united states fallen heroes foundation suit
TRANSCRIPT
8/7/2019 United States Fallen Heroes Foundation Suit
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1|PLAINTIFF’SORIGINALCOMPLAINT
INTHEUNITEDSTATESDISTRICTCOURT
FORTHENORTHERNDISTRICTOFTEXAS
DALLASDIVISION
UNITEDSTATESFALLENHEROES
FOUNDATION
Plaintiff,
vs.
AMERICANFALLENWARRIOR
MEMORIALFOUNDATION
Defendant,
TONYAEVANSA/KA/TONYAMUNDY
Defendant,
KATHRYNTAYLORA/K/AKAT
TAYLOR
Defendant
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CIVILACTIONNO.
PLAINTIFF’SORIGINALCOMPLAINT
COMESNOW,PlaintiffUnitedStatesFallenHeroesFoundation(“USFHF”),andfiles
this ORIGINAL COMPLAINT against the American Fallen Warrior Memorial Foundation
(“AFWMF”),TonyaEvansa/k/aTonyaMundy(“Evans”),andKathrynTaylora/k/aKatTaylor
andwouldrespectfullyshowtheCourtasfollows:
I. NATUREOFTHECASEThis is an action for cybersquatting, trademark infringement, unfair competition, and
trademark dilution under federal statutes, with pendent state and/or common law claims for
trademarkinfringement,deceptivetradepractices,breachofcontract,breachoffiduciaryduty,
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and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage. Plaintiff seeks damages,
attorneys’fees,costs,andpreliminaryandpermanentinjunctiverelief.
II.PARTIES
1. TheUnitedStatesFallenHeroesFoundationisacorporationorganizedunderthe
lawsoftheStateofTexaswithaprincipalplaceofbusinessinKennedale,Texas.TheUSFHFis
ingoodstandingwiththeTexasComptrollerofAccountsasshownbyaprintoftheFranchise
TaxCertificationofAccountStatusfromtheTexasComptrollerofAccountswebsitewhichis
attachedheretoasExhibit1,Appendixpp.2-3.
2.
DefendantAmericanFallenWarriorMemorialFoundation is,uponinformation
andbelief,anotforprofitcorporationorganizedunderthelawsofthestateofKansaswithan
addressof3514ClintonParkway#370,Lawrence,Kansas66047.
3. DefendantTonyaEvansa/k/aTonyaMundyis,uponinformationandbelief,an
individual havingan addressof1471 LegendsCir, Lawrence,Kansas66049or110 E.Sixth
Avenue,Eskridge,Kansas,66423.
4. DefendantKathrynTaylor a/k/aKat Taylor is, upon informationand belief, an
individualhavinganaddressof2453SouthForrestHeightsAve,Springfield,Missouri65809.
5. DefendantEvansis,upon informationandbelief, the registerednameholderof
thedomains<wegave50cents.com>,<igavemycoins.com>,and<afwmf.org>.
III.JURISDICTIONANDVENUE
6. ThisCourthassubjectmatterjurisdictionpursuantto28U.S.C.§1331because
thisactionarisesunder15U.S.C.§§1051-1127,15U.S.C.§1125,andpursuantto28U.S.C.§
1338becausetheactionarisesunderfederallawrelatingtotrademarks.
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7. Personal jurisdictionoverDefendants isproperunder§§ 17.041-17.045 ofthe
StateofTexas’sCivilPracticeandRemediesCode,pursuanttoRule4oftheFederalRulesof
CivilProcedureandundertheDueProcessClauseofFourteenthAmendmenttotheConstitution
oftheUnitedStatesofAmerica.Oninformationandbelief,thisCourthaspersonaljurisdiction
overDefendantswho have sufficient contacts with Dallas County, have engaged in tortuous
conductwithinthestateofTexas,andhavecausedharmtoPlaintiffwithinthisjurisdictionby
targetingtheUSFHF,aTexasbasedbusiness,byinfringinguponitsmarks“UnitedStatesFallen
Heroes Foundation”and“IGave 50Cents” and cyber-squattingbyregisteringdomainnames
nearlyidenticaltothatusedbytheUSFHFforthe“IGave50Cents”campaignaswellasits
homewebsitefortheUnitedStatesFallenHeroesFoundation.
8. The exercise of jurisdictionoverDefendants is reasonable, consistent,with the
constitutional principles of due process, and comports with the principles of fair play and
substantialjustice.
9. Asubstantialpartoftheeventsoromissionsgivingrisetothisactionoccurredin
theNorthernDistrictofTexas.Accordingly,venueisproperpursuantto28U.S.C.§1391.
IV.STATEMENTOFFACTS
THEUSFHF’SHISTORYANDTRADEMARKRIGHTS
10. On or aboutMarch 31, 2010, theUSFHF filed a certificate of formation as a
nonprofitorganizationwiththeTexasSecretaryofState.TheUSFHFwasformedtoconstructa
memorialthatwillhonorallUnitedStatesmilitaryservicememberswhohaveservedintheGulf
War, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and all
peripheralU.S.militaryactionsintheWaronTerror,andthathavediedasaresultofcombator
non-combatinjuries,suicides,and/ortrauma.Individualfallensoldierswillberepresentedby
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plaquesorlaser-etchedphotographs.TheUSFHFusesthemarks“UnitedStatesFallenHeroes
Foundation”and“IGave50Cents”foritsfundraisingcampaign.
11. Subsequent to its formation, the then-chairman Evan Walter Coleman, a/k/a
WalterEvanColemana/k/aWalterRaleighColeman,Jr.(“Coleman”)engagedinapatternof
wrongdoingincludingusingaforgedletterfromtheInternalRevenueServicereflectingapproval
of taxexemptstatus. This andColeman’s other actions resulted ina lawsuit broughtby the
TexasAttorneyGeneral.TheUSFHF,likethosetakeninbythefraudulentactionsofColeman,
wasavictimaswell.Pursuanttoacross-claimfiledbytheUSFHF,theTexasAttorneyGeneral
andtheUSFHFreachedanagreementwhichisattachedheretoinExhibit2,Appendixpp.4-17
wheretheUSFHFcould continueasa lawful entity and couldraisefunds for itsmissionbut
could not disburse any funds until the Internal Revenue Service granted approval of the
USFHF’s501(c)(3)application.OnApril3,2011,theInternalRevenueServiceapprovedthe
USFHF’sstatusasatax-exemptentitywhichisattachedheretoasExhibit3,Appendixpp.18-
20.
12. Subsequent to the action brought by the Texas Attorney General, the USFHF
registeredthedomainname<igave50cents.com>toassistinitsfundraisingefforts.Acopyof
theWHOISpagefromGoDaddy.comisattachedheretoasExhibit4,Appendixpp.21-23.The
goaloftheIGave50Centscampaignwastoinvolveschools,communities,organizationsand
individualsinfundraisingeffortssothattheburdenofgivingwasminimalbutwidespread.A
representativesampleofcoverageofthelaunchofthecampaignfromthelocalNBCaffiliatein
Tulsa,OklahomaisattachedheretoasExhibit5,Appendixpp.24-26.
13. To date, theUSFHF has received donations from the states of Georgia,Utah,
Texas, Montana, Wyoming, Tennessee, Colorado, Nevada, Missouri, Michigan, Virginia,
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Arizona,Florida,California,Idaho,SouthCarolina,NewYork,Alabama,Wisconsin,Oklahoma,
Kansas,andIndianaaswellasfromthenationofCanada.
14. In addition to its extensive use of the marks “United States Fallen Heroes
Foundation”and“IGave50Cents”viathewebsites<usfhf.org>and<igave50cents.com>,the
USFHFhaspartneredwithschoolsinUtah,Oklahoma,Virginia,andKansastoraisefundsfor
theUSFHFmemorial. ArepresentativesampleofcoveragefromtheFoxaffiliate inTooele,
UtahisattachedheretoasExhibit6,Appendixpp.27-30.
15. OnoraboutFebruary9,2011,representativesoftheUSFHF,includingDefendant
EvanstraveledtoTooele,Utahtoparticipateinaceremonyhonoringsix(6)fallensoldiersand
topresent plaques to thefamiliesof these fallensoldiers. A copy of the invitation from the
USFHFFacebookpageisattachedheretoasExhibit7,Appendixpp.31-32.Inaddition,acopy
oftheadvancenoticegiventhisceremonybythelocalFoxaffiliateinTooele,Utahisattached
heretoasExhibit8,Appendixpp.33-36.
16. The USFHF sought and obtained designs for the memorial from architects
including Nicolas Cascarano of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Austin Hess of Mechanicsburg,
Pennsylvania,NormanSchwartzofPlantation,Florida,TeriRelyeaBerbelofMansfield,Texas,
andTroyHinesofArlington,Texas
17. AsofthedateofthefilingofthisComplaint,theUSFHFcontinuestoextensively
usebothmarks“UnitedStatesFallenHeroesFoundation”and“IGave50Cents”initseffortsto
continueitsmissiontohonorthefallensoldiers.
DEFENDANTS’WRONGFULACTIONS
18. OnoraboutNovember22,2010,Defendant Evans agreed to act asExecutive
DirectoroftheUSFHF.Theagreementwasthatthepositionwouldbeavolunteerpositionat
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firstduetothestricturesofthesettlementwiththeTexasAttorneyGeneralbutthattheposition
would,astimewenton,becomeapaidposition.DefendantEvans,asExecutiveDirector,was
intimately involved in the discussion and planning of all activities of theUSFHF as well as
learningallabouttheworkingsofboththeUSFHFandthe“IGave50Cents”campaign.
19. Atsome point thereafter,Defendant Taylor became the ExecutiveAssistant to
DefendantEvans.AsampleemailfromDefendantTaylortoDefendantEvansusingtheemail
address assigned to her by the USFHF showing the work she performed for the USFHF is
attachedheretoasExhibit9,Appendixpp.37-38.
20.
Atfirstthebusinessrelationshipworkedtothebenefitofbothparties.Defendant
Evansworkedtirelesslyonbehalfof theUSFHFand,in fact,defended theUSFHFinvarious
postings on the socialwebsite Facebook asevidenced attachedhereto asExhibits 10and11,
Appendixpp.39-42.
21. AftertheeventinTooele,UtahonFebruary9,2011,theChairmanandPresident
oftheUSFHF,LarrySummers,wasapproachedbyseveralindividualswhoinquiredastowhen
hewouldberesigningfromtheUSFHF.Ashehadnoplanstodoso,Mr.Summersresponded
hewasnotresigning.
22. From February 9, 2011 until the week of February 21, 2011, it became
increasinglyclearthatunfoundedrumorswerebeingcirculatedaboutmisuseofthefundsraised
attheeventinTooeleandthatthenecessaryandproperpaperworkfromtheschoolswhichwere
toparticipateinthe“IGave50Cents”campaignhadnotbeenreceived.Inaddition,Defendants
EvansandTaylorhadreceivedbutnotyetsignedtheUSFHF’sCodeofConductaswellasits
Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest policies, respectively. Defendants Evans andTaylor
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were notified via email to cease all actions on behalf of theUSFHF until these issueswere
clearedup.
23. OnoraboutFebruary24,2011,aconferencecallwasheldbetweentheBoardof
theUSFHF,itsattorney,DefendantsEvansandTaylor,andtheircounsel.Duringthiscallitwas
agreedthatDefendantsEvansandTaylorwouldsignandreturntheUSFHF’sCodeofConduct
aswellasitsConfidentialityandConflictofInterestpolicies,respectively,aswellassecurethe
necessary and proper paperwork from the schools participating in the “I Gave 50 Cents”
campaign.
24.
Instead of returning the paperwork as promised during the conference call
mentionedabove,onoraboutFebruary25,2011at12:11p.m.(CST),DefendantEvanssentan
email attached hereto asExhibit 12,Appendix pp. 43-44 demanding that Mr. Summers step
down as President of theUSFHFby4:00 p.m. that same day and that if he failed to doso,
Defendant Evans would resign as ExecutiveDirector. SinceMr. Summers had no plans to
resign,DefendantEvans’resignationwasacceptedviaemail,acopyofwhichisattachedhereto
asExhibit13,Appendixpp.45-51.DefendantTaylorsubmittedherresignationaswellwhich
attachedheretoasExhibit14,Appendixpp.52-53.
25. Subsequent to these resignations, DefendantsEvans began a campaign via the
social website Facebook to “save” the USFHF and began posting incorrect and erroneous
informationabouttheUSFHF.AsampleoftwosuchpostingsareattachedheretoasExhibits
15,16,&17,Appendixpp.54-60whereDefendantEvansallegedthatmoneywasbeingspent
bytheUSFHFinviolationofthetermsofthesettlementagreementbetweentheUSFHFandthe
TexasAttorneyGeneral.Inaddition,DefendantEvansallegedthatshehad“100%proof”ofall
theseallegedwrongdoingsandthatshewasreleasing“all records,emails, recordedcalls,and
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documentation” to theTexasAttorneyGeneral with the clear implication that thesewere not
mereallegationsbutaccusationswhichcouldbesubstantiated.
26. Defendants Evans and Taylor, since they were intimately involved in the
discussionandplanningofallactivitiesoftheUSFHFaswellaslearningallabouttheworkings
of both theUSFHFand the“IGave50Cents”campaignused that information to create the
“AmericanFallenWarriorMemorialFoundation”asanotforprofitcorporationinKansasascan
beseenintheprintfromtheKansasSecretaryofStateattachedheretoasExhibit18,Appendix
pp.61-63. A print from thewebsite <afwmf.org> showingDefendantsEvans and Taylor as
“founders”ofthe“AmericanFallenWarriorMemorialFoundation”canbeseeninExhibit19,
Appendixpp.64-66whichisattachedhereto.
27. DefendantEvansmadenoattempttohidethefactthatshewasattemptingtoco-
opt and use the USFHF’s intellectual property, mission, goodwill, and business plans. As
Exhibit20,Appendixpp67-68whichattachedheretoshows,DefendantEvanspostedthat:
“We are doing everything theway it wasminus the name. The name of the
foundationwillchangeandthenewwebsitewillbe<wegave50cents.com>.We
aremovingtoKansasandhavethatsupportasofthismorningforacquiring(sic)
land.KatandIaretheonlytwowhobuiltthisfoundationfromashes.Noteven
theboardwasinvolved.501c3(sic)filingonMondaywithnewnameandall
promisesto the schoolswillremainthe same. Thearchitectsarecoming tous.
So, i (sic) expect it will be one of their designs that you will see on the
igave50cents site. Mr. Summers made a very bad decision! Thank you for
followingus.Ihaveanemailgoingoutinabittotheschoolstoletthemknow.”
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28. AsseeninExhibit21,Appendixpp.69-71which isattachedhereto,Defendant
EvansevenbraggedtotheNBCaffiliateinKansasCity,Missourithather“vision”forthe“new”
memorialincludesindividualplaquesfortheservicememberskilled,oneoftheprimary,ifnot
theprimary,componentsoftheUSFHF’splannedmemorial.
29. AreporterfromtheMuskogeePhoenix,WendyBurton,reportedthatoneofthe
schoolsparticipatinginthe“IGave50Cents”campaignwasawareofthisnewfoundationand
was holding the funds raised pending clarification of the wrongdoings alleged byDefendant
Evans.ThestorycanbeseeninExhibit22,Appendixpp.72-74whichisattachedheretoand
whichnotesthattwooftheallegationsmadebyDefendantEvansareuntrue,inparticularthat
theTexasAttorneyGeneralwasinvestigatingtheUSFHF.
30. Notcontenttoconfuseconsumersastotheoriginandsponsorshipofher“new”
yet “same” foundation, Defendant Evans interfered with the business relationships already
existing between the USFHF and one, or perhaps more, of its architects. As Exhibit 23,
Appendix pp. 75-78 which is attached hereto shows, one of the architects engaged by the
USFHF,NicolasCascarano,inanemailtothePresidentoftheUSFHFnotedthat“Ihavebeen
readingthefacebookpostingsbetweenthepeopleandtheUSFHF.Iwasalsocalledorcontacted
byTonyaEvanslastweek.Shedidnothad(sic)specificallegationsbutaccordingtoheryouor
thefallenheroesfoundationmember(sic)actedinappropriateormisusedfunds."
31. Inadditionas seen inExhibit24,Appendixpp.79-81whichis attachedhereto,
oneoftheoriginalarchitectsengagedbytheUSFHF,NormanSchwartz,isnowlistedonthe
websiteofthe“AmericanFallenWarriorMemorialFoundation”asthearchitectoftheplanned
memorial.TheemailexchangebetweenMr.SchwartzandthePresidentoftheUSFHFwhere
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Mr.Schwartzexpresseshisconcernthathecannot“ethically”havehisdesigninvolvedwiththe
USFHFisattachedheretoasExhibit25,Appendixpp.82-84.
32. OnoraboutMarch4,2011,DefendantEvansregisteredthedomain<afwmf.org>
throughthedomainregistrarGoDaddy.com.AcopyoftheWHOISreportfromGoDaddy.com
showing DefendantEvans as the registered name holder of thedomain is attachedhereto as
Exhibit26,Appendixpp85-87.
33. Despite theUSFHF’s extensiveuseof its marks “United StatesFallen Heroes
Foundation”and“IGave50Cents”,DefendantEvansregisteredthedomain<afwmf.org>using
theUSFHF’smarkswithoutauthorizationorconsent.Uponinformationandbelief,Defendant
EvansintendstousethedomainasthehomepagefortheAmericanFallenWarriorMemorial
Foundation and to conduct business operations she formed using the USFHF’s intellectual
property.
34. On or about March 3, 2011, Defendant Evans registered the domain
<wegave50cents.com> through the domain registrar GoDaddy.com. A copy of the WHOIS
report from GoDaddy.com showing Defendant Evans as the registered name holder of the
domainisattachedheretoasExhibit27,Appendixpp.88-90.
