale by and distributed by

Plaintiff at “www.ashanging.com,” wherein the website clearly illustrates “Patented unde

patent number D600,100.”40. Discovery is likely to show that Defendants have directly infringed and induced

the infringement by others of the ‘100 Patent by importing and offering to sell to and

selling to others in and outside the United States, the “Safe Rod for Hook” as shown in

Exhibit E prior to the expiration of the ‘100 Patent (the ‘100 Patent is valid and

enforceable until September 15, 2023). Defendants’ “Safe Hook for Rod” shown in

Exhibit E literally infringes the ‘100 Patent and is legally equivalent to the designs claime

in the ‘100 Patent. Defendants’ “Safe Hook for Rod” is likely technically inferior to

Plaintiff’s patented “Heavy-Classic Hook” and sells at a retail price point significantly

below Plaintiff’s retail price, thus disparaging Plaintiff’s technology, innovation, and

pricing structure.

41. The above-described conduct constitutes infringement of the ‘100 Patent.

42. Defendants’ aforesaid acts are without the prior knowledge, consent, or

permission of Plaintiff.

43. Plaintiff has been and will continue to be damaged by Defendants’ infringement

of the ‘100 Patent.

44. Plaintiff is entitled to and therefore demands damages, costs, and attorney’s fees

as allowable under 35 U.S.C. §§ 284, 285, and 289, including a trebling of any award.

45. This is an exceptional case for purpose of awarding monetary damages, costs,

and attorney’s fees.

46.

Plaintiff is further entitled to damages in an as yet undetermined amount.






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if recited herein.

48. David Veilleux (hereinafter “Mr. Veilleux”) the first named inventor of the ‘291

Patent. A true and accurate copy of said patent is attached hereto as Exhibit B. Plaintiff ithe exclusive assignee of Mr. Veilleux’s rights under the ‘291 Patent including the

exclusive right to enforce said patent in a civil action.

49. Exhibit J is a true and correct copy of the executed assignment of the ‘291 Paten

from Mr. Veilleux to Plaintiff recorded in the United States and Patent Trademark Office


marked with the term “Patented under patent number D629,291” substantially at all times

since the issuance of the ‘291 Patent on December 21, 2010. At no time since the issuanc

of said patent has Plaintiff marketed and/or distributed its “J-End Cable” without the

appropriate patent number.

51. Exhibit K is a true and accurate copy of a website printout showing Plaintiff’s “J

End Cable” protected by the ‘291 Patent offered for sale by and distributed by Plaintiff at

“www.ashanging.com,” wherein the website clearly illustrates “Patented under patent

number D629,291.”

52. Discovery is likely to show that Defendants have directly infringed and induced


selling to others in and outside the United States, the “Clear Nylon Cable, J End” and

“Stainless Steel Cable, J End” as shown in Exhibit F prior to the expiration of the ‘291

Patent (the ‘291 Patent is valid and enforceable until December 21, 2024). Defendants’

“Clear Nylon Cable, J End” and “Stainless Steel Cable, J End” as shown in Exhibit F

literally infringes the ‘291 Patent and is legally equivalent to the designs claimed in the

‘291 Patent. Defendants’ “Clear Nylon Cable, J End” and “Stainless Steel Cable, J End”

are likely technically inferior to Plaintiff’s patented “J-End Cable” and sells at a retail



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price point significantly below Plaintiff’s retail price, thus disparaging Plaintiff’s

technology, innovation, and pricing structure.

53. The above-described conduct constitutes infringement of the ‘291 Patent.









58. Plaintiff is further entitled to damages in an as yet undetermined amount.




59.

Plaintiff repeats and realleges each and every allegation of paragraphs 1 – 58 as

if recited herein.

60. Mr. Veilleux is the first named inventor of the ‘548 Patent. A true and accurate

copy of said patent is attached hereto as Exhibit C. Plaintiff is the exclusive assignee of

Mr. Veilleux’s rights under the ‘548 Patent including the exclusive right to enforce said

patent in a civil action.

61. Exhibit L is a true and correct copy of the executed assignment of the ‘548 Paten

from Mr. Veilleux to Plaintiff recorded in the United States and Patent Trademark Office


marked with the terms “Patented under patent numbers D699,548 and D602,345”

substantially at all times since the issuance of the ‘548 Patent on February 18, 2014. At n



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time since the issuance of said patent has Plaintiff marketed and/or distributed its “Mini

Hook” without the appropriate patent number.

