Indianapolis, Indiana – The American Automobile Association, Inc. (“AAA”), the Plaintiff, is a not-for-profit, non-stock Connecticut Corporation. AAA provides approximately 60 million members with products and services throughout the United States and Canada. The products and services include automobile repair services at its AAA Car Care Centers and through AAA Approved auto repair businesses, financial advice, insurance and warranty coverage, and discounts. AAA provides its products and services through local AAA member clubs, including AAA Hoosier Motor Club. Since as early as 1902, AAA has uses more than 150 trademarks in connection with automobile-related products and services offered to its members.
Staffing Agency Sues Former Executive for Alleged Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
South Bend, Indiana – Attorneys for Plaintiff, Peoplelink, LLC (“Peoplelink”), a Delaware Corporation, filed suit in the Northern District of Indiana alleging that Defendant, Kelly Boutell, a former employee of Peoplelink, infringed their rights under the Federal Defend Trade Secrets Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1832, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) 18 U.S.C. § 1030 and committed Breach of Contract.
According to the Complaint, Boutell was employed by Peoplelink for over 20 years in various roles such as Certified Sales Trainer, Vice President of Fulfillment, and Senior Regional Vice President. Boutell was one of two Certified Sales Trainers. She conducted two-to-three annual sales training sessions for all of Peoplink business entities and functioned informally as a sales leader for Peoplelink’s entire footprint.
YouTube Celebrity “Omi in a Hellcat” Sued for Trademark Infringement
Merrillville, Indiana – Plaintiff, NuStar Enterprises LLC (“NuStar”), is a clothing and apparel company that markets and sells clothing and apparel and related accessories. NuStar was granted a registration for its mark RELOADED® under Registration No. 6,376,399 with the USPTO on June 8, 2021 alleging they began using the mark as early as September 2016. Plaintiff also owns state trademarks for the same mark in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
According to the Complaint, NuStar learned that Bill Omar Carrasquillo, a rapper and YouTube celebrity known as “Omi in a Hellcat,” intended to start an apparel company under the brand name RELOADED. NuStar sought to work out a licensing arrangement with Mr. Carrasquillo’s agent. These efforts fell apart in late 2019.
Design Tascono, Inc. sues The Concrete Lady, Inc. for Alleged Copyright Infringement
Otisco, Indiana – Design Tascono, Inc. the Plaintiff claims to have numerous copyright registrations for its unique statue designs, 5 of which are at issue in this case (“Tascono Works”).
According to the Complaint, Design Tascono is the owner of numerous copyrights for various decorative pieces, including wall sculptures. Design Tascono sells these pieces through various means, including its website, catalog, previously through SkyMall magazine, as well as through various authorized on-line retailers and through its network of North American brick-and-mortar distributors and retailers.
Patent Office Issues 210 Patents to Indiana Citizens in May 2022
175 Trademark Registrations Issued to Indiana Companies in May 2022
The U.S. Trademark Office issued the following 175 trademark registrations to persons and businesses in Indiana in May 2022 based on applications filed by Indiana trademark attorneys:
| Reg. Number | Word Mark | |
| 6739475 | NACTEL | |
| 6724917 | KAIZER WOLF | |
| 6724856 | INNOCENT DEVIL’S HAREM | |
| 6718831 | DYECRAFT | |
| 6721771 | MUNSTER ANIMAL HOSPITAL |
Violation of Etsy License Agreement Leads to Copyright Infringement Suit
Guilford, Indiana – Plaintiff Tara Mapes is a well-known photographer specializing in fashion and fine art photography. She also sells digital backgrounds for photographers through an Etsy store called Enchanted Eye Creations by Tara Mapes. The limitations on the license under which she sells the digital backgrounds on her Etsy store is listed in numerous locations.
Mapes created the picture “Santa with Magic Snow Globe” and applied for a Copyright Registration with the United States Copyright Office. She was granted registration on December 17, 2018.
Popular Night Club Accused of Copyright Infringement for Unauthorized Public Performances
Terre Haute, Indiana – Plaintiffs, Broadcast Music Inc. (“BMI”), Peer Music III LTD, Universal – Songs of Polygram International, Inc., Songs of Universal, Inc., EMI Consortium Songs, Inc. d/b/a EMI Longitude Music, Fourteenth Hour Music, Inc., Springtime Music, Inc., EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. Sony/ATV Songs LLC, and Fall out Boy Inc. d/b/a Chicago X Softcore Songs have allegedly contacted Warehouse L.L.C. d/b/a The Verve over 60 times since March 2018 to discuss their obligations under the Copyright Act without success.
Patent Office Issues 162 Patents to Indiana Citizens in April 2022
The U.S. Patent Office issued the following 162 patent registrations to persons and businesses in Indiana in April 2022
| Patent No. | Title | |
| D950,163 | Clip for a door assembly of an animal enclosure | |
| D950,162 | Clip for a door assembly of an animal enclosure | |
| D950,020 | Faucet handle | |
| D950,018 | Faucet | |
| D949,798 | Connector |
119 Trademark Registrations Issued to Indiana Companies in April 2022
The U.S. Trademark Office issued the following 119 trademark registrations to persons businesses in Indiana in April 2022 Base on applications filed by Indiana trademark attorneys: