LOS ANGELES – An apparel and fashion accessory company alleges a retailer copied its marks to exploit its reputation.
Chrome Hearts LLC filed a complaint on Aug. 25 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Hot Topic Inc. and Does 1-10 alleging trademark infringement, false designation of origin and other counts.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that it was informed that the defendant copied plaintiff's trademarks/copyrighted works without its permission for use on a