OAKLAND – An Alameda auto business is facing a lawsuit from an auto manufacturer alleging it is using logos without permission.
BMW of North America LLC and Bayerische Motoren Werke AG filed a complaint on July 22 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Christopher O. Boehler, doing business as German Auto Service, alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that they suffered damages as the result of their trademarks being used by the defendant without their permission on his website, trucks and business. The plaintiffs hold Boehler responsible because the defendant allegedly used plaintiffs' Roundel logo and MINI wings logo despite plaintiffs' request to cease using said logos. The suit states the defendant has never been affiliated with the plaintiffs.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment against the defendant from further infringing plaintiffs' trademark, award plaintiffs profits and damages derived from the allegedly unlawful acts, order the defendant to destroy all infringing materials, and any other relief as the court deems just. They are represented by Patrick Michael of Jones Day in San Francisco and John G. Froemming of Jones Day in Washington, D.C.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Oakland Division Case number 3:16-cv-04134-JCS