Page 1 of 36

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 0:20-cv-61121

CODY THOMAS FITZPATRICK and 

CODY JOHN CROCKETT, on behalf of 

themselves and all others similarly situated, 

Plaintiffs, CLASS ACTION

v. JURY DEMAND

VITAL PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., 

d/b/a VPX SPORTS, 

Defendant.

____________________________________/

CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT

1. VPX manufactures, markets, and distributes, BANG energy drinks, a product that 

purportedly affords consumers with a wide swath of benefits–such as increased testosterone levels, 

prophylaxis from “all forms of dementia,” but most explicitly, the pharmacological benefits of 

creatine–of which VPX contributes to BANG’s seminal ingredient: SUPER CREATINE.

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 1 of 36
Page 2 of 36

2. The “SUPER CREATINE” contained in all BANG energy drinks, the “SUPER 

CREATINE” predominantly emblazoned on the face of all BANG energy drinks, the “SUPER 

CREATINE” that VPX lists as the leading ingredient behind BANG’s elevation from “life-sucking 

soda masquerading as an energy drink” to “potent brain & body rocking fuel,” the “SUPER 

CREATINE” that VPX markets as the “brainchild” of Jack Owoc,

1

and most seriously, the 

“SUPER CREATINE” that VPX has deceived millions of consumers into believing was creatine:

IS NOT CREATINE. 

Excerpt from the “Lemon Drop” BANG 

energy drink container depicted on the left

3. Contrary to VPX’s aggressive marketing and portrayal of the product, BANG

1

Jack Owoc, the self-accredited “number one product formulator in the world in the dietary 

supplement industry,” is VPX’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Science Officer (CSO).

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 2 of 36
Page 3 of 36

energy drinks do not afford consumers with the miraculous benefits VPX touts, as what VPX 

deceptively portrays as “SUPER CREATINE” is not creatine, nor does it afford consumers with 

any of the documented, metabolic benefits of creatine.

4. The compound that VPX advertises as “Super Creatine” is actually a covalently 

bonded creatine dipeptide, creatinyl-l-leucine,

2

and not a bioavailable form of creatine. VPX 

deceptively takes advantage of the fact that consumers, upon seeing or hearing the name “Super 

Creatine,” are misled to believe that “Super Creatine” has the same function and benefit of creatine 

in the body, i.e., that Super Creatine is a source of creatine.

Excerpt of the ingredients listed on the 

“Lemon Drop” BANG energy drink shown

to the left

5. By labeling Creatinyl-l-leucine (which is not creatine) as Super Creatine, and 

advertising the benefits of creatine, VPX fraudulently seeks to capitalize on the well-established 

2 The term “creatyl” listed on BANG energy drinks is incorrect terminology. The correct term is 

“creatinyl.” For simplicity, however, the terms will be used interchangeably 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 3 of 36
Page 4 of 36

market for creatine and the public’s knowledge regarding the ergogenic benefits of creatine. As 

explained in greater detail below, Super Creatine is not creatine and, contrary to VPX’s false 

statements, Super Creatine does not form creatine when ingested. 

6. And so, Plaintiffs, Cody Thomas Fitzpatrick and Cody John Crockett, individually 

and on behalf of all those similarly situated, sue Defendant Vital Pharmaceuticals, Inc., d/b/a VPX 

Sports (“VPX”), for violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Unjust 

Enrichment, Breach of Express Warranty, and Breach of Implied Warranty of Merchantability.

PARTIES

7. Plaintiff Cody Thomas Fitzpatrick is a natural person and at all relevant times a 

resident and citizen of Broward County, Florida. 

8. Plaintiff Cody John Crockett is a natural person and at all relevant times a resident

and citizen of Broward County, Florida.

9. Defendant VPX is a Florida profit corporation organized and existing under the 

laws of the state of Florida, and headquartered at 1600 North Park Drive, Weston, Florida 33326. 

As such, Defendant VPX is a citizen of Florida. Defendant VPX manufactures, advertises,

markets, distributes, and/or sells BANG energy drinks, along with BANG MASTER BLASTER, 

the powered form of BANG energy drinks, to hundreds of thousands of consumers in Florida and 

throughout the United States. VPX may be served with process by serving its registered agent, 

Corporate Creations Network Inc., at 801 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, Florida 33408.

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

10. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this action pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 

1332(d)(2)(A) because this is an action for a sum exceeding $5,000,000.00, exclusive of interest 

and costs, and in which at least one class member is a citizen of a state different than VPX. 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 4 of 36
Page 5 of 36

11. This Court has personal jurisdiction over VPX because VPX is a Florida profit 

corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of Florida, and is authorized to do 

business and is conducting business throughout the United States, including in Florida. 

12. Venue is proper in this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391 because many of the 

acts and transactions giving rise to this action occurred in this District and VPX is authorized to 

conduct business in this District, has intentionally availed itself of the laws and markets within this 

District through the promotion, marketing, distribution and sale of the VPX products in this 

District, and is subject to personal jurisdiction in this District.

FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS

13. VPX sells dietary supplements to consumers over the internet, including consumers 

in Florida. VPX’s products are also sold at brick-and-mortar stores across the United States, 

including in Florida.

14. VPX’s website identifies BANG energy drinks as one of the company’s “best 

sellers.” BANG energy drinks are sold at retail stores such as 7-Eleven, gas stations, and other 

specialty stores throughout the United States, including Florida. While BANG energy drinks are 

sold in aluminum cans, like soft drinks, VPX also sells BANG MASTER BLASTER, a powered 

dietary supplement.

15. VPX has waged a nationwide advertising and marketing campaign that falsely 

promotes the health benefits of BANG. As an example of the miraculous, albeit false, benefits of 

consuming BANG, VPX has claimed BANG can increase testosterone, and that BANG helps with 

“all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and other forms of 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 5 of 36
Page 6 of 36

dementia.”3 VPX’s advertising and marketing makes clear, BANG separates itself from other 

products by touting the benefits of what it calls “Super Creatine.” 

16. In VPX’s advertisements, VPX has repeatedly touted Super Creatine as “world’s 

most bioavailable creatine.” Super Creatine, however, is not creatine.

17. There is zero scientific evidence establishing the effectiveness of VPX’s Super 

Creatine in humans, and nothing in the limited studies on rodents shows that Super Creatine is 

proven to do anything to increase performance in humans, or even mice. 

18. VPX claims that its Super Creatine is the most soluble form of creatine and, 

therefore, the most bioavailable creatine available. This statement is false for three reasons. 

19. First, Super Creatine is less soluble than both creatine hydrochloride and creatine 

monohydrate. 

