Indiana Intellectual Property Law News

December 4, 2023

Unraveling the Legal Knot: Copyright Infringement and the UFC Broadcast Case

Joe Hand Promotions, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based corporation, alleges ownership of exclusive distribution rights for broadcasting premier sporting events, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC). Through agreements with copyright holders, Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. claims they obtained authorization to exhibit UFC 246: McGregor vs. Cowboy.

Defendants, comprising LNH, LLC operating in Burlington, Indiana as Burlington Pizza/The Barn, along with Neal D. Harmon and Loriann Harmon, allegedly exhibited UFC 246 at their commercial establishment without the required authorization from Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. The plaintiff claims that this action violated licensing requirements and involved unauthorized access to the Program through various means, including cable, satellite, or internet streams.

Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. asserts satellite and cable piracy violations under 47 U.S.C. § 605 and 47 U.S.C. § 553, claiming that the defendants intercepted satellite signals or used unauthorized cable signals to broadcast the Program, contravening federal laws regulating such transmissions. Joe Hand also Alleges infringement of its exclusive distribution rights under the Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. §§ 106, 501), contending that the defendants exhibited the copyrighted Program publicly without proper authorization, violating intellectual property laws.

December 1, 2023

Court Order in HeathSmart Foods, Inc. v. Sweet Nothings, Inc.

By Overhauser Law Offices, LLC

Defendants in trademark infringement case, HealthSmart Foods, Inc. v. Sweet Nothings, Inc. and Beth Porter have initiated a Motion to Dismiss based on lack of personal jurisdiction under Federal Rule o f Civil Procedure 12(b)(2) and failure to state a claim under Rule 12(b)(6). Additionally, they have requested the case be transferred to the Northern District of California.

The dispute before Indiana Judge Matthew P. Brookman involves the use of the trademark SWEET NOTHINGS. In the midst of the case, Defendant Beth Porter initiated a separate lawsuit in California against HealthSmart, claiming fraud and unfair competition. Defendants argue that the defenses in the Indiana case overlap with Ms. Porter’s claims in the California case, indicating evidence and witness overlap as grounds for the case to be transferred. However, after careful consideration, the Court DENIED the Defendants’ request to transfer the Indiana case to the Northern District of California.

As for the Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Personal Jurisdiction, the judge stated that the issue revolves around whether Defendants’ contacts with Indiana justify personal jurisdiction. Defendants conceded that Sweet Nothings has minimum contacts with Indiana, but the parties disputed the significance of these contacts, the consideration of third-party retailer contacts, and whether exercising jurisdiction aligns with fair play and substantial justice. The Plaintiff argued that Sweet Nothing’s website, offering shipping options to Indiana, actively engaging with Indiana consumers, and facilitating sales through Amazon to Indiana residents, demonstrates purposeful conduct directed towards the Indiana market. Judge Brookman agreed with the Plaintiff and DENIED the Motion to Dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction.

November 27, 2023

Protecting Intellectual Property: A Legal Fight in the Entertainment Industry

By Overhauser Law Offices, LLC

Las Veg as, NV – Plaintiff G & G Closed Circuit Events, LLC is attempting to safeguard their purported, exclusive distribution rights by suing Indianapolis, Indiana Defendants Susana Sanchez and La Casa De Los Mariscos Mexican Grill #2 LLC for the alleged unauthorized publication of a cable television program.

G&G’s argument states that they were granted the exclusive rights to the commercial distribution of the Saul “Canelo” Alvarez v. Caleb Plant Championship Fight Program that was broadcast on Saturday, November 6, 2021. They further argue that because they have the exclusive rights, any commercial establishment wanting to show the fight had to purchase the license to do so, which the Mexican restaurant failed to do. Therefore, G & G has accused the Defendants of willfully intercepting, receiving, and publishing the fight without said authorization.

As a result, the Plaintiff is asking the court to find that Sanchez and La Casa De Los Mariscos Mexican Grill #2 is in violation of Title 47 U.S.C. Section 605, et seq., which prohibits the unauthorized interception, receipt, publication, and use of communications, including satellite television signals, such as the transmission of the Program in question. In addition, G & G is seeking compensatory, exemplary, and punitive damages, along with costs and attorneys’ fees.

November 24, 2023

Davaus, LLC Brings Suit Over Alleged Patent Infringement of Agricultural Product

By Overhauser Law Offices, LLC

Hoagland, Indiana – A legal filing initiated by Davaus, LLC against S7 IP Holdings, LLC and Shawn Gengerke is a Complaint for Declaratory Judgment. According to the complaint, Davaus seeks legal affirmation that their product, the Kernel Keeper™, does not infringe, is not covered by, and renders invalid the United States Patent No. 9,961,830 claimed by S7, specifically related to S7’s product called the “Harvest Sweep.” S7 alleged that the Kernel Keeper™ infringed on their patent and demanded Davaus cease its production and sale. Davaus states that they responded by explaining how their product differs from the patented claims, but S7 rejected this explanation and reiterated the demand to stop production.

Davaus contends that their product does not infringe upon S7’s patent and requests the court to rule that their product does not violate the patent, and that the patent itself is invalid and unenforceable. This legal action aims to prevent legal repercussions against Davaus based on the patent claimed by S7.