35. Despite theUSFHF’s extensiveuseof its marks “United StatesFallen Heroes
Foundation” and “I Gave 50 Cents”, Defendant Evans registered the domain
<wegave50cents.com> using the USFHF’s marks without authorization or consent. Upon
information and belief, Defendant Evans intends to use the domain as a fundraiser for the
businessoperationssheformedusingtheUSFHF’sintellectualproperty.
36. On or about March 5, 2011, Defendant Evans registered the domain
<igavemycoins.com>throughthedomainregistrarGoDaddy.com.AcopyoftheWHOISreport
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fromGoDaddy.comshowingDefendantEvansas the registerednameholderof thedomainis
attachedheretoasExhibit28,Appendixpp.91-93.
37. Despite theUSFHF’s extensiveuseof its marks “United StatesFallen Heroes
Foundation” and “I Gave 50 Cents”, Defendant Evans registered the domain
<igavemycoins.com> using the USFHF’s marks without authorization or consent. Upon
information and belief, Defendant Evans intends to use the domain as a fundraiser for the
businessoperationssheformedusingtheUSFHF’sintellectualproperty.
COUNTI
15U.S.C§1114--FEDERALTRADEMARKINFRINGEMENT
38. Paragraphs1-37areincorporatedhereinbyreferenceforthepurposeofproviding
theinitialfactualallegationsforthiscauseofaction.
39. On information and belief, Defendant Evans’ unauthorized use of the domain
names<afwmf.org>, <wegave50cents.com>, and <igavemycoins.com>whichdo not emanate
from,orareapprovedorsponsoredby,oraffiliatedwiththeUSFHF,arecalculatedtoandare
likelytodeceive,mislead,andconfuserelevantconsumers.Suchactionsconstitutetrademark
infringementinviolationofSection32oftheLanhamAct,15U.S.C.§1114.
40. As a proximate result of the acts of Defendant Evans as alleged herein, the
USFHF has suffered and will continue to suffer great damage to its business, goodwill,
reputation,andprofits.
41. TheUSFHFhasnoadequateremedyatlawfortheinfringementofitstrademark
as alleged herein. Unless Defendant Evans’ use of the domain <afwmf.org>,
<wegave50cents.com>,and<igavemycoins.com>arepermanentlyenjoinedbytheCourtandthe
infringingdomainnametransferredtotheUSFHF,theUSFHFwillcontinuetosufferirreparable
harm.
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COUNTII
15U.S.C§1125(a)–FEDERALUNFAIRCOMPETITION
42. Paragraphs1-41areincorporatedhereinbyreferenceforthepurposeofproviding
theinitialfactualallegationsforthiscauseofaction.
43. Uponinformationandbelief,Defendant’sunauthorized,misleading,andwillful
use of theUSFHFmarks “United States Fallen Heroes Foundation” and “I Gave 50 Cents”
and/ordesignationsordomainnameconfusinglysimilartheretoconstitutes:
(i) unfaircompetition/passingoff;
(ii) falsedesignationoforigin;
(iii) falseormisleadingdescriptionsorrepresentationsoffact;
(iv) trademarkinfringement;and
(v) falseadvertising
which is likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake or to deceive consumers as to an
affiliation,connection,orassociationbetweentheUSFHFandDefendantEvansandTaylorand,
as to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of Defendant Evans’ and Taylor’s website, in and
affectinginterstatecommerce,allinviolationofSection43(a)oftheLanhamAct,15U.S.C.§
1125(a).
44. AsaproximateresultoftheactsofDefendantEvansandTaylorasallegedherein,
theUSFHFhassufferedandwillcontinuetosuffergreatdamagetoitsbusiness,goodwill,and
reputation.
45. TheUSFHFhasnoadequateremedyatlawfortheinfringementofitstrademark
as alleged herein. UnlessDefendant Evans’ and Taylor’s use of the domains<afwmf.org>,
<wegave50cents.com>, and <igavemycoins.com> are permanently enjoined by the Court
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pursuant to15U.S.C.§ 1116 andthe infringingdomain name transferred to theUSFHF, the
USFHFwillcontinuetosufferirreparableharm.
COUNTIII
15U.S.C.§1125(d)(1)–ANTICYBERSQUATTINGPROTECTIONACT
46. Paragraphs1-45areincorporatedhereinbyreferenceforthepurposeofproviding
theinitialfactualallegationsforthiscauseofaction.