20. Second, a compound is not more bioavailable merely because it more soluble,

especially if the compound is already 100% dissolved in water. At the 40mg amounts of Super 

Creatine VPX uses in BANG, creatine monohydrate would be 100% dissolved both in water and 

in the stomach. 

21. Third, and most critically, Super Creatine is not creatine, much less the “most 

bioavailable” form of creatine. 

22. The chart(s), as identified below, published in VPX’s advertising is purposefully 

misleading as it represents dissolution rate (in a highly acidic non-existent in the human body 

media) not solubility rate. 

3

See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hYcTX9jYr0. Note, this video was a public video until 

approximately Spring 2019, at which point, instead of being removed or deleted, the video was 

relabeled as private and remains in existence online. 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 6 of 36
Page 7 of 36

SUPER CREATINE IS NOT CREATINE AND 

IT DOES NOT BECOME CREATINE WHEN CONSUMED

23. There are several popular forms of creatine for use in dietary supplements, some of 

the most popular are: (1) creatine monohydrate, (2) creatine hydrochloride, and (3) creatine nitrate. 

24. While each of the commonly sold forms of creatine are unique, each is a source of 

creatine that can be utilized by the body to produce creatine phosphate when consumed. Creatine 

phosphate plays a critical role in cellular energy production and it is involved in the formation of 

adenosine triphosphate, which is a source of cellular energy. 

25. Super Creatine is advertised as the marquee ingredient in BANG. The phrase Super 

Creatine is emblazoned at the top of every single BANG energy drink VPX sells. In fact, BANG 

energy drinks explicit invite consumers to “Power up with BANG’s potent brain & body-rocking 

fuel,” and identifies “Creatine” as the leading component.

26. Make no mistake, despite the plainly deceptive and misleading name, SUPER 

CREATINE is not creatine, and BANG energy drinks do not contain creatine.

27. VPX falsely claims on its website and in its advertising that Super Creatine “is the 

world’s only water-stable creatine.” This is false.

28. On its website, VPX also claims that Super Creatine is somehow more effective 

than creatine monohydrate. VPX further represents that Super Creatine is “much more bioavailable 

than regular creatine.” VPX also claims that Super Creatine can “beef up your muscles and your 

brain.” All of these claims are false. 

29. Touting the benefits of its Super Creatine, VPX’s website includes a video titled, 

“How Does Creatine Work?” In that video, VPX’s owner, Jack Owoc states: 

The future of creatine . . . is going to be more about the brain than 

the body. As you age, you have creatine transport deficiency 

syndrome where creatine does not cross the bloodbrain barrier as 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 7 of 36
Page 8 of 36

well as it does when you are younger. Because of this, as you age, 

you become mentally retarded . . . every day that goes by, you are 

becoming more and more mentally retarded . . . now we have great 

news though, we can possibly reverse that with these new creatine 

peptides that I’ve patented. They’re miraculous because peptides 

can cross the blood-brain barrier better than creatine alone. In fact, 

creatine alone is very poor at crossing the blood-brain barrier . . . If 

you have a creatine peptide . . . you can solve creatine transport 

deficiency syndrome, you can solve mental retardation as we age ... 

Bang Energy drinks, yes, it says Super Creatine across the top. Super 

Creatine does refer to the patent creatine amino acid peptide and it 

is in Super Creatine. That’s why we call Bang, ‘Potent Brain and 

Body Fuel.’ So it’s in the drink, the Bang drink, the. Bang beverage, 

which is coming out in a caffeine-free version very soon.4

30. VPX, through Owoc, goes on to claim that research shows that creatine peptides 

like Super Creatine can cross the blood brain barrier “twenty times more efficiently than regular 

creatine,” and also helps with “all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, 

Huntington’s, and other forms of dementia.” As a result, Owoc encourages viewers to consume 

BANG energy drinks to get Super Creatine.

31. By labeling Creatinyl-l-leucine (which is not creatine) as Super Creatine, and 

advertising the benefits of creatine, VPX fraudulently seeks to capitalize on the well-established 

market for creatine and the public’s knowledge regarding the ergogenic benefits of creatine. 

32. As explained below, Super Creatine is NOT creatine and, contrary to VPX’s false 

statements, Super Creatine does not form creatine when ingested. 

33. The compound that VPX advertises as Super Creatine is actually a covalently 

bonded creatine dipeptide, not a bioavailable form of creatine. VPX deceptively takes advantage 

of the fact that consumers, upon seeing or hearing the name Super Creatine, are led to believe that 

4

See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hYcTX9jYr0. Note, this video was a public video until 

approximately Spring 2019, at which point, instead of being removed or deleted, the video was 

relabeled as private and remains in existence online.

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 8 of 36
Page 9 of 36

Super Creatine has the same function and benefit of creatine in the body, i.e., that Super Creatine 

is a source of creatine.

34. The Super Creatine dipeptide (creatinyl-l-leucine or creatinyl-l-glutamine) is not

creatine. In advertising regarding Super Creatine, VPX describes the creatinyl-l-luecine dipeptide 

as “di-peptides [that] can be hydrolyzed to release creatine and amino acids in the body once they 

have been consumed.” VPX further explains, “Chemically, these creatine di-peptides have an 

amide bond, which is very stable in normal conditions. However, when these di-peptides are 

ingested, the gastric fluids in the stomach (which are highly acidic with pH levels between 1.5 to 

3.5) can break down the amide bond, and then the free creatine and amino acid are released.”

35. In laymen’s terms, VPX claims that when Creatinyl-l-leucine dipeptide is 

consumed, stomach acid will break the bond between the creatine and l-leucine, thereby releasing 

creatine (and leucine) into the stomach which is then absorbed by the body just like regular creatine 

(and amino acid) would be. But this is not what happens when consumers ingest Creatinyl-lleucine dipeptide. 

36. The data included in VPX’s own patent and the results of a study that VPX recently 

commissioned on creatinyl-l-leucine in rodents proves that VPX knows this, and that VPX is 

blatantly and intentionally lying to consumers.

37. Paragraph 25 of VPX’s own patent includes testing data which shows that the Super 

Creatine dipeptides such as creatinyl-l-glutamine and creatinyl-l-leucine are stable and do not 

breakdown in pH of 3.3. 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 9 of 36
Page 10 of 36

38. In the chart below ¶ 26 of VPX’s patent, under “neutral formulation” which covers 

a pH range of 7.0-8.0, creatinyl-lglutamine also breaks down into creatinine (not creatine) at this 

pH range (this range covers the pH found in plasma, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid).