63. Exhibit M is a true and accurate copy of a website printout showing Plaintiff’s

“Mini Hook” protected by the ‘548 Patent offered for sale by and distributed by Plaintiff a“www.ashanging.com,” wherein the website clearly illustrates “Patented under patent

numbers D699,548 and D602,345.”



selling to others in and outside the United States, the “Mini Hook with Side Screw” as

shown in Exhibit G prior to the expiration of the ‘548 Patent (the ‘548 Patent is valid and

enforceable until February 18, 2028). Defendants’ “Mini Hook with Side Screw” shown

in Exhibit G literally infringes the ‘548 Patent and is legally equivalent to the designs

claimed in the ‘548 Patent. Defendants’ “Mini Hook with Side Screw” is likely

technically inferior to Plaintiff’s patented “Mini Hook” and sells at a retail price point

significantly below Plaintiff’s retail price, thus disparaging Plaintiff’s technology,

innovation, and pricing structure.

65.

The above-described conduct constitutes infringement of the ‘548 Patent.







69.

This is an exceptional case for purpose of awarding monetary damages, costs,


70. Plaintiff is further entitled to damages in an as yet undetermined amount



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if recited herein.

72. Mr. Veilleux is the first named inventor of the ‘345 Patent. A true and accurate

copy of said patent is attached hereto as Exhibit D. Plaintiff is the exclusive assignee of

Mr. Veilleux’s rights under the ‘345 Patent including the exclusive right to enforce said

patent in a civil action.

73. Exhibit N is a true and correct copy of the executed assignment of the ‘345

Patent from Mr. Veilleux and Mr. Moncade to Plaintiff recorded in the United States and

Patent Trademark Office.


marked with the terms “Patented under patent numbers D699,548 and D602,345”

substantially at all times since the issuance of the ‘345 Patent on October 20, 2009. At no

time since the issuance of said patent has Plaintiff marketed and/or distributed its “Mini

Hook” without the appropriate patent number.

75. Exhibit M is a true and accurate copy of a website printout showing Plaintiff’s

“Mini Hook” protected by the ‘345 Patent offered for sale by and distributed by Plaintiff a

“www.ashanging.com,” wherein the website clearly illustrates “Patented under patent

numbers D699,548 and D602,345.”



selling to others in and outside the United States, the “Mini Hook with Side Screw” as

shown in Exhibit G prior to the expiration of the ‘345 Patent (the ‘345 Patent is valid and

enforceable until October 20, 2023). Defendants’ “Mini Hook with Side Screw” shown in

Exhibit G literally infringes the ‘345 Patent and is legally equivalent to the designs



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claimed in the ‘345 Patent. Defendants’ “Mini Hook with Side Screw” is likely

technically inferior to Plaintiff’s patented “Mini Hook” and sells at a retail price point

significantly below Plaintiff’s retail price, thus disparaging Plaintiff’s technology,

innovation, and pricing structure.77. The above-described conduct constitutes infringement of the ‘345 Patent.









82. Plaintiff is further entitled to damages in an as yet undetermined amount.


Violation of Consumer Protection Act

83. Plaintiff repeats and realleges each and every allegation of paragraphs 1 - 82 as

recited herein.

84. Plaintiff has invested and continues to invest considerable resources developing

its product line and marketing that line to consumers. A portion of the resources are used

to develop the look and feel of Plaintiff’s website and the photography used on the websit

to promote Plaintiff’s products.

85.

Defendants have recognized and will continue to recognize Plaintiff's success,

innovation, and goodwill in the high-end hanging display industry, and in a brazen and

improper effort to capitalize on Plaintiff's hard-earned success, Defendants have created

their websites (“mbs-hanging-systems.com” and “mbs-standoffs.com”) to copy both the



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look and feel of Plaintiff’s website. In this regard, Defendants deliberately and

intentionally copied Plaintiff’s website with respect to naming conventions of products,

color scheme, layout and arrangement, and visual presentation in a ploy to confuse

consumers and rob the goodwill of Plaintiff.86. Defendants have willfully bypassed good faith efforts to provide legitimate

competition to Plaintiff by copying Plaintiff's recipe for success. Moreover, Defendants

have blatantly and deliberately copied Plaintiff's product line as a blueprint for their own

product line.