47. Without regard to the goods or services of the USFHF, Defendant Evans has
registered,traffickedin,andhasusedthedomainnames<afwmf.org>,<wegave50cents.com>,
and <igavemycoins.com>withabadfaithintentto profit from theUSFHFmark “IGave 50
Cents.”
48. TheUSFHF’smarks“UnitedStatesFallenHeroesFoundation” and“IGave50
Cents” are arbitraryand/orhighly distinctive andare strong asa resultof theUSFHF’s use
within the jurisdictional limits of this Court as well as the states of Georgia, Utah, Texas,
Montana, Wyoming, Tennessee, Colorado, Nevada, Missouri, Michigan, Virginia, Arizona,
Florida,California,Idaho,SouthCarolina,NewYork,Alabama,Wisconsin,Oklahoma,Kansas,
andIndianaaswellasthenationofCanada
49. SubsequenttotheUSFHF’sfirstuseoftheUSFHFmarks“UnitedStatesFallen
Heroes Foundation” and “I Gave 50 Cents” and the acquired distinctiveness of the USFHF
marks,DefendantEvanscreated,adopted,registered,andusedthedomainnames<afwmf.org>,
<wegave50cents.com>,and<igavemycoins.com>
50. SuchactionsconstitutecyperpiracyinviolationofSection43(d)oftheLanham
Act,asamended,15U.S.C.§1125(d).
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51. As a proximate result of the acts of Defendant Evans as alleged herein, the
USFHF has suffered and will continue to suffer great damage to its business, goodwill,
reputation,andprofits.
52. TheUSFHFhasnoadequateremedyatlawfortheinfringementofitstrademarks
as alleged herein. Unless Defendant Evans’ use of the domains <afwmf.org>,
<wegave50cents.com>, and <igavemycoins.com> are permanently enjoined by the Court
pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1116 and the infringing domain names transferred to the USFHF
pursuantto15U.S.C.§1125(d)(C),theUSFHFwillcontinuetosufferirreparableharm.
53.
Accordingly, the USFHF is entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive
relief, actual damages, statutory damages, and an order transferring the <afwmf.org>,
<wegave50cents.com>,and<igavemycoins.com>domainsfromDefendantEvansorherproxy
agent to the USFHF, andprohibitingDefendantEvansorher agents from usingany domain
nameincorporating,inanyway,theUSFHFmarks“UnitedStatesFallenHeroesFoundation”
and“IGave50Cents”orusinganydomainnameconfusinglysimilartotheUSFHFmarks.
COUNTIV
COMMONLAWTRADEMARKINFRINGEMENTANDUNFAIRCOMPETITION
54. Paragraphs1-53areincorporatedhereinbyreferenceforthepurposeofproviding
theinitialfactualallegationsforthiscauseofaction.
55. The unauthorized use of the <afwmf.org>, <wegave50cents.com>, and
<igavemycoins.com>domainsbyDefendantEvansconstitutescommonlawservicemarkand
unfaircompetition,inviolationofthecommonandstatutorylawofTexas.
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COUNTV
TEX.BUS.&COM.CODEANN.§16.29
56. Paragraphs1-55areincorporatedhereinbyreferenceforthepurposeofproviding
theinitialfactualallegationsforthiscauseofaction.
57. The unauthorized use of the <afwmf.org>, <wegave50cents.com>, and
<igavemycoins.com> domains as well as the continued operation of the American Fallen
WarriorMemorialFoundationbyDefendantEvansandDefendantTaylor inTexas,as setout
hereinabove, has injured, and, unless enjoined, is likely to continue to injure the USFHF’s
businessreputationandgoodwillandhasdilutedand,unlessenjoined,islikelytocontinueto
dilute,thedistinctivequalityoftheUSFHFmarks“UnitedStatesFallenHeroesFoundation”and
“IGave50Cents”by,interalia,blurringthedistinctivenessoftheUSFHFmarks.
58. PursuanttoTEX.BUS.&COM.CODEANN.§16.29,theUSFHFistherefore
entitled to have the Defendant Evans’ and Defendant Taylor’s unauthorized use enjoined to
preventfurtherinjurytotheUSFHF’sbusinessreputation,andgoodwill,andtopreventfurther
dilutionoftheUSFHFmarks.
COUNTVI
TORTIOUSINTERFERENCEWITHBUSINESSRELATIONSHIPS,BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES,ANDCONTRACTS
59. Paragraphs1-58areincorporatedhereinbyreferenceforthepurposeofproviding
theinitialfactualallegationsforthiscauseofaction.