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 10 of 36
Page 11 of 36

39. Accordingly, it is reasonable to conclude that even if after the dipeptides are 

absorbed (mostly intact) by the G.I. tract, whatever small portion of them breaks down will be 

broken into the parent amino-acid and creatinine, NOT creatine. Such conversion of course would 

be minimal at best as both VPX’s testing and that performed by Dr. Burov show the compounds 

would be more than 99% stable in the few hours they would spend in the body after ingestion. 

40. Furthermore, simple testing data has shown that pH 3.3 is within the pH range of 

the BANG energy drink. In other words, Super Creatine (creatinyl-l-glutamine and/or creatinyl-lleucine) will remain stable, and not break down inside a can of BANG because the pH of 3.3 inside 

the can maintains a stable environment for the so-called Super Creatine compound. 

41. Also, a pH of 3.3 (the same pH that VPX says Super Creatine is stable at) is 

consistent with the typical pH of the human stomach, which averages about 1.5 to 3.5 pH, (a fact 

admitted by VPX in VPX’s advertising).

42. Therefore, the Super Creatine dipeptides such as creatinyl-l-leucine and creatinyll-glutamine are stable and will not break down in the stomach (or in response to stomach acids). 

43. Because Super Creatine is stable and will not break down in stomach acid, Super 

Creatine will not break down into its parent compounds (creatine and leucine) when ingested. 

Simply put, Super Creatine does NOT break down to creatine when ingested. 

44. Yet contrary to these facts, which are well known to VPX, VPX has repeatedly and 

intentionally lied to consumers claiming that the Super Creatine dipeptides, such as creatinyl-lleucine and creatinyl-l-glutamine break down into their parent compounds (creatine and leucine, 

or creatine and glutamine) and provide the benefits of creatine and the parent amino acid (leucine 

or glutamine) to consumers who are tricked into purchasing BANG drinks.

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 11 of 36
Page 12 of 36

45. To sum up, VPX has knowingly falsely advertised its BANG products by claiming 

that creatinyl-l-leucine and creatinyl-l-glutamine are highly bioavailable sources of creatine that 

will provide the benefits of creatine. This is untrue. As all data suggests, the compounds either 

remain un-metabolized as a dipeptide that cannot be utilized as (or perform the function of) 

creatine in the body, or, as VPX’s own testing shows, Super Creatine will break down into 

creatinine NOT creatine. 

46. Simply because a molecule contains a nutrient such as an amino acid in its chemical 

formula does not mean that the molecule is a source of said nutrient—unless the molecule can be 

metabolized to the nutrient. The following analogy is helpful, using VPX’s logic one would 

assume that N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine, commonly known as glyphosate (which is the active 

compound in the herbicide Roundup) is a source of glycine. This is of course untrue, just like 

saying creatinyl-l-leucine (Super Creatine) is a source of creatine is also untrue. 

47. An example of VPX’s willfully false advertising, in the Natural Muscle Magazine, 

dated May 2013, VPX advertised its Super Creatine as follows: “However when these di-peptides 

are ingested the gastric fluids in the stomach (which are highly acidic with ph levels between 1.5 

and 3.5) can break down the amide bonds and then the free creatine and amino acid are released.”

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 12 of 36
Page 13 of 36

48. As described above, VPX knows stomach acids will not break down Super Creatine 

dipeptides in the same pH as found in the stomach, yet they continue to blatantly lie to consumers 

and say the opposite of what they know to be true.

49. The same lies about the purported breakdown of the Super Creatine dipeptides into 

their parent compounds (which falsely indicates that Super Creatine is actually a source of creatine) 

can be seen in many other marketing materials, including VPX’s own website.

5

50. In addition to the stability evidence presented above which was performed on the 

Super Creatine dipeptide, Creatinyl-l-glutamine (the original compound in the BANG drinks), 

VPX has recently admitted that they have known the same to be true for the Super Creatine 

dipeptide, Creatinyl-l-leucine (the compound currently in BANG drinks).

51. In a desperate attempt to overcome the Patent Office’s rejection and cancelation of 

all Jack Owoc’s patent claims to Super Creatine dipeptides, Owoc and VPX have publicly 

disclosed stability testing that they did on Creatinyl-l-leucine.

52. The chart produced by VPX clearly shows that the Super Creatine dipeptide, 

creatinyl-lleucine is stable at a pH of 3.1 (a pH environment well within the range of an average 

5

 https://web.archive.org/web/20140625084330/http:/vpxsports.com/muscle-buildingsupplements/cremtor (last visited on May 27, 2020).

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 13 of 36
Page 14 of 36

human stomach), thus contrary to VPX’s lies, Super Creatine dipeptides will remain stable in the 

stomach and not break down to a source of creatine.

53. Adding to the proof that VPX knows its advertising statements are false and that 

VPX is intentionally lying to consumers, VPX has repeatedly claimed during the reexamination 

proceedings at the USPTO that the Super Creatine dipeptides in question (creatinyl-leucine and 

creatinyl-l-glutamine) become more stable at a lower pH, as would typically be found in the 

stomachs of consumers who purchase and consume BANG expecting the benefits of creatine. 

54. Furthermore, in addition to the stability testing discussed above, which was done

in vitro (i.e. in a test tube), VPX also recently made public toxicology testing done on Super 

Creatine in rodents. 

55. Because Super Creatine is a synthetic compound that has not been consumed by 

humans previously, in order to use Super Creatine in a Dietary Supplement or in food VPX needed 

to establish that this ingredient was safe for human consumption.

56. To do this VPX paid for a toxicological assessment in mice to try and establish 

safety data for Super Creatine: “A toxicological assessment of creatyl-lleucine” Reddeman et al. 

2018 (“Reddeman Study”). 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 14 of 36
Page 15 of 36

57. The Reddeman Study notes that the authors of the toxicology assessment obtained 

data directly from VPX’s President Owoc. The authors refer to this data as: “An unpublished 

simulated gastric digestion study on creatyl-L-glutamine [which] indicated that only 27% of the 

compound was hydrolyzed;” The “unpublished data” is cited as: “Owoc J, Li L. Effect of pepsin 

on creatyl L-glutamine (CLG). 2014. 4. Unpublished data.”

58. Accordingly, by VPX’s own admission, it has possessed simulated gastric digestion 

data for Super Creatine since 2014. Directly contrary to VPX’s advertising claims about Super 

Creatine breaking down to its parent compounds in the stomach, VPX’s own data shows that the 

Super Creatine dipeptide, creatinyl-l-glutamine, breaks down very poorly during digestion. The 

information disclosed by the authors of the study is directly the opposite of what Jack Owoc and 

VPX advertise to consumers. No wonder VPX kept this data secret.