87. In addition, Plaintiff was granted the exclusive right from a conveying third part

to market and distribute in the United States a line of products marketed under the "Click

Rail System" name. Plaintiff has had this exclusive right continuously for over 15 years.

88. Exhibit O is a true and accurate copy of website printouts showing Plaintiff’s

Click Rail System, and its components, offered for sale by and distributed by Plaintiff’s

website at “www.ashanging.com.”

89. Defendants willfully, and without the prior knowledge or consent of the Plaintif

have blatantly copied the Click Rail System name and offered competing products for sale

since at least as early as September 2, 2015.

90. Exhibit P is a true and accurate copy of website printouts showing Defendants’

use of Plaintiff's Click Rail System. In fact, Defendants' Click Rail System, offered for

sale by and distributed by Defendants at “mbs-hanging-systems.com” and/or “mbs-

standoffs.com,” is virtually identical to Plaintiff's Click Rail System in name, structure,

and design.

91. Further, Defendants have willfully, and without the prior knowledge or consent

of the Plaintiff, unlawfully copied digital images from Plaintiff's website at least as early

as September 2, 2015. Exhibit Q is a true and accurate copy of website printouts

illustrating Plaintiff’s website next to Defendants' website in a side-by-side comparison.



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Notably, the images, color scheme, layout and arrangement of the websites, visual

presentation of the websites, and domain names are confusingly similar.

92. The above described acts of Defendants, constitute an unfair or deceptive act or

practice and an unfair method of competition in the conduct of trade or commerce inviolation of California’s Business and Professions Code §§ 17200, 17500 et seq. As a

result, Defendants’ actions have violated the foregoing statutes and thereby injured

Plaintiff in its business and property.

93. Defendants aforesaid acts have been knowing, willful and without Plaintiff’s

permission and have been intended to trade on Plaintiff’s goodwill in the State of

California.

CLAIM FOR RELIEF, COUNT6

Federal Unfair Competition


if recited herein.

95. Defendants’ aforesaid products identified in Exhibits E, F, and G are a false

designation of origin, which is likely to confuse the public into believing that there is an

affiliation, connection, or association between the source of the Defendants’ aforesaid

products, and the source of Plaintiff’s products protected by the ‘100, ‘291, ‘548, and ‘34

Patents as shown in Exhibit A, B, C, and D respectively.

96. Plaintiff is likely to be damaged by such confusion as to affiliate, connection, or

association of the type described.

97. The Defendants’ aforesaid acts have been knowing, willful and without

Plaintiff’s prior knowledge or consent and are therefore a violation of the Plaintiff’s rights

under 15 U.S.C § 1125(a).



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PRAYER FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment in its favor and against Defendants as

follows:

A.

Entering an Order preliminarily and permanently enjoining Defendants, itsofficers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, subsidiaries, parents, successors,

representatives, and all persons acting or claiming to act on behalf of Defendants or under

Defendants’ direction, from directly or contributorily, or inducing infringement of

Plaintiff’s ‘100, ‘291, ‘548, and ‘345 Patents:

(1) Defendants to cease selling or offering for sale in the United States its

infringing “Safe Hook for Rod,” “Clear Nylon Cable, J End,” “Stainless Steel Cabl

J End,” and “Mini Hook with Side Screw” products;

(2) Defendants to cease manufacturing its infringing “Safe Hook for Rod,”

“Clear Nylon Cable, J End,” “Stainless Steel Cable, J End,” and “Mini Hook with

Side Screw” products in the United States for sale both inside and outside the Unite

States;

(3) Defendants to recall all infringing products with respect to the “Safe

Hook for Rod,” “Clear Nylon Cable, J End,” “Stainless Steel Cable, J End,” and

“Mini Hook with Side Screw” products from all distributors, dealers, retailers to

whom it delivered the aforesaid products to in and outside the United States and for

said products to be destroyed;