The case has been assigned to Chief Judge Holly A. Brady and Magistrate Judge Susan L. Collins, in the U.S. District Court of Northern Indiana, and assigned Case No. 1:23-cv-00398-HAB-SLC.

November 21, 2023

Patent Office Issued 225 Patents to Indiana Entities in September 2023

By Overhauser Law Offices, LLC

The U.S. Patent Office issued the following 225 patents to persons and businesses in Indiana in September 2023:

Patent Number	Patent Title
US 11766015 B1	Maize hybrid X13R074
US 11767804 B1	Cast engine block having a hybrid threaded insert
US 11767641 B2	Sanitary tissue products
US 11766208 B2	Device for electrophysiological recording from the eye
US 11767405 B2	Water soluble film, packets employing the film, and methods of making and using same

November 20, 2023

177 Trademark Registrations Issued to Indiana Companies in October 2023

By Overhauser Law Offices, LLC

The U.S. Trademark Office issued the following 177 trademark registrations to persons and businesses in Indiana in October 2023 based on applications filed by Indiana trademark attorneys:

Reg. Number	Word Mark
7188397	KINGDOM ROOFING SYSTEMS
7184867	TRUE ESSENCE
7184446	TRUE ESSENCE
7202013	NATE & NATTY
7201936	CHERRY RUSH
7201492	TIMTUSK

November 20, 2023

Photojournalist Accusing Indiana Company for Copyright Infringement

By Overhauser Law Offices, LLC

Photojournalist David Hoffman, a UK resident, is suing Lauth Investigations International, an Indiana investigation firm, for allegedly infringing on a 2005 copyrighted photograph titled “Homeless Woman 1.” According to the Plaintiff, Lauth used the photo in an article without permission, cropping it and removing copyright information for commercial use. Despite Hoffman’s notification, no resolution was reached.

Hoffman seeks various remedies for copyright infringement, including a declaration of infringement, claims of willful infringement, compensation for damages, legal fees, and interest. The aim is to prevent further infringement and related activities by the Defendant.

The case has been assigned to Judge James Patrick Hanlon and Magistrate Judge M. Kendra Klump, in the U.S. District Court of Southern Indiana, and assigned Case No. 1:23-cv-01678-JPH-MKK.

November 17, 2023

Taylor Shaye Designs LLC Takes On Shein Distribution Corp in Copyright Infringement Suit

By Overhauser Law Offices, LLC

Prairieville, LA – Plaintiff Taylor Shaye Designs LLC filed a complaint against Whitestown, IN Defendant Shein Distribution Corp for copyright infringement according to the U.S. Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. § 101, et seq.

“Let’s Go Girls” – Taylor Shaye Designs LLC

Let’s Go Girls – Shein Distribution Corp

November 13, 2023

Delta Faucet Files Patent Infringement Suit

By Overhauser Law Offices, LLC

Indianapolis, Indiana – A lawsuit brought by Plaintiff Delta Faucet Company against Defendant Wenzhou Xin Xin Sanitary Ware Co., Ltd. involves an allegation of patent infringement over United States Patent No. 11,725,369. Court documents state the patent at issue is for a “Vessel Rinsing Apparatus,” that was issued on August 15, 2023.

The Plaintiff claims the Defendant has been manufacturing, using, selling, and importing vessel rinsing apparatuses that are “functionally equivalent [to Delta’s products] and only differ in finish…,” thereby infringing upon Delta’s patent rights. Delta further cites Wenzhou’s use of Amazon to sell the accused products and encourage others to infringe the patent, as well.

The lawsuit details Wenzhou’s alleged deliberate and willful infringement by continuing to sell the accused products even after notice of the patent in question. The Plaintiff is, therefore, seeking a court judgment in favor of Delta in the form of injunctions, damages, and legal fees.

November 10, 2023

Rights to Asphalt Paving Technology at Dispute in Lawsuit Between AarMaz Products Inc, and Rieth-Riley Construction Co.

By Overhauser Law Offices, LLC

Mulberry, Florida – Plaintiff ArrMaz Products Inc. has filed a lawsuit against Rieth-Riley Construction Co., Inc. of Goshen, Indiana, alleging patent infringement related to their asphalt paving technologies covered by U.S. Patents Nos. 7,802,941 and 8,465,843. These patents are associated with ArrMaz’s BondTekk® bonded-paving technology, adopted by multiple states and contractors for creating safer and more durable roads.

The original complaint states that Rieth-Riley Construction is also involved in asphalt paving services and operates in several Midwestern states where asphalt-paving projects are awarded through competitive bidding. In February 2022, the claim states, the Plaintiff notified Rieth-Riley that ArrMaz’s patents covered specific projects awarded to Rieth-Riley by the state of Indiana and offered a license for their use. However, ArrMaz claims that Rieth-Riley expressed an intention to ignore the patents and not obtain the necessary licenses before moving forward with the project.

ArrMaz alleges that Rieth-Riley not only infringed on their patents but also engaged in willful infringement by using and selling the patented technology. Therefore, ArrMaz is seeking a court injunction to prevent Rieth-Riley from using or selling their patented products without the proper licenses. Additionally, they are seeking a monetary award to cover damages, including the costs and expenses of the lawsuit.