Source: http://www.scribd.com/doc/200672175/Alex-and-Ani-v-Northeast-Diamond-Complaint
Timestamp: 2014-04-19 02:48:30
Document Index: 340571984

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1051', '§ 1051', '§ 1121', '§ 1338', '§ 1391', '§ 1400', '§ 1391']

P. 1Alex and Ani v. Northeast Diamond - ComplaintAlex and Ani v. Northeast Diamond - ComplaintRatings: (0)|Views: 66|Likes: 0Published by slbursteinAlex and Ani v. Northeast Diamond - ComplaintAlex and Ani v. Northeast Diamond - ComplaintMore info:Published by: slburstein on Jan 19, 2014Copyright:Attribution Non-commercialAvailability:Read on Scribd mobile: iPhone, iPad and Android.download as PDF, TXT or read online from ScribdFlag for inappropriate content|Add to collectionSee MoreSee lesshttp://www.scribd.com/doc/200672175/Alex-and-Ani-v-Northeast-Diamond-Complaint01/19/2014pdftextoriginal UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS __________________________________________ ) ALEX AND ANI, LLC., d/b/a ALEX AND ) ANI, ) Plaintiffs, ) ) v. ) C.A. NO. 1:14-cv-10104
) NORTHEAST DIAMOND AND ) CASTING CO. INC., d/b/a ) NORTHEAST JEWELERS, and ) JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NORI FUNDRAISING CONCEPTS INC., ) ) Defendants. ) __________________________________________) COMPLAINT For its Complaint against Northeast Diamond and Casting Co. Inc. d/b/a Northeast Jewelers (“Northeast Jewelers”) and NORI Fundraising Concepts Inc. (“NORI”) (collectively “Defendants”), Alex and Ani, LLC (“Alex and Ani”) alleges as follows: NATURE OF THE ACTION 1.
This is an action at law and equity arising under the patent laws of the United States, Title 35 of the United States Code; the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1051 et seq.
; and for substantial and related Massachusetts and common-law claims. 2.
Alex and Ani is an American jewelry company based in Rhode Island. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Alex and Ani created, manufactured, and distributed a distinctive bangle that is the subject of United States Design Patent No. D498,167 entitled “Expandable Wire Bracelet” (the “’167 Patent”). 3.
Based on the design claimed in the ‘167 patent, Alex and Ani has created a signature line of distinctive Alex and Ani expandable bangles sharing a common design (the Case 1:14-cv-10104 Document 1 Filed 01/15/14 Page 1 of 16
2“Signature Bangle”) that has achieved secondary meaning in the United States marketplace. 4.
Defendants Northeast Jewelers—a former retailer partner of Alex and Ani that sold Alex and Ani’s Signature Bangles—and NORI have manufactured, imported, sold, and/or otherwise distributed knockoff bangle bracelets from their North Attleboro location and online throughout the United States, and attempted to capitalize on the goodwill of the distinctive Alex and Ani brand. THE PARTIES 5.
Alex and Ani is a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Rhode Island with its principal place of business located at 2000 Chapel View Boulevard, Cranston, Rhode Island. 6.
On information and belief, defendant Northeast Jewelers is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with its principal place of business located at 6 South Washington Street, North Attleboro, Massachusetts 02760. On information and belief, Northeast Jewelers has been doing business under the name “Northeast Jewelers” since September 2008. 7.
On information and belief, defendant NORI Fundraising Concepts Inc. (“NORI”) is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with its principal place of business located at 6 South Washington Street, North Attleboro, Massachusetts 02760. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 8.
This action arises under the patent laws of the United States, Title 35 of the United States Code; the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1051 et seq; and for substantial and related Massachusetts common-law claims. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 15 Case 1:14-cv-10104 Document 1 Filed 01/15/14 Page 2 of 16
3U.S.C. § 1121 and 28 U.S.C. §§ 1338 and 1367. As Massachusetts corporations sharing a place of business in North Attleboro, MA, this Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendants. 9.
Venue is proper in this District under 38 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b) and (c) and § 1400(b), because Defendants reside in this Judicial District and acts of infringement were committed in this Judicial District. Venue is also proper in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b)(2), because a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to Alex and Ani’s claims occurred in this District. ALEX AND ANI’S FAMOUS TRADE DRESS 10.
Alex and Ani manufactures and sells American-made, eco-friendly, spiritually uplifting, positive-energy jewelry, including bangle bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings that bear Alex and Ani’s distinctly recognizable designs, including its signature charms. 11.
Alex and Ani‘s high quality fashion jewelry designs carry self-affirming messages based on the life and experiences of its Founder and Creative Director, Carolyn Rafaelian. Alex and Ani manufactures its products in Rhode Island and sells them through authorized retailers throughout the United States and internationally. 12.
Alex and Ani jewelry is made entirely in the United States using eco-friendly, recycled materials. Manufacturing in the United States and reusing and recycling materials is an integral part of Alex and Ani’s mission as a conscious and eco-friendly company. 13.
The distinctive Alex and Ani products feature a circular, one-piece bangle style bracelet formed from a single piece of wire from approximately .050 to .064 gauge, the ends of which overlap in part, capturing the portion of the wire above and below each end by means of a stylistic twist, thereby creating a space between the upper and lower portions, creating the illusion that multiple bangles are being worn. Alex and Ani’s Signature Bangles also include a Case 1:14-cv-10104 Document 1 Filed 01/15/14 Page 3 of 16