(4) Defendants to disclose the full identity, in writing, of any such

manufacturer and/or importer from whom Defendants have purchased any of the

accused products;(5) Defendants to file and serve a report in writing under oath setting forth

in detail, the manner and form in which the Defendants have complied with the

injunction;



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(6) Defendants to turn over to Plaintiff all molds, shop drawings, technica

drawings, production tooling, and dies utilized in the manufacturing of the

infringing products, namely, the “Safe Hook for Rod,” “Clear Nylon Cable, J End,”

“Stainless Steel Cable, J End,” and “Mini Hook with Side Screw” products.B. Entering a judgment in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendants on Plaintiff’

First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Claim for Relief for damages pursuant to 35

U.S.C. § 284 in an amount to be determined at trial, but in no event less than a reasonable

royalty for infringement of the ‘100, ‘291, ‘548, and ‘345 Patents;

C. Entering a judgment in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendants for treble

damages pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 284 for Defendants’ willful and deliberate patent

infringement;

D. Entering a judgment in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendants that this cas

is an exceptional case and that the Plaintiff be awarded its attorney’s fees in this action

pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 285; and,

E. Awarding Plaintiff such other and further relief as the Court deems just and

equitable.

Respectfully submitted,

James A. ItaliaITALIA IP

Counsel for Plaintiff, 152310 Canada Limitee3500 West Olive Ave., Suite 300

Burbank, CA 91505Telephone: (818) 973-2720

Fax: (818) 973-2702

Dated: Tuesday, November 10, 2015



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24

25

26

27

28

DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

Plaintiff hereby demands a jury trial.

James A. Italia

ITALIA IPCounsel for Plaintiff, 152310 Canada Limitee

3500 West Olive Ave., Suite 300Burbank, CA 91505

Telephone: (818) 973-2720Fax: (818) 973-2702

Dated: Tuesday, November 10, 2015



19/75

EXHIBIT A

Case 2:15-cv-08763-GHK-AS Document 1-1 Filed 11/10/15 Page 1 of 6 Page ID #:19


20/75

1 2 ) United

States

Design Patent 1 0 )

P a t e n t N 0 . :

Moncade

USO0D600100S

US

D 6 0 0 , 1 0 0

S

( 4 5 )

Date

o f P a t e n t : * 1 , S e p .

1 5 , 2009

( 5 4 ) HOOK

( 7 6 )

I n v e n t o r : A l a i n

Moncade, 4000

S t - A m b r o i s e

# 1 7 1 ,

M o n t r e a l ,

Q u e b e c

( C A )

H4C

2 C 7

( * * ) T e r m : 1 4

Years

( 2 1 ) A p p l . N o . : 2 9 / 3 2 6 , 7 9 3

( 2 2 )

F i l e d : O c t . 2 4 ,

2 0 0 8

(51) LOC 9 ) Cl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

08-05

( 5 2 ) US. l. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D8/367

(58) Field of Clas si?cation Sea rch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D8/367,

D 8 / 3 7 3 ; 2 4 8 / 2 1 4 * 2 1 5 , 3 0 1 * 3 0 4

S e e

a p p l i c a ti o n ? l e

f o r c o m p l e t e s e a r c h

h i s t o r y .

( 5 6 )

R e f e r e n c e s C i t e d

U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS

3 ,3 8 5,5 4 7 A

*

5/1968 West

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. 248/308

4,051,953

A

*

10/1977

D320,152 S * 9/1991

D 4 5 9 , 8 5 5 S * 7/2002 Fujikawa

e t

a 1 . . . . . . . . . . . .

. .

D3 4 / 3 5

D542,630 S *

5/ 2007

Livingstone e t a 1 .

. . . . . . .

. .

D8/367

*

c i t e d by

examiner

P r i m a r y

E x a m i n e r i H o l l y

H B a y n h a m

( 7 4 ) A t t o r n e y ,

A g e n t , o r Firmilames

. I t a l i a ; I t a l i a

I P

( 5 7 )

CLAIM

The o r n a m e n t a l d e s i g n f o r a h o o k , a s shown and d e s c r i b e d .

DESCRIPTION

F I G .

1 i s

a p e r s p e c t i v e

view o f hook showing my ew

e s i g n ;

F I G .

2 i s a

p e r s p e c t i v e view

t h e r e o f from a d i f f e r e n t

a n g l e ;

F I G .

