Case 1:12-cv-10190-RGS Document 1 Filed 02/01/12 Page 1 of 15

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS RIMOWA GMBH, Plaintiff, v. HEYS (USA), INC., Defendant. COMPLAINT Plaintiff RIMOWA GMBH (hereinafter referred to as RIMOWA or the Plaintiff), by its attorneys, Dale C. Kerester, Esq., of the firm of Lynch, Brewer, Hoffman & Fink, LLP, and William E. OBrien, Esq., of the Law Office of William E. OBrien, for its complaint against Defendant Heys (USA), Inc. (hereinafter referred to as Heys or the Defendant) alleges as follows: INTRODUCTION 1. This is an action in law and equity for trademark infringement, false Civil Action No.

designation of origin, and trade dress infringement under Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1125(a), and unfair competition under the common law. As is set forth below, RIMOWA, which manufactures and distributes luggage, traveling cases and suitcases, trunks, and briefcases, is the owner of a federal trademark registration for its distinctive uniformly spaced horizontal bands (the Mark) that run across and around all of its luggage products. Heys, a direct competitor of RIMOWA, recently adopted and began using a mark and/or design on its CENTUM line of luggage products that is almost identical to the Mark. Upon information and belief, Heys is promoting, marketing, offering for sale and selling these luggage products in an effort to mislead and confuse prospective purchasers and to falsely designate the source of origin of their products.

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Upon information and belief, Heys actions are part of a deliberate attempt to divert sales away from RIMOWA. These actions will continue unless enjoined by this Court. PARTIES 2. Plaintiff, RIMOWA GMBH (hereinafter referred to as RIMOWA or the

Plaintiff), is a German corporation with its principal place of business in Cologne, Germany. At all relevant times, RIMOWA has been in the business of manufacturing and distributing luggage, traveling cases and suitcases, trunks, and briefcases. RIMOWA advertises, promotes, sells and distributes its products in interstate and international commerce, specifically including in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. RIMOWA has been in business since 1898. 3. Upon information and belief, Heys (USA), Inc. (hereinafter referred to as

Heys or the Defendant) is a Delaware corporation with a principal place of business in Weston, Florida. Upon information and belief, Heys has at all relevant times been in the business of manufacturing and distributing luggage, traveling cases and suitcases, trunks, and briefcases. Upon information and belief, Heys advertises, promotes, sells, and distributes luggage, traveling cases and suitcases, trunks, and briefcases products in interstate and international commerce, specifically including in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Heys has committed acts of infringement and unfair competition in this District, and is causing injury to RIMOWA in this District. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 4. This Court has original jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action

pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1331 and 1338(a), and 15 U.S.C. 1121 because RIMOWA

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asserts claims arising under the Lanham Act of 1946, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 1051, et seq. 5. This Court also has original jurisdiction pursuant to the provisions of 28

U.S.C. 1338(b) because RIMOWAs claims for Massachusetts statutory unfair competition, common law trademark and trade dress infringement and common law unfair competition are claims under Massachusetts law and are joined with a substantial and related claim under the trademark laws of the United States. 6. This Court has supplemental jurisdiction over the state law and common

law claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1367(a) because such claims are so related to the other claims in this case over which the Court has original jurisdiction that they form a part of the same case or controversy under Article III of the United States Constitution. 7. Venue is proper in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b), (c), and

(d) and 1400(a) because a substantial part of the acts of infringement and unfair competition which give rise to RIMOWAs claims occurred in this district and victims of the infringing activities may be found in this district. 8. Personal jurisdiction is this District is proper in that Heys transacts

business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, contracts to provide services or things in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, regularly does or solicits business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and derives substantial revenue from goods used or consumed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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FACTS COMMON TO THE COUNTS The Mark 9. Since at least 1950, prior to the acts of Heys complained of herein,

RIMOWA has been using a distinctive design in connection with the manufacture, advertising, and sale of its luggage products, which such design is easily recognizable and distinguishable from other luggage products. 10. More specifically, RIMOWA has used distinctive horizontal bands on its

products since at least 1950 and since at least 1985 in the United States, specifically including the following: a. mutually parallel ribs extending from an outer surface of a suitcase in a three-dimensional manner; b. a plurality of flat planar surfaces extending in a strip shape between the ribs; c. the outer surface of the suitcase is formed by the plurality of flat planar surfaces from which the ribs extend; d. the three-dimensionally extending ribs are uniformly distributed across the outer surface; and e. the ribs cause reflectivity with a dark/bright border at the ribs which differs from the brightness of the planar surfaces. 11. A true and accurate copy of a RIMOWA advertising sheet is attached

hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein. 12. Rimowa manufactures and sells several lines of luggage products.