59. Shockingly, the results of the Reddman Study are even more damming to VPX than 

VPX’s own previously undisclosed stability testing and its unpublished digestion data. The 

Reddman Study confirms that when Super Creatine does break down, it breaks down into 

creatinine NOT creatine.

60. As the Reddeman Study notes, in rodents fed creatinyl-l-leucine: “Creatinine was 

statistically significantly increased compared to controls in the mid- and high-dose groups, and in 

the female high-dose group, the related parameter, urea, was statistically significantly increased 

without a clear dose relationship.” The Reddeman Study also explains, “[i]t is unknown whether 

CLL [creatinyl-l-leucine] is digested to creatine in the digestive tract or absorbed and metabolized 

to creatine in vivo, and if so, to what extent.”

61. Accordingly, scientists commissioned by VPX found that administering creatininel-leucine in mice increases creatinine, NOT creatine. The scientists specifically noted that it is 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 15 of 36
Page 16 of 36

currently unknown whether creatinyl-l-leucine converts to creatine in mice, and there is zero data 

on the effect in the human body, despite VPX’s many false marketing claims that assure consumers 

the opposite. 

62. This is not surprising since all of the stability data produced by VPX so far shows 

that when Super Creatine does break down the result is creatinine, NOT creatine. As shown in the 

data below, taken directly from VPX’s patent, VPX knows that when Super Creatine does break 

down it breaks down to creatinine, NOT creatine:

63. Unlike creatine, creatinine does not increase athletic performance. In fact, VPX’s 

own website describes creatinine as “a useless substance ... which taxes the kidneys and has none 

of the benefits of creatine.”6

6

https://sv.luckyvitamin.com/p-649683-vpx-cremtor-creatyl-l-leucine-peptidewatermelon-8-04-

oz (last visited on May 27, 2020).

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 16 of 36
Page 17 of 36

64. The named inventor on the RU ‘645 Patent is Sergey Burov. Dr. Burov discussed 

creatinyl-l-leucine at length in his paper, titled: “Creatinyl amino acids—new hybrid compounds 

with neuroprotective activity.” Dr. Burov’s paper states that when the dipeptide bond is severed, 

the resulting compound is creatinine, NOT creatine. 

65. In fact, Dr. Burov’s paper even includes a diagram showing the suggested 

mechanism how the compound degrades to creatinine, NOT creatine:

66. VPX is very well familiar Dr. Burov’s work and this article. In fact, in a prior 

advertisement Owoc and VPX plagiarized Dr. Burov’s work, lifting wholesale sections of this 

work without attribution.

67. In sum, VPX’s Super Creatine is NOT creatine. It is creatinyl-l-leucine or creatinyll-glutamine that when ingested does not break down into creatine as the resulting compound when 

it breaks down is creatinine, NOT creatine. As VPX’s own advertising admits, creatinine is “a 

useless substance” that is potentially harmful. By labeling Super Creatine as a creatine and touting 

the benefits of creatine when advertising its BANG products, VPX has willfully and intentionally 

misled consumers into believing that BANG provides the health and ergogenic benefits of creatine, 

when it does not. 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 17 of 36
Page 18 of 36

THERE IS NO SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT

VPX’S GRANDIOSE CLAIM REGARDING THE BENEFITS OF BANG.

68. VPX has advertised that creatine-peptides like Super Creatine can cross the blood 

brain barrier “twenty times more efficiently than regular creatine,” and this helps with “all forms 

of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and other forms of dementia.”

69. VPX has also claimed that its Super Creatine can stop “mental retardation.”

70. On information and belief, BANG contains less than 40 milligrams of the purported

“Super Creatine.”

71. With respect to actual creatine, 40 milligrams is approximately 100 times less than 

the minimum effective dose of creatine necessary to have any potential effect. For this reason 

alone, even if Super Creatine was a source of creatine (which it is not), VPX’s marketing on the 

benefits of Super Creatine would all be completely false and misleading. It is not scientifically 

possible that the 40 milligram dose of Super Creatine included in the BANG energy drinks will 

aid in athletic performance in the way properly dosed creatine does, much less that the Super

Creatine will have the fantastical medicinal effects touted by VPX in its advertising.

72. Moreover, there is simply no testing on the effects of VPX’s Super Creatine 

dipeptides in humans. The clinical testing that VPX relies on to support its fantastical claims are 

all clinical tests conducted on the world’s most popular ergogenic Dietary Supplement Ingredient: 

creatine. As explained above, Super Creatine is not actually creatine and it does not break down 

into creatine when consumed. For this reason, none of VPX’s advertising claims are supportable. 

73. The effects of Super Creatine in humans are currently unknown. The only existing 

study regarding the neuroprotective efficiency of Super Creatine (which was on mice and rats) is 

discussed above. This study was conducted by the inventor of Super Creatine, Dr. Burov. Dr. 

Burov found Super Creatine dipeptides to be effective at 100- 500mg/kg dose in rodents (mice and 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 18 of 36
Page 19 of 36

rats). In humans, to create the same dose that produced this effect, VPX would need to include 

tens to hundreds of times more than the 40mg of Super Creatine allegedly included in BANG 

energy drink. 

74. Plus, many compounds that are effective in animal testing do not have the same 

effect in humans. To date there is no clinical data to prove any effect of Super Creatine in humans; 

accordingly, any claims by Jack Owoc and/or VPX as to the effect of Super Creatine in humans 

are lies made up by Owoc and/or VPX to trick consumers who seek to obtain the benefits of 

creatine and amino acids.

75. In sum, VPX’s Super Creatine is NOT creatine. Accordingly, none of the clinical 

testing on creatine that VPX relies on to support is fantastical advertising claims is actually 

relevant. There is simply no study showing that Super Creatine administered alone has any effect 

on humans, much less that it has the potential to cure some of the world’s most serious diseases. 

Moreover, even if Super Creatine has some medicinal effects, BANG is severely under-dosed. For 

this reason, as well, VPX’s intentionally false comparative advertising unquestionably misleads 

consumers; for this reason, VPX’s ill-gotten gains, earned on lies, must be disgorged. 

SUPER CREATINE IS NOT A MORE SOLUBLE FORM OF CREATINE

76. VPX’s has also falsely claimed that Super Creatine is more soluble than other forms 

of creatine.

77. In an advertorial that appears on muscleandfitness.com, VPX stated the following: 

“Special Note: Creatine and leucine have horrible solubility. What’s super cool is that the patented 

Creatyl-L-Leucine Super Creatine peptide is one of the most soluble of all creatines and it dissolves 

in just seconds when you stir it into water and even faster in stomach acid!” 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 19 of 36
Page 20 of 36

78. Another example of VPX’s false advertising, VPX tries to confuse the public by 

claiming dissolution rate (i.e., the time solid a compound takes to be completely dissolved in a 

solution, measured in time units, such as seconds) is the same as solubility (i.e., the maximum 

amount of a compound that can be dissolved in a solution, of which is measured in mg/l). 