3

i s

a

r i g h t s i d e view t h e r e o f ;

F I G .

4

i s

a

l e f t s i d e view t h e r e o f ;

F I G . 5 i s

a f o n t view

t h e r e o f ;

F I G .

6

i s

a back view

t h e r e o f ;

F I G . 7 i s a t o p p l a n

v i e w

t h e r e o f ;

F I G .

8 i s b o t t o m p l a n v i e w t h e r e o f ;

F I G . 9 i s

a r i g h t s i d e

view t h e r e o f showing

a n

a l t e r n a t e

p o s i

t i o n ; a n d ,

F I G . 1 0

i s

a

l e f t

s i d e

view

t h e r e o f

showing

a n

a l t e r n a t e

p o s i

t i o n .

The r o k e n l i n e i s f o r

i l l u s t r a t i v e

p u r p o s e s o n l y and o r m s no

p a r t o f t h e c l a i m e d d e s i g n .

T h e s u r f a c e

s h a d i n g

i l l u s t r a t e d i n t h e d r a w i n g s i s p r o v i d e d

m e r e l y o h i g h l i g h t t h e c o n t o u r o f h e d e s i g n ; t i s n o t i n t e n d e d

t o be

i l l u s t r a t i v e of

e x t u r e o r g l o s s .

1 C l a i m ,

4

Drawing

S h e e t s



21/75

US. Patent S e p . 1 5 ,

2 0 0 9

S h e e t

1

o f 4

US D600,100

S



22/75

US

D 6 0 0 , 1 0 0

S

S .

P a t e n t

.

F I G .

4



23/75

US. Patent

S e p .

1 5 , 2 0 0 9

S h e e t 3

0 f 4

US

D600,100

S

F I G .

7

* 7

M 1 ) )

a

F I G .

8



24/75

US. Patent S e p . 1 5 ,

2 0 0 9

S h e e t 4 o f 4

US D600,100

S

F I G .

9

F I G .

1 0



25/75

EXHIBIT B



26/75

1 2 ) United

States

Design Patent 1 0 )

P a t e n t N 0 . 2

USOOD629291

US D 6 2 9 , 2 9 1 S

V e i l l e u x ( 4 5 )

Date

o f

P a t e n t :

4 * D e c . 2 1 ,

2010

( 5 4)

HOOK D 5 4 6 , l 4 7 S *

7/2007

Cullen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

D8/l6

D587,470 S * 3/ 2009

Croisdale

e t a l . . . . . . . . . . . .

. .

D6/3l7

( 7 5 )

I n v e n t o r :

D a v i d V e i l l e u x ,

S t i l l w a t e r , MN U S )

*

c i t e d

by

examiner

( 7 3 ) A s m g n e e : 1 5 2 3 1 0 C a n a d a , B r o s s a r d

( C A )

P r i m a r y

ExamineriHony

H B a y n h a m

( 4 % )

T e r m :

1 4 Years ( 7 4 ) A t t o r n e y , A g e n t ,

o r

F i r m i l t a l i a I P ; J a m e s A .

I t a l i a

( 2 1 ) A p p 1 . N o . :

2 9 / 3 5 6 , 9 5 1

( 5 7 ) CLAIM

( 2 2 ) F i l e d : Man ,

2010

The

o r n a m e n t a l

d e s i g n

f o r a h o o k ,

a s shown

and d e s c r i b e d .

(51) LOC 9 )

Cl.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. 08-05 DESCRIPTION

( 5 2 ) US. l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D8/370 FIG_

1

i s a p e r s p e c t i v e

View Of

a hook,

Showing my new

( 5 8 ) Field of

Classi?cation Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

D8/367, d e s i g n ;

. . D8/373’ 3 7 0 ;

248/301T304

F I G .

2 i s a f r o n t

e l e v a t i o n a l view

of h e

i n v e n t i o n ;

See application ?l e for complete sea rch

history.

_ _ _ _ _

FIG.

3 i s a r e a r e l e v a t i o n a l View

of

the i n v e n t i o n ;

( 5 6 ) R e f e r e n c e s C l t e d

F I G .