These product lines are designated as TOPAS, TOPAS TITANIUM, SALSA, SALSA

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DELUXE, SALSA AIR, BOLERO, PILOT, ATTACHE, LIMBO, SILVER INTEGRAL and CLASSIC FLIGHT. 13. RIMOWAs products comprise or constitute a distinctive trade dress

consisting of the overall appearance of its luggage, the most distinctive element of which is a series of distinctive bands that appear on the luggage and also including the placement and appearance of rollers and roller housings, handles and trolley bars, locks, and corner protectors or outlined corner protectors. 14. RIMOWA is the owner of a federal trademark registration for the

distinctive horizontal bands that run across and around RIMOWAs luggage products. 15. More specifically, RIMOWA is the owner of United States Patent and

Trademark Office registration number 3,949,886, registered on April 26, 2011 on the Principal Register, for the mark consisting of the horizontal bands that run across and around RIMOWAs luggage products for carrying cases for photographic equipment in international class 9 and for luggage, traveling cases and suitcases, trunks and briefcases in international class 18 (This registration is referred to herein as the Principal Registration). RIMOWA is also the owner of United States Patent and Trademark Office registration number 2,583,912, registered on June 18, 2002 on the Supplemental Register, for the mark consisting of the horizontal bands that run across and around RIMOWAs luggage products for carrying cases for photographic equipment in international class 9 and for luggage, traveling cases and suitcases, trunks and briefcases in international class 18 (This registration is referred to herein as the Supplemental Registration). (These registrations and the trademarks and trade dress described above, and each of them, are referred to jointly herein as the Marks). 16. A copy of the registration certificates for the Marks are attached hereto as

Exhibit B and incorporated herein. 5

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17.

The Principal Registration was registered on April 26, 2011, with a first

use date of at least as early as 1950 and a first use date in the United States of at least as early as 1985. 18. The Principal Registration has also been registered with the U.S.

Customs and Border Protection Agency. 19. The Supplemental Registration was registered on June 18, 2002,

with a first use date of at least as early as 1950 and a first use date in the United States of at least as early as 1985. 20. RIMOWA has continuously used and continues to use the Marks in

connection with all goods and services reflected in the registration, both in the U.S. and internationally. 21. 22. RIMOWA uses the Marks on all of its luggage products. The product features that make up the Marks, specifically including the

distinctive horizontal bands, are non-functional and non-essential to the use or purpose of the luggage products. 23. RIMOWA has continuously, and without interruption, used the Marks in

connection with, and to indicate the source of, its products. 24. RIMOWA has established considerable reputation and goodwill in the

Marks in the United States and elsewhere. 25. RIMOWA has made a substantial investment in the promotion and

protection of the Marks and considers the Marks among its most important and valuable assets. 26. RIMOWA has expended considerable time and money in promoting

products with such design in its advertising and promotions so that the public associates such design with RIMOWA and its reputation for workmanship, quality, and durability. 6

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27.

RIMOWA has advertised, promoted, marketed, and sold its products

containing the Marks throughout the United States via the internet and by other means of marketing, including: a. b. c. Rimowa.com; Authorized resellers (internet and retail locations); Advertisements in printed media, specifically including but not limited to travel publications; d. e. f. g. h. 28. Advertising brochures; Participation at trade shows; Trade publications; Product placement in movies and television; and Public figure placements. The distinctive horizontal bands have acquired secondary meaning in that

it is unique and distinctive and has come to be associated by the trade and consuming public exclusively with RIMOWA. 29. The distinctive horizontal bands have come to signify RIMOWA as the

source of luggage having the same or similar characteristics. 30. RIMOWAs Marks are inherently distinctive to the public, and serves

as a designator of origin of products emanating from or sponsored or licensed by RIMOWA. 31. As a result of the widespread use and display of the Marks and

trade dress, (a) the public and the trade use them to identify and refer to RIMOWA, (b) the public and the trade recognize that such designations refer to a high quality product emanating from a single source, and (c) said trademark and related trade dress have built up secondary meaning and extensive goodwill. 7

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32. RIMOWA.

The Mark is famous and represents valuable goodwill owned by

Infringement and Unfair Competition 33. Upon information and belief, in or about the spring of 2011,

notwithstanding RIMOWAs prior rights in the Marks, Heys adopted a virtually identical mark. 34. Heys has manufactured, advertised, and/or offered for sale, and

sold and/or commercially in interstate commerce, either directly to the public or through distributors, luggage products containing a mark and/or design bearing a shape, style, and overall appearance which is the same or confusingly similar to the shape, style and overall appearance of the Marks. 35. More specifically, Heys has adopted and begun using a mark and/or

design on its CENTUM line of luggage products that is almost identical to the Marks, including a. mutually parallel ribs extending from or grooves sunk into an outer surface of a suitcase in a three-dimensional manner; b. a plurality of flat planar surfaces extending in strip shape between the ribs or grooves; c. the outer surface of the suitcase forms the planar surface from which the ribs or grooves extend inward or outward; d. the three-dimensionally extending ribs or sunk-in grooves are substantially uniformly distributed across the outer surface; and e. the ribs/grooves cause a dark/bright reflection at the edges which differs from the brightness of the planar surfaces

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36.