79. Again, VPX makes false marketing claims trying to mislead its customers. VPX’s 

“dissolves faster” claim does not equate to the fact that the compounds are more water soluble, 

merely that they dissolve faster in an acidic medium of pH 1.2. It is well known that acidic salts, 

like creatine nitrate, dissolve slower in acidic mediums. VPX falsely misrepresents the dissolution 

data to mean that its “new Super Creatines” will be more soluble and therefore more bioavailable 

with no data to support it. 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 20 of 36
Page 21 of 36

80. VPX has knowingly misbranded BANG products by claiming that creatinyl-lleucine and creatinyl-l-glutamine are highly bioavailable sources of creatine that will provide the 

benefits of creatine. This is untrue. 

81. As all data suggests, the Super Creatine compounds either remain un-metabolized 

as a dipeptide that cannot be utilized as or perform the function of creatine in the body, or as VPX’s 

own testing shows, Super Creatine will break down into creatinine not creatine. 

82. VPX has intentionally and willfully misled consumers to purchase BANG. For this 

reason, as well, VPX’s intentionally false comparative advertising unquestionably misleads 

consumers; for this reason, VPX’s ill-gotten gains must be disgorged.

SUPER CREATINE IS NOT A NATURAL INGREDIENT.

83. In addition to the false advertising statements identified above, VPX also falsely 

claims that BANG “contains no artificial ingredients.”

84. Consumers of Dietary Supplements value natural ingredients. There is a widely 

held belief that natural ingredients are better for you than artificial ingredients and that natural 

ingredients are safer. 

85. Directly contrary to VPX’s claim, its Super Creatine, creatinyl-l-leucine, is not 

natural: this is a synthetic ingredient made in a lab. 

86. To be clear, creatinyl-l-leucine is not found anywhere in nature. The compound did 

not exist until it was invented by Dr. Burov. 

87. In addition to synthetic Super Creatine, BANG also contains sucralose (an artificial 

sweetener) and several artificial flavors. 

88. Nonetheless, VPX willfully and intentionally falsely advertises that its BANG 

product “contains no artificial ingredients.”

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 21 of 36
Page 22 of 36

89. VPX has knowingly falsely advertised creatinyl-l-leucine and creatinyl-l-glutamine 

as natural (not containing artificial ingredients). This is not true. VPX has intentionally and 

willfully misled consumers to purchase BANG. For this reason, as well as VPX’s intentionally 

false advertising, unquestionably misleads consumers, VPX’s ill-gotten gains, earned on lies, must 

be disgorged.

ALLEGATIONS SPECIFIC TO CODY THOMAS FITZPATRICK

90. Mr. Fitzpatrick has long been a fitness enthusiast. While in college, Mr. Fitzpatrick 

maintained a strict diet wherein he regulated the amount of protein and creatine he ingested.

Representatives for VPX showed up on the campus of the university of Florida and handed out 

free samples of Bang. VPX then began a heavy marketing campaign at UF and other universities.

91. Mr. Fitzpatrick was intrigued by the claims made by the Bang representatives and 

began regularly drinking Bang in lieu of the powdered creatine he was taking. Mr. Fitzpatrick’s 

favorite Bang flavors are Purple Haze, Blue Razz, and Cherry Blade Lemonade.

92. Mr. Fitzpatrick switched to Bang over Monster Energy Drink and Red Bull due to 

Bang’s creatine claims. 

93. If Mr. Fitzpatrick had known that Bang’s claims were false—he would not have 

continued purchasing the product. 

ALLEGATIONS SPECIFIC TO CODY JOHN CROCKETT

94. In Spring of 2017, Mr. Crockett began working at “That’s-A-Wrap,” a restaurant 

with two locations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

95. Although “That’s-A-Wrap” primarily sells fresh, made-to-order sandwiches and 

salads, it also sells bottled and/or canned drinks, of which includes “Monster” energy drinks, “Red 

Bull” energy drinks, and beginning in the Spring of 2018, BANG energy drinks. 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 22 of 36
Page 23 of 36

96. As an employee of “That’s-A-Wrap,” Mr. Crockett receives a discount on the food 

and drinks sold at the restaurant, of which included canned energy drinks. When “That’s-A-Wrap” 

began carrying the BANG energy drink line in 2018, Mr. Crockett compared a container of BANG 

to the containers of “Monster” and “Red Bull.” Mr. Crockett observed that BANG stood out from 

both the Monster and Red Bull, as neither of these drinks contained creatine, whereas BANG – in 

bold lettering around the top of the can, as well as in the description of the drink listed on the can 

– claimed to contain “Super Creatine.” Based on this comparison, as well as Mr. Crockett’s 

familiarity with the benefits associated with creatine, Mr. Crockett concluded that the BANG line 

of energy drinks were superior to that of “Red Bull” or “Monster” because only BANG contained 

super creatine. Thereafter, as often as three times a day, Mr. Crockett would purchase a BANG 

energy drink instead of – what he had typically purchased up to that point – Monster or Red Bull.

97. In simplest terms, because he believed BANG energy drinks to contain creatine, 

Mr. Crockett purchased BANG instead of Monster or Red Bull on a near daily basis. Although 

Mr. Crockett did not exclusively choose BANG over other energy drinks, it was the creatine claims 

plastered on the container of each and every can of BANG which caused Mr. Crockett to 

predominantly choose BANG energy drinks over all others. Had Mr. Crockett known that BANG 

did not contain creatine, Mr. Crockett would not have purchased BANG over his other options. 

CLASS ALLEGATIONS

98. As detailed below in the individual counts, Plaintiffs bring this lawsuit on behalf of 

themselves and all others similarly situated, pursuant to Rule 23(a), (b)(2) and (b)(3), and (c)(4) of 

the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

CLASS DEFINITIONS

99. Plaintiffs seek to represent the following 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 23 of 36
Page 24 of 36

Nationwide Class: All persons in the United States who purchased Bang

within four years preceding the filing of this Complaint.

Or, in the alternative,

Florida Subclass: All persons in Florida who purchased Bang within four 

years preceding the filing of this Complaint.

100. Together, the National Class and the Florida Subclass shall be collectively referred 

to herein as the “Class.” Excluded from the above Classes are VPX and its officers, directors, 

affiliates, legal representatives, and employees, any governmental entities, any judge, justice, or 

judicial officer presiding over this matter and the members of their immediate families and judicial 

staff, and those who purchased BANG for resale

101. Plaintiffs reserve the right to modify or amend the definition of the proposed Class 

before or after the Court determines whether such certification is appropriate as discovery 

progresses.