60. Defendant Evans has tortiously interfered with the USFHF’s existing and
potentialprospectiveclientsbyvirtueofherdeliberateandwillfulactionstoinducearchitects
andotherstobreachtheirrespectivecontractswiththeUSFHFand
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61. In addition, the USFHF may lose prospective fundraising opportunities from
thosewhodealwithDefendantEvans,assumesheisaffiliatedwiththeUSFHF,andchoosedo
businesswithherbaseduponthaterroneousbelief.
62. Further, the manner in which Defendant Evans has acted indicates that these
actionsweredonewithmalice,suchthattheUSFHFisentitledtorecoverexemplarydamages
fromDefendantinaccordwiththelawsofthestateofTexas.
COUNTVII
BREACHOFCONTRACT
63. Paragraphs1-62areincorporatedhereinbyreferenceforthepurposeofproviding
theinitialfactualallegationsforthiscauseofaction.
64. The USFHF and Defendant Evans entered into a valid and enforceable oral
contractthatwasperformableinoneyear.Bythiscontract,thepartiesagreedthattheUSFHF
wouldengagetheservicesofDefendantEvansasExecutiveDirectorwiththeunderstandingthat
thepositionwouldbe at firston avolunteer basisand,whenfundswereavailable,Defendant
Evans’ positionwouldbecome a paid position. DefendantEvans agreed toact asExecutive
Director.
65. TheUSFHFfullyperformed its obligation under the contract andhad, in fact,
votedtomaketheExecutiveDirectorpositionapaidpositionandvotedDefendantEvansonthe
Boardof Directors asanexofficiomemberwhileDefendantEvanswasalreadyplanning the
theftoftheUSFHF’sintellectualproperty.
66. DefendantEvansbreached the contractbyusing the information, contacts, and
designs she obtained while acting as Executive Director to her own advantage. Further,
DefendantEvans’ actions inplanningtouseall of this informationwas inconsistentwithher
obligationsunderthecontractshehadwiththeUSFHFtoactasExecutiveDirector.
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67. DefendantEvans’breachwasmaterialinthattheUSFHFhadjustvotedtomake
EvansbothanexofficiomemberoftheBoardofDirectorsaswellastomakeherpositionas
ExecutiveDirectorapaidpositionthusdeprivingtheUSFHFofthebenefititsoughttoobtain
viathecontractwithDefendantEvans.
68. Defendant Evans’ breach caused injury to the USFHF, which resulted in the
followingdamages:
(i) Costofasubstitutereplacement;
(ii) Lossofbusinessopportunitywhileareplacementissought;and
(iii)
Costofdelayinperformance.
69. TheUSFHFseeks unliquidated damageswithin the jurisdictional limits of this
Court.
COUNTVIII
BREACHOFFIDUCIARYDUTY
70. Paragraphs1-69areincorporatedhereinbyreferenceforthepurposeofproviding
theinitialfactualallegationsforthiscauseofaction.
71. TheUSFHFhadafiduciaryrelationshipwithDefendantEvansinthatEvanswas
given authority to act on behalf of the USFHF as its Executive Director which required
Defendant Evans to, among other responsibilities, help develop a long term strategy for the
USFHF, toprovide leadership indevelopingprogramsaswell asorganizationalandfinancial
planswiththeBoardofDirectors,andtopromoteactiveandbroadparticipationbyvolunteersin
allareasoftheUSFHF’swork.
72. Inaddition,DefendantEvans’positionasExecutiveDirectorcarriedwithitthe
addedduties:
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(i) Nottousurpcorporateopportunitiesforpersonalgain;
(ii) UtmostgoodfaithinherrelationshipwiththeUSFHF;
(iii) Loyalty;and
(iv) Fulldisclosureofanypersonalinterestinthesubjectmattershenegotiated
onbehalfoftheUSFHF.
73. DefendantEvansbreachedthisfiduciarydutytotheUSFHFbyfailingtorefrain
fromself-dealingbyusingtheprivilegedinformationsheobtainedviahercloserelationshipwith
theBoardoftheUSFHFinplanning,developing,andcarryingouttheUSFHF’smission.In
addition, Defendant Evans’ actions to undermine the Board of the USFHF and to make
scurrilous unfounded allegations against both the Boardof the USFHF aswell as individual
membersoftheBoardexhibitadistinctlackofloyaltyaswellasalackofgoodfaith.
74. Defendant Evans’ breach of fiduciary duty benefited Defendant Evans in the
followingways:
(i) Aready-madeandfullyformedbusinessplan;
(ii) Fundraising contactswhocould beeasilyconfused thatEvanswasstill
actingonbehalfoftheUSFHF;and
(iii) ArchitectswithplansdrawnuponbehalfoftheUSFHF.