A true and accurate copy of a Heys advertising sheet is attached

hereto as Exhibit C and incorporated by reference. 37. The only differences between the marks is that the ribs used on the

Heys luggage are slightly wider than the ribs as found on RIMOWAs products and that the ribbing used on Heys products do not extend to the tops and bottoms of its products as do RIMOWAs. 38. Upon information and belief, Heys has advertised, promoted, marketed,

and sold such luggage via the internet and by other means of marketing substantially similar to the means used by RIMOWA. 39. Upon information and belief, Heys markets its products in the same

geographic locations as does RIMOWA, including Massachusetts. 40. Upon information and belief, RIMOWAs products and Heys products are

sold in the same channels of trade in this District and elsewhere. 41. Since both trademarks and the goods/services upon which the

marks appear are almost identical, there is a strong likelihood that consumers will be confused. 42. 43. Heys is not an authorized user of the Marks. Heys has improperly and illegally adopted the use of the mark for

the sale of luggage products in the United States, specifically including Massachusetts. 44. Upon information and belief, Heys had knowledge of the Marks and

of RIMOWAs commercial success selling products containing the Marks. 45. Upon information and belief, Heys willfully, knowingly, deliberately,

fraudulently, and with conscious disregard of RIMOWAs rights in the Marks,

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manufactured, advertised, and/or offered for sale and sold luggage products imitating the Marks. 46. Heyss actions as alleged are intended to, and are likely to cause

confusion, mistake or deception as to the source of origin of Heyss goods and services in that the public, the trade and others are likely to believe Heyss goods and services are the same as RIMOWAs goods and/or services, or are authorized, sponsored or approved by RIMOWA, or are otherwise affiliated or connected with RIMOWA and/or its valuable trademarks and trade dress. 47. Heyss actions, as alleged, have caused, and will continue to cause

irreparable harm to RIMOWA and its valuable trademarks and trade dress, and to the business and substantial goodwill represented thereby, and said acts and damage will continue unless restrained by this Court. COUNT ONE TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT AND FALSE DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN UNDER THE LANHAM ACT 48. Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges each and every allegation of paragraphs 1

through 47 as though fully set forth herein. 49. Heyss acts as alleged constitute trademark infringement, false

designation of origin, false representation and false description in violation of the Lanham Act, Section 43(a), 15 U.S.C. 1125(a), all to the substantial and irreparable injury of the public and of RIMOWA's business reputation and goodwill. 50. In view of the association by the public of the Marks with RIMOWA and

its products, Heys use of nearly identical horizontal ribs for identical products is causing and is likely to cause confusion, mistake, and deception of the relevant public as to

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whether Heys products and services emanate from, or are sponsored or approved by, RIMOWA. 51. The conduct of Heys complained of herein constitutes trademark

infringement, all of which has damaged and will continue to damage irreparably RIMOWAs valuable goodwill unless enjoined by this Court. 52. As result of Heys conduct, RIMOWA has suffered and will continue to

suffer monetary damages in an amount not yet determined. COUNT TWO TRADE DRESS INFRINGEMENT UNDER THE LANHAM ACT 53. Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges each and every allegation of paragraphs 1

through 52 as though fully set forth herein. 54. Heyss unauthorized use of a trade dress on its products is confusingly

similar to the trade dress used by RIMOWA on its products and constitutes trade dress infringement in violation of Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1125, to the substantial and irreparable injury of the public and of RIMOWAs business reputation and goodwill. 55. Upon information and belief, by such wrongful acts, Heys has and unless

restrained by the Court, will continue to cause serious irreparable injury and damage to RIMOWA and to the goodwill associated with its distinctive trade dress, including diversion of customers, lost sales and lost profits. 56. As result of Heys conduct, RIMOWA has suffered and will continue to

suffer monetary damages in an amount not yet determined.