NUMEROSITY

102. The Class is comprised of thousands of consumers throughout the United States 

and state of Florida. The Class is so numerous that joinder of all members of the Class is 

impracticable. While the precise number of class members is currently unknown to Plaintiffs, the

evidence will show that VPX has sold, either directly or through third party retailers, well over 

1,000,000 cans of BANG within the state of Florida alone.

103. Moreover, it is administratively feasible to ascertain class members by reference to 

objective criteria: consumers who purchased BANG during specified time periods. There are no 

subjective issues such that determining class membership would require a “minitrial” on the merits 

of each class member’s claim

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 24 of 36
Page 25 of 36

104. The evidence will show that VPX maintains records that will be useful in 

identifying Class Members. Further, VPX has a process for collecting consumer testimonials, 

through which they collect consumer’s contact information for follow up, and therefore likely has 

contact information for consumers who have not purchased BANG directly through VPX. 

105. Moreover, the evidence will show that self-identification of class members will be 

a manageable process because every can of BANG was sold with the same ineffective and 

worthless apoaequorin and was packaged with identical, uniform misrepresentations on the labels. 

Class members will be able to self-identify through proof of purchase (such as receipts, credit card 

statements, or possession of the actual bottle(s) of BANG purchased) or through affidavit.

106. Additionally, the evidence will show that third-party retailers who sell BANG 

possess significant information sufficient to identify purchasers of BANG, which can identify class 

members and be used to cross-reference and substantiate self-identifying affidavits to confirm 

class membership.

COMMONALITY / PREDOMINANCE

107. This action involves common questions of law and fact, which predominate over 

any questions affecting individual class members. These common legal and factual questions 

include, but are not limited to, the following: [1] whether the claims discussed above are true, or 

are misleading, or objectively reasonably likely to deceive; [2] whether the alleged conduct 

constitutes violations of the FDUTPA; [3] whether VPX engaged in false or misleading 

advertising; [4] whether VPX has been unjustly enriched at the expense of Plaintiffs and the Class 

members as a result of VPX’s false and misleading representations; [5] whether Plaintiffs and 

Class members have sustained monetary loss and the proper measure of that loss; and [6] whether 

Plaintiffs and Class members are entitled to other appropriate remedies, including a declaration.

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 25 of 36
Page 26 of 36

TYPICALITY

108. Plaintiffs’ claims are typical of the claims of the members of the Class because, 

inter alia, all Class members were injured through the uniform misconduct described above, were 

subject to VPX’s deceptive statements, including that BANG helps with “all forms of dementia, 

including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and other forms of dementia,” and can increase 

testosterone. Plaintiffs are advancing the same claims and legal theories on behalf of themselves 

and all Class Members.

109. The evidence that will support and prove Plaintiffs’ claims is probative of each 

Class Member, with damages being the only divergent factual characteristic. For example, VPX

has admitted that Super Creatine will break down into creatinine not creatine. Further, as to 

damages, because proving Plaintiffs’ claims will prove that BANG is rendered valueless as a result 

of the scientific fact that it does not contain creatine, then the purchase price is the appropriate 

measure of damages for Plaintiffs and every Class Member.

110. Plaintiffs’ claims are thus typical of the claims of the classes they seek to represent.

ADEQUACY OF REPRESENTATION

111. Plaintiffs are adequate representatives of the Class because their interests do not 

conflict with the interests of the Class that they seek to represent; they have retained counsel 

competent and highly experienced in complex class action litigation and they intend to prosecute 

this action vigorously. The interests of the Class will be fairly and adequately protected by 

Plaintiffs and their undersigned counsel.

REQUIREMENTS OF FED. R. CIV. P. 23(B)(3)

112. The questions of law or fact common to Plaintiff’s and each Class member’s claims 

predominate over any questions of law or fact affecting only individual members of the Class. All 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 26 of 36
Page 27 of 36

claims by Plaintiffs and the unnamed Class members are based on the common marketing and 

sales practices VPX utilized in its sale of BANG to Plaintiffs and the unnamed Class members.

113. Common issues predominate when, as here, liability can be determined on a class 

wide basis, even when there will be some individualized damages determinations.

114. As a result, when determining whether common questions predominate, courts 

focus on the liability issue, and if the liability issue is common to the Class as is in the case at bar, 

common questions will be held to predominate over individual questions.

SUPERIORITY

115. A class action is superior to individual actions in part because of following nonexhaustive factors: [1] Joinder of all Class members would create extreme hardship and 

inconvenience for the affected customers as they reside throughout the country; [2] Individual 

claims by Class members are impractical because the costs to pursue individual claims exceed the 

value of what any one Class member has at stake. As a result, individual Class members have no 

interest in prosecuting and controlling separate actions; [3] There are no known individual Class 

members who are interested in individually controlling the prosecution of separate actions; [4] The 

interests of justice will be well served by resolving the common disputes of potential Class 

members in one forum; [5] Individual suits would not be cost effective or economically 

maintainable as individual actions; and [6] The action is manageable as a class action.

REQUIREMENTS OF FED. R. CIV. P. 23(B)(2)

116. VPX has acted and/or refused to act on grounds generally applicable to the classes 

by engaging in a uniform marketing and advertising campaign containing false, misleading and 

deceptive representations and material omissions that were and are reasonably likely to mislead 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 27 of 36
Page 28 of 36

Plaintiffs and the Classes, thereby making appropriate final declaratory relief with respect to the 

classes as a whole.

117. As it is clear that the predominant issue regarding VPX’s liability is whether VPX’s 

representations are false and/or misleading because, as a matter of body chemistry, BANG cannot 

help with “all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and other 

forms of dementia,” nor can it increase testosterone or afford the consumer with creatine, utilizing 

Rule 23(c)(4) to certify either or both of the Florida Classes for a class wide adjudication on this 

issue would materially advance the disposition of the litigation as a whole.

FRAUDULENT CONCEALMENT TOLLING

118. All applicable statutes of limitation have been tolled by VPX’s knowing and active 

fraudulent concealment and denial of the facts alleged herein throughout the period relevant to this 

action. Plaintiffs and members of the class did not and could not have known about the facts giving 

rise to the causes of action at any point during VPX’s aggressive false advertising campaign and 

staunch defense of other pending suits. VPX fraudulently concealed the truth from its customers 

and, accordingly, the relevant statutes of limitation should be equitably tolled.