4 i s a

l e f t - s i d e

e l e v a t i o n a l view o f t h e i n v e n t io n ;

U - S - PATENT DOCUMENTS F I G . 5 i s a r i g h t - s i d e

e l e v a t i o n a l view

o f

t h e i n v e n t i o n ;

1 , 1 7 2 , 9 3 7 A * 2 / 1 9 1 6 B u t c h e r

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 1 1 / 1 1 3 FIG. 6 i s atop

plan

view of h e i n v e n t i o n ;

D 2 3 5 ’ 1 2 5

S * 5 / 1 9 7 5 S C h l a C h t e r 1 3 8 / 3 7 0 F I G . 7 s a bottom p l a n view ofthe i n v e n t i o n ; a n d ,

4,714,221

A

12/1987

Cawrey

248/22042

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

D343all3 S * 1/1994 Brooks _ _ _ _ _ _

138/370

FIG. 8 is a per spective View of the invention, shown

in

i t s

D357,402

S * 4/1995 Roethler . .

D8/370

e n V i I ' O I l m e I l I .

13378950

S * 2 / 1 9 9 7

R I C h e s o n

1 3 8 / 3 6 7 The broken l i n e showing of p a r t i a l rope s included

f o r t h e

13422388

S *

4/2000 ounen

D8667 ose

of l l u s t r a t i n environment and fo r m s no a r t of the

D455,947

s * 4 / 2 0 0 2

Goodman t a 1 . D8/367 PIMP d d . g P

D458,116 s * 6/2002 Roethler . . . . . . . . . D8/367 C

alme

“Ign

6,659,4 1 4

B1 12/2003

Guilmette

. .

248/303

D524,636 S * 7/2006 B u r n e t t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D8/370 1 Cl ai m , 4 Drawing heets



27/75

US. Patent D e c .

2 1 , 2 0 1 0 S h e e t 1

0 1 4

US D629,291

S



28/75

US. Patent D e c .

2 1 , 2 0 1 0 S h e e t 2

0 f 4

US D629,291

S

K K K

(C



29/75

US. Patent

D e c . 2 1 2 0 1 0

S h e e t 3 0 r 4

F I G .

6

F I G .

7

F I G .

5



30/75

US D 6 2 9 , 2 9 1 S

h e e t

4

0 f

4

e c . 2 1 ,

2 0 1 0

S .

P a t e n t



31/75

EXHIBIT C



32/75

USO0D699548S

1 2 ) United States Design

Patent

1 0 ) P a t e n t N 0 . 2 US D 6 9 9 , 5 4 8

S

V e i l l e u x e t a l . 4 5 Date of P a t e n t : * 9 : Feb. 18 2014

( 5 4)

SLOTTED MINI-HOOK g i ?lein

6 t a 1 ~

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

aZZocco_ - _ D600,l00

S *

9/2009 Moncade D8/367

( 7 1 ) A p p l 1 c a n t s . D a v 1 d

V e l l l e u x ,

S t 1 l l W a t e r ,

MN

U S ) ,

1 3 6 0 1 3 8 0 S

* 1 0 / 2 0 0 9 V e i l l e u x

“ D8667

Alalll Mollcade, Brossard

( CA )

D602,395

s

* 10/2009

Wang . . . 1 3 1 1 / 1 3 9

D604,l39

S *

ll/2009

Forsythe D8/l05

(72)

Inventors:

David eilleuX,

S t i l l W a t e r , MN

US); g i

E1088 ~ ~

, a g e r

eta. . . . . .lan‘ Moncade’ B ro s s a rd CA)

D683,207 s *

5/2013 Papadopoulos . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

D8/367

( * * )

T e r m :

1 4

Years

* c i t e d by e x a m i n e r

( 2 1 )

A p p l . N o . : 2 9 / 4 4 3 , 8 2 8

P r i m a r y

Examiner y n t h i a Underwood

( 7 4 ) A t t o r n e y , A g e n t ,

o r

Firm ames A. t a l i a ; I t a l i a I P

( 2 2 ) F i l e d : J a n . 2 3 , 2 0 1 3

( 5 7 ) CLAIM

( 5 1 ) LOC

1 0 )

C l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. .

08-05 The Ornamental design fora 5 1 0 He

minbhook,

a s Shown and

( 5 2 )

US‘ C l ‘

d e s c r i b e d .