75. The USFHF’s injury resulted from Defendant Evans’ intentional act which
entitlestheUSFHFtoexemplarydamagesunderTexasCivilPracticesandRemediesCode§
41.003(a) in that Defendant Evans deliberately intended to gain an additional, unwarranted
benefit.
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COUNTIX
DEFAMATION
76. Paragraphs1-75areincorporatedhereinbyreferenceforthepurposeofproviding
theinitialfactualallegationsforthiscauseofaction.
77. Defendant Evans published a statement by oral and written communication
assertingthatboththeBoardoftheUSFHFaswellasatleastonememberoftheBoardwere
operatingoutsidethelawandthatfundshadbeenmisused.
78. DefendantEvanswrittenandoralstatementswerelibelperseasdefinedbyTexas
Civil Practices and Remedies Code § 73.001. Defendant Evans’ statement impeached the
honesty,integrity,virtue,orreputationofboththeUSFHFandindividualmembersoftheBoard
oftheUSFHF.
79. DefendantEvans’statementisfalseinthattheUSFHFactedinaccordwiththe
settlementnegotiatedwiththeTexasAttorneyGeneralandallfundsraisedandspentcaneasily
beaccountedforandwereinfurtheranceofthemissionoftheUSFHF.
80. DefendantEvans’falsestatementsinjuredtheUSFHF’sreputationandhasleadto
financialinjuryinthatcertainschoolswhoraisedfundsfortheUSFHFwhileDefendantEvans
wastheExecutiveDirectorhaverefusedtoturnthosefundsovertotheUSFHFandsomehave
indicatedtheymaygivethefundstoDefendantEvansandherneworganization.
81. The USFHF’s injury resulted from Defendant Evans’ malice and reckless
disregardforthetruthentitlestheUSFHFtoexemplarydamagesunderTexasCivilPracticesand
RemediesCode§41.003(a)inthatDefendantEvans,asExecutiveDirector,wasinapositionto
knowwhat actions theUSFHFwas taking and could have,atanytime,viewed the financial
recordsoftheUSFHF.
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COUNTX
COMMONLAWTORTOFPASSINGOFF
82. Paragraphs1-81areincorporatedhereinbyreferenceforthepurposeofproviding
theinitialfactualallegationsforthiscauseofaction.
83. TheactionsbyDefendantAFWMF,DefendantEvans,andDefendantTaylor,in
particular the creation of a new and competing Foundation which was presented as a mere
renamingandrestructuringoftheUSFHF,showthatthegoodwillownedbytheUSFHFisbeing
damagedbytheoperationsofalloftheDefendants.
V.
PRAYERFORRELIEF
TheUSFHFpraysthatthisCourt:
1. Enter judgment enjoining and restraining all Defendants and their respective
agents,servants,employees,representatives,andallotherpersons,firms,corporationsinactive
concert or participationwith them, fromoperating or opening anybusiness using any of the
USFHF’smarks.
2. Enter judgment enjoining and restraining all Defendants and their respective
agents,servants,employees,representatives,andallotherpersons,firms,corporationsinactive
concertorparticipationwiththem,fromregisteringanydomainidenticalorconfusingsimilarto
anyoftheUSFHF’smarks.
3. That Defendants be ordered to assign and transfer to theUSFHF thedomains
<afwmf.org>, <wegave50cents.com>, and <igavemycoins.com> and any and all other
registrationsforanydomaincontainingtheUSFHFmarks,oranyvariantthereof,oranynameor
markconfusinglysimilarthereto;
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4. Enter judgment granting the USFHF statutory damages of $100,000.00 per
domainnameforcybersquattingpursuantto15U.S.C.§1117(d);
5. Enterjudgmentdeeming this an exceptionalcasepursuant15U.S.C.§1117(a)
and (b) and that the USFHF recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs expended in
connectiontherewith;
6. EnterjudgmentinfavoroftheUSFHFandforactualandstatutorydamagesinan
amounttobedeterminedbytheCourt,andthatsuchdamagesbetrebledbecauseofthewillful
actsdescribedhereinindisregardoftheUSFHF’sknownrights;
7. That theUSFHFhavesuchother andfurther relief that this Courtdeemsjust,
equitable,andproper.
Respectfullysubmitted,
LAWOFFICEOFGARYTUCKER /s/GaryTucker_______________
GaryTucker StateBarNo.24047002
P.O.Box4291Dallas,Texas75208Telephone:[972]523-6158Telecopier:[214]666-3945
AttorneyforPlaintiff
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