119. Instead of disclosing the ineffectiveness and inability of BANG to provide the 

consumer with a meaningful supplemental source of creatine, VPX falsely represented that BANG 

contains creatine, that BANG helps with “all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, 

Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and other forms of dementia,” and that BANG can increase 

testosterone. By making many affirmative representations that concealed the ineffectiveness of 

BANG as described in this complaint, VPX actively and successfully concealed Plaintiffs’ and 

class members’ causes of action (which are based on the deceptive and untrue representations 

made by VPX about BANG).

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 28 of 36
Page 29 of 36

120. Furthermore, by making repeated false statements to consumers concerning the 

ineffectiveness of BANG, BANG actively and successfully concealed Plaintiffs’ and class 

members’ causes of action by fraudulent means.

COUNT I

FLORIDA DECEPTIVE AND UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES ACT

121. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference the allegations contained in 

paragraphs 1–120 as if fully set forth herein.

122. This cause of action is brought pursuant to the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade 

Practices Act, section 501.201, Fla. Stat., et seq. (“FDUTPA”). The stated purpose of the FDUTPA 

is to “protect the consuming public . . . from those who engage in unfair methods of competition, 

or unconscionable, deceptive, or unfair acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce.” 

Fla. Stat.§ 501.202(2). 

123. Plaintiffs are consumers as defined by Fla. Stat. § 501.203. The BANG products 

are goods within the meaning of the FDUTPA. VPX is engaged in trade or commerce within the 

meaning of the FDUTPA.

124. Section 501.204(1), Fla. Stat., declares unlawful “[u]nfair methods of competition, 

unconscionable acts or practices, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any 

trade or commerce.” The FDUTPA also prohibits false and misleading advertising.

125. VPX’s unfair and deceptive practices as described herein are likely to mislead –

and have misled – consumers acting reasonably in the circumstances.

126. VPX has violated the FDUTPA by engaging in the unfair and deceptive practices 

as described herein which offend public policies and are immoral, unethical, unscrupulous and 

substantially injurious to consumers.

127. Plaintiffs and consumers in the Florida Classes have been aggrieved by VPX’s 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 29 of 36
Page 30 of 36

unfair and deceptive practices and acts of false advertising, in that, they paid for BANG that did 

not and could not help with “all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, 

Huntington’s, and other forms of dementia,” increase testosterone, or otherwise provide the 

consumer with a source of creatine, as represented. 

128. As a result, Plaintiffs and the Florida Classes have purchased worthless products 

such that their actual damages are the full purchase price of BANG.

129. In addition, the practice employed by VPX, whereby VPX sold, promoted and 

marketed BANG with the deceptive representations herein described constitutes a per se violation 

of FDUTPA under § 501.203(3)(c) because it is in violation of the Florida Food Safety Act, § 

500.04 (1) and (2), Fla. Stat., in that, said products are misbranded.

130. VPX’s false, unlawful, and misleading product descriptions render its products 

misbranded under Florida law. Specifically, § 500.04 of the Florida Food Safety Act prohibits the 

manufacture, sale or delivery of “misbranded food.” VPX admits that BANG is a dietary 

supplement, which meets the definition of “food” under the FFSA. § 500.03(n)(5). Food is 

“misbranded” when “its labeling is false or misleading in any particular.” Fla. Stat. § 500.11(1)(a) 

& (b). A food is considered mislabeled unless the proper disclosures are made “on the outside 

container or wrapper” on the product. § 500.03(1)(t). Misbranded products cannot be legally sold 

and are legally worthless.

131. The harm suffered by Plaintiffs and consumers in the Florida Classes was directly 

and proximately caused by the deceptive, misleading and unfair practices of VPX, as more fully 

described herein.

132. Pursuant to §§ 501.211(2) and 501.2105, Fla. Stat., Plaintiffs and consumers in the 

Florida Classes make claims for damages, attorneys’ fees and costs.

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 30 of 36
Page 31 of 36

COUNT II

FLORIDA DECEPTIVE AND UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES ACT

133. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference the allegations contained in 

paragraphs 1–120 as if fully set forth herein.

134. This cause of action is brought pursuant to the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade 

Practices Act, section 501.201, Fla. Stat., et seq. (“FDUTPA”). The stated purpose of the FDUTPA 

is to “protect the consuming public . . . from those who engage in unfair methods of competition, 

or unconscionable, deceptive, or unfair acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce.” 

Fla. Stat.§ 501.202(2). 

135. Plaintiffs are consumers as defined by Fla. Stat. § 501.203. The BANG products 

are goods within the meaning of the FDUTPA. VPX is engaged in trade or commerce within the 

meaning of the FDUTPA.

136. Section 501.204(1), Fla. Stat., declares unlawful “[u]nfair methods of competition, 

unconscionable acts or practices, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any 

trade or commerce.” The FDUTPA also prohibits false and misleading advertising.

137. VPX’s unfair and deceptive practices as described herein are likely to mislead –

and have misled – consumers acting reasonably in the circumstances.

138. VPX has violated the FDUTPA by engaging in the unfair and deceptive practices 

as described herein which offend public policies and are immoral, unethical, unscrupulous and 

substantially injurious to consumers.

139. Plaintiffs and consumers in the Florida Classes have been aggrieved by VPX’s 

unfair and deceptive practices and acts of false advertising in that they paid for the BANG products 

that did not and could not help with “all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 31 of 36
Page 32 of 36

Huntington’s, and other forms of dementia,” increase testosterone, or otherwise provide the 

consumer with a source of creatine, as represented. 

140. In addition, the practice employed by VPX, whereby VPX sold, promoted and 

marketed BANG with the deceptive representations herein described constitutes a per se violation 

of FDUTPA under § 501.203(3)(c) because it is in violation of the Florida Food Safety Act, § 

500.04 (1) and (2), Fla. Stat., in that, said products are misbranded.

141. VPX’s false, unlawful, and misleading product descriptions render its products 

misbranded under Florida law. Specifically, § 500.04 of the Florida Food Safety Act prohibits the 

manufacture, sale or delivery of “misbranded food.” VPX admits that BANG is a dietary 

supplement, which meets the definition of “food” under the FFSA. § 500.03(n)(5). Food is 

“misbranded” when “its labeling is false or misleading in any particular.” Fla. Stat. § 500.11(1)(a) 

& (b). A food is considered mislabeled unless the proper disclosures are made “on the outside 

container or wrapper” on the product. § 500.03(1)(t). Misbranded products cannot be legally sold 

and are legally worthless.

142. The harm suffered by Plaintiffs and consumers in the Florida Classes was directly 

and proximately caused by the deceptive, misleading and unfair practices of VPX, as more fully 

described herein.