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COUNT THREE COMMON LAW TRADEMARK AND TRADE DRESS INFRINGEMENT 57. Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges each and every allegation of paragraphs 1

through 56 as though fully set forth herein. 58. RIMOWA owns and enjoys common law trademark rights in the overall

commercial impression and presentation of its product design and trade dress. 59. RIMOWAs product design and trade dress rights are superior to any

rights that Heys may claim in said product design and/or trade dress with respect to Heys products. 60. In view of the association by the public of the Mark with RIMOWA and its

products, Heyss use of nearly identical horizontal bands for closely related products is causing and is likely to cause confusion, mistake, and deception of the relevant public as to whether Heyss products and services emanate from, or are sponsored or approved by, RIMOWA. 61. The conduct of Heys complained of herein constitutes common law

trademark and trade dress infringement, all of which has damaged and will continue to damage irreparably RIMOWAs valuable goodwill unless enjoined by this Court. 62. As result of Heyss conduct, RIMOWA has suffered and will continue to

suffer monetary damages in an amount not yet determined. COUNT FOUR DILUTION OF TRADEMARKS UNDER 15 U.S.C. 1125(C) 63. RIMOWA repeats and re-alleges each and every allegation of

paragraphs 1 through 62 as though fully set forth herein. 64. Through Heys unauthorized use of the Marks and trade dress in

connection with the infringing products, Heys has intended to cause, has caused, and 12

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are likely to continue to cause dilution of the distinctive quality of the Marks and trade dress in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1125(c). 65. Heys conduct is intended to trade upon RIMOWAs reputation and is

likely to tarnish or injure RIMOWAs business reputation. 66. Unless enjoined by the Court, Heys use of the foregoing Marks and trade

dress will continue to cause irreparable and continuing harm to RIMOWA in the diminution of their value and goodwill, and in their impairment to serve as designations of source, for which RIMOWA has no adequate legal remedy. 67. As a direct and proximate result of Heys wrongful conduct, RIMOWA has

been and will continue to be damaged by, without limitation, a diminution in the value of the Marks and trade dress, and in their reputation and goodwill. COUNT FIVE COMMON LAW UNFAIR COMPETITION 68. RIMOWA repeats and re-alleges each and every allegation of

paragraphs 1 through 67 as though fully set forth herein. 69. Heys aforementioned acts are likely to cause confusion,

misrepresentation and/or to cause mistake or to deceive the public as to the affiliation, approval, sponsorship or connection between Heys and RIMOWA and constitutes unfair competition under the common law. 70. RIMOWA has been damaged by Heys aforementioned acts. PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays for an order of the Court: A. Granting a preliminary and permanent injunction restraining Heys, its

officers, directors, principals, agents, servants, employees, successors and assigns, and all individuals acting in concert or participation with it, from: 13

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i)

making, using, offering for sale, selling or distributing any

products that bear the same shape, style and overall appearance or any confusingly similar variations thereof as the Mark; and ii) B. unfairly competing with RIMOWA in any manner.

Directing Heys to use its best efforts to recall from the trade and other

third parties any and all infringing goods and to cease any marketing, advertising and promotional materials using products that bear the same shape, style and overall appearance or any confusingly similar variations thereof as the Mark; C. Directing Heys to file with the Court and serve on counsel for Plaintiff,

within thirty days after entry of any injunction issued by the Court in this action, a sworn statement as provided in 15 U.S.C. 1116 setting forth in detail the manner and form in which Heys has complied with the injunction; D. Directing Heys to deliver up to RIMOWA for destruction or other

disposition, within thirty days of the entry of final judgment herein, any and all infringing goods and any promotional, marketing, advertising, and promotional materials used in connection with the sale or marketing of any goods or services, now or hereafter in its possession, custody or control; E. Directing Heys to account to RIMOWA for any and all profits derived by

Heys from the sale of goods or services bearing the infringing trademark and trade dress; F. Awarding Plaintiff a monetary judgment against Heys for Plaintiffs

damages and Heyss profits pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1117; G. Trebling the amount of such award on account of Heys willful, intentional,

and bad faith conduct pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1117 and Mass. Gen. Law c. 93A;

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H.

Awarding Plaintiff its reasonable attorneys fees, costs and

disbursements incurred herein in view of Heyss intentional and willful infringement, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1117 and Mass. Gen. Law c. 93A; and I. Awarding Plaintiff such other and further relief as the Court may deem

just and proper. Respectfully submitted, RIMOWA GMBH By its attorneys /s/ Dale C. Kerester _____________________________ Dale C. Kerester, BBO #548385 Lynch, Brewer, Hoffman & Fink LLP 75 Federal Street, 7th Floor Boston, MA 02110 (617) 951-0800 [email protected] Of Counsel: William E. O'Brien, Esq. Law Office of William E. OBrien, Esq. 2 Connector Road, Suite 200 Westborough, MA 01581 (781) 956 - 5363 [email protected] Dated: February 1, 2012

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