USPC

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

D8/367

( 5 8 ) F i e l d o f

C l a s s i ? c a t i o n

Search DESCRIPTION

USPC . . . . . . . . . .

D8/367,

3 5 4 , 3 4 9 , 3 7 3 ,

3 7 2 ; D6/323;

2 4 8 / 3 0 1 i 3 0 4 ,

3 3 9 ,

2053

F I G .

1

i s

a p e r s p e c t i v e

v i e W

o f

a

s l o t t e d

m i n i - h o o k ,

s h o w i n g

S e e a p p l i c a t i o n

? l e

f o r c o m p l e t e

s e a r c h

h i s t o r y . 0 1 1 1 ‘

neW

d e s i g n ;

F I G . 2 i s

a r i g h t - s i d e e l e v a t i o n a l vieW

o f

t h e i n v e n t i o n ;

( 5 6 ) R e f e r e n c e s C i t e d

F I G .

3

i s

a

l e f t - s i d e

e l e v a t i o n a l vieW o f t h e i n v e n t io n ;

F I G .

4 i s a

f r o n t e l e v a t i o n a l vieW of

h e

i n v e n t i o n ;

FIG. 5 i s a

r e a r e l e v a t i o n a l vieW

of h e

i n v e n t i o n ;

S

* Andersen ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ “

6 a3306589 S

*

3/1990

Hamann

““ 138/363 FIG. 7

s

a

bottom lanv eW

ofthe

1nvent1on.

*

*

U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS

13354677 s 1/1995

Troyer

. . . . . . . . . . D8/396

5 , 6 8 2 , 6 5 2

A

1 1 / 1 9 9 7

Brody

t

a 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 4 / 3 0 0

1 Claim,

3 Drawing

Sheets



33/75

US. Patent F e b .

1 8 , 2 0 1 4 S h e e t 1 o f 3 US D699,548

S



34/75

US. Patent F e b .

1 8 , 2 0 1 4 S h e e t 2 o f 3 US D699,548

S

F I G . 3

F I G . 2



35/75

US. Patent

F e b . 1 8 , 2 0 1 4

S h e e t

3 o f 3 US D699,548 S

F I G .

4

F I G .

5

i



36/75

EXHIBIT D



37/75

1 2 ) United

States

Design Patent 1 0 )

P a t e n t N 0 . :

USO0D602345S

US

D 6 0 2 , 3 4 5

S

V e i l l e u x e t

a ] . ( 4 5 )

Date

o f

P a t e n t :

* 9 : O c t .

2 0 ,

2009

(54 ) SWIVELHOOK

D491,049 S *

6/2004 Kung

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. .

D8/367

D500,244 S * 1 2 / 2 0 0 4 Y o s h i g u c h i D8/367

Inventors: David

eilleuX’

S t i l l w a t e r s MN

D579,763

S *

11/2008 Uehara 6 t . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

1 3 8 / 3 6 7

A l a i n

Moncade,

M o n t r e a l

(CA)

*

C i t e d

by

e x a m i n e r

( 7 3 ) A s s i g n e e : 1 5 2 3 1 0 C a n a d a , B r o s s a r d ( C A ) P r i m a r y

E x a m i n e r i R o b e r t

M p e a r

A s s i s t a n t ExamineriBarbara B ohr

( * * ) T e r m : 1 4

Years

( 7 4 ) A t t o r n e y , A g e n t , o r Firmilames . I t a l i a ; l t a l i a I P

( 2 1 ) A p p l . N 0 . :

2 9 / 3 3 7 , 9 6 6

( 5 7 ) CLAIM

( 2 2 ) F i l e d : J l l I l - 2 ,

2009

The o r n a m e n t a l d e s i g n

f o r a s w i v e l

h o o k , a s shown and

d e s c r i b e d .

(51) LOC 9 ) Cl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08-05

( 5 2 ) US. l .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . D8/367

DESCRIPTION

( 5 8 ) F i e l d

o f

Classi?cation Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

D8/367, FIG

i s a p e r s p e c t i v e View

of

a S w i v e l hook, Showing my

D 8 / 3 7 1 ,

3 7 3 , 3 8 2 ; 2 0 5 / 2 5 3 ; 2 4 / 2 6 5 ,

2 6 5 H ,

new

e s i g n ;

24/298, 373, 5 9 8 . 4 , 5 9 8 . 7 , 5 9 9 . 1 , 5 9 9 . 2 ,

. . . . . _

2 4 / 5 9 9 5 ,

5 9 9 6 ’ 5 9 9 7 ’ 5 9 9 8 ’ 5 9 9 4 ’ 6 0 0 1 ’

F I G . 2 i s

a

f r o n t

e l e v a t i o n a l v 1 e w

o f t h e m v e n t i o n ,

24/6012,

6003, 6009;

5 2 / 6 9 8 ; 2 4 8 / 3 2 8 ; F I G .

3

1 s

a

r e a r e l e v a t l o n a l

v1ew

o f t h e

1 n v e n t 1 o n ;

4 7 2 / 1 1 8 ; 4 8 2 / 9 1 ; 2 9 4 / 8 2 . 1 , 8 2 . 1 1 , 1 ; 1 1 4 / 2 4 9 ; F I G .

4

i s a l e f t - s i d e e l e v a t i o n a l v i e w

o f t h e

i n v e n t i o n ;

_ _ _ 4 28/100 FIG. 5

i s

a

r i g h t - s i d e elevational view

of

the invention;

See application

?le for

complete search

history.

_ _ _ _

FIG.

6 1 s a

bottom

p l a n v1ew

of

h e 1 n v e n t 1 o n ;

( 5 6 ) R e f e r e n c e s C i t e d

U . S . PATENT

DOCUMENTS

D308,471 S * 6/1990 Murai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D8/367

D3 5 5 , 5 8 5 S *

2/ 1995 Tc r ada c t

a 1 . . . . .

. .

D8/367

5 , 3 9 8 , 3 8 9 A * 3/1995 Terada e t a 1 .

24/5998

5 , 4 50 ,6 6 1 A *

9 / 1 9 9 5

Rekuc . . . . . . . .. 24/5996

5,533,934 A

7/1996

Miller . . . . . . . . ..

472/118

5 , 5 8 8 , 1 8 8 A * 1 2 / 1 9 9 6 J e r m y n ,

J r .

24/5987

D402,189

S

*

12/1998

I Z u r n i

D8/382

D472,452 S * 4/2003 Chou . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D8/367

F I G .

7

i s

a

t o p p l a n v i e w

o f t h e

i n v e n t i o n ;

F I G .

8 i s a p e r s p e c t i v e v i e w o f t h e i n v e n t i o n , s h o w i n g t h e

d e v i c e i n

an

a l t e r n a t e p o s i t i o n ;

F I G . 9 i s

a

p e r s p e c t i v e

v i e w

o f

t h e

i n v e n t i o n ,

s h o w i n g

t h e

d e v i c e

i n a n a l t e r n a t e p o s i t i o n ; a n d ,

F I G . 1 0 i s a p e r s p e c t i v e v i e w o f t h e i n v e n t i o n ,

s h o w i n g

t h e

d e v i c e i n an a l t e r n a t e p o s i t i o n .

1 C l a i m , 4 Drawing S h e e t s



38/75

US. Patent

0a. 0 , 2 0 0 9 S h e e t 1

o f 4

US D602,345 S

F I G .

1



39/75

US. Patent

0a. 0 , 2 0 0 9

S h e e t

2

o f 4

US D602,345 S



40/75

US.

Patent 0a. 0 , 2 0 0 9

S h e e t

3

o f 4

US D602,345 S

F I G .

4

F I G .

5

/

F I G .

6

F I G .

7



41/75

US. Patent

0a. 0 , 2 0 0 9

S h e e t 4 o f 4

US D602,345 S



42/75

EXHIBIT E



43/75



44/75

EXHIBIT F



45/75



46/75



47/75

EXHIBIT G



48/75



49/75

EXHIBIT H



50/75



51/75



52/75

EXHIBIT I



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EXHIBIT J



55/75



56/75



57/75

EXHIBIT K



58/75



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EXHIBIT L



60/75



61/75



62/75

EXHIBIT M



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64/75

EXHIBIT N



65/75



66/75



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EXHIBIT O



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EXHIBIT P



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152310 canada v. htm lighting - complaint

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