143. In addition to seeking recovery of their attorneys’ fees and costs pursuant to §

501.2105, Fla. Stat., pursuant to section 501.211(1), Fla. Stat., Plaintiffs and consumers in the 

Florida Classes seek a declaratory judgment that VPX has violated FDUTPA because its 

representations are false and/or misleading because, as a matter of body chemistry, BANG cannot 

help with “all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and other 

forms of dementia,” increase testosterone, or otherwise provide the consumer with a source of 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 32 of 36
Page 33 of 36

creatine, as represented. Plaintiffs and consumers in the Florida Classes further seek a declaratory 

judgment that BANG is a misbranded food under Florida law, and therefore VPX has committed 

per se violations of FDUTPA

COUNT III

UNJUST ENRICHMENT

144. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference the allegations contained in 

paragraphs 1–120 as if fully set forth herein.

145. At all times relevant hereto, VPX designed, manufactured, produced, promoted, 

marketed and/or sold the BANG products.

146. Plaintiffs and consumers in the Florida Classes conferred upon VPX non-gratuitous 

payments for the BANG products. VPX appreciated, accepted or retained the non-gratuitous 

benefits conferred by Plaintiffs and consumers in the Florida Class, with full knowledge and 

awareness that, as a result of VPX’s deceptive marketing. Plaintiffs and consumers in the Florida 

Classes were not receiving BANG products of the quality, nature, fitness or value that had been 

represented by VPX and reasonable consumers would have expected. In fact, the Bang Plaintiffs’

purchased was worthless.

147. VPX profited from its unlawful, unfair, misleading, and deceptive practices and 

advertising at the expense of Plaintiffs and consumers in the Florida Class, under circumstances in 

which it would be unjust for VPX to be permitted to retain the benefit. Under common law 

principles of unjust enrichment, VPX should not be permitted to retain the benefits of this unjust 

enrichment.

148. Because VPX’s retention of the non-gratuitous benefits conferred by Plaintiffs and 

consumers in the Florida Classes is unjust and inequitable, Plaintiffs and consumers in the Florida 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 33 of 36
Page 34 of 36

Classes are entitled to, and hereby seek disgorgement and restitution of VPX’s wrongful profits, 

revenue, and benefits in a manner established by the Court.

COUNT IV

BREACH OF EXPRESS WARRANTY

149. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference the allegations contained in 

paragraphs 1-120 as if fully set forth herein.

150. At all times relevant hereto, VPX designed, manufactured, produced, promoted, 

marketed and/or sold the BANG products.

151. VPX issued written warranties by listing creatine leading component of “BANG’s 

potent brain & body-rocking” formula.

152. BANG energy drinks do not conform the such express warranty because such is 

false and misleading. 

153. Plaintiffs and the Florida Classes were injured as a direct and proximate result of 

Defendant’ BANG’s breach because Plaintiffs and the Florida Classes would not have purchased 

any of the BANG energy drinks if the true facts concerning the safety and efficacy of BANG 

energy drinks had been known. BANG energy drinks are infective and worthless. 

154. As a result of Defendant VPX’s breach, Plaintiffs and the Florida Classes have been 

damages in the amount of the purchase price of BANG energy drinks.

COUNT V

BREACH OF IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY 

155. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference the allegations contained in 

paragraphs 1–120 as if fully set forth herein.

156. At all times relevant hereto, VPX designed, manufactured, produced, promoted, 

marketed and/or sold the BANG products. In such capacity, VPX impliedly warranted that BANG 

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 34 of 36
Page 35 of 36

energy drinks were fit for their intended purposes, in that, BANG energy drinks were a safe and 

effective source of creatine. 

157. Defendant VPX breached the warranty implied in the contract for the sale of the 

BANG, in that, BANG could not pass without objection in the trade under the contract description, 

the goods were not of fair average quality within the description, and the goods were unfit for their 

intended and ordinary purpose because there is no competent and reliable scientific evidence that 

BANG is a safe and effective source of creatine. As a result, Plaintiffs and the Florida Classes did

not receive the goods as impliedly warranted by Defendant VPX to be merchantable.

158. In reliance upon VPX’s skill and judgment and the implied warranties of fitness for 

the purpose, Plaintiff and the Florida Classes purchased BANG energy drinks for use as a source 

of creatine.

159. The BANG energy drinks were not altered by Plaintiff or the Florida Classes. The 

BANG energy drinks were defective when each left the exclusive control of Defendant VPX.

160. Defendant VPX knew BANG energy drinks would be purchased and used without 

additional testing for safety or efficacy by Plaintiffs and the Florida Classes.

161. BANG energy drinks were defectively designed and unfit for their intended 

purpose, and Plaintiffs and the Florida Classes did not receive the goods as warranted. 

162. As a direct and proximate cause of Defendant VPX’s breach of the implied 

warranty, Plaintiffs and the Florida Classes have been injured and harmed because they would not 

have purchased any of the BANG energy drinks if the true facts concerning the safety and efficacy 

of BANG energy drinks had been known. BANG energy drinks are infective and worthless. 

163. As a result of defendant VPX’S breach, plaintiffs and the Florida classes have been 

damages in the amount of the purchase price of BANG energy drinks.

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 35 of 36
Page 36 of 36

PRAYER FOR RELIEF

164. Wherefore, Plaintiffs pray for a judgment:

a. Certifying the National Class and Florida Class as requested herein; 

b. Awarding declaratory relief as permitted by law or equity; 

c. Awarding Plaintiffs and consumers in the Classes damages; 

d. Awarding restitution and disgorgement of VPX’s revenues to Plaintiffs and 

consumers in the Classes; 

e. Awarding attorneys’ fees and costs; and 

f. Providing such further relief as may be just and proper.

DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

165. Plaintiffs, respectfully, demand a jury trial as to all claims so triable.

dated: June 5, 2020

Respectfully Submitted,

 /s/ Jibrael S. Hindi .

JIBRAEL S. HINDI, ESQ.

Florida Bar No.: 118259

E-mail: jibrael@jibraellaw.com

THOMAS J. PATTI, ESQ.

Florida Bar No.: 118377

E-mail: tom@jibraellaw.com

The Law Offices of Jibrael S. Hindi

110 SE 6th Street, Suite 1744

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

Phone: 954-907-1136

/s/ Yechezkel Rodal

YECHEZKEL RODAL, ESQ.

Florida Bar No. 091210

E-mail: Chezky@Rodallaw.com

Rodal Law, P.A.

5300 N.W. 33rd Ave., Ste. 219

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33309 

Telephone: (954) 367-5308

COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF

Case 0:20-cv-61121-XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/05/2020 Page 36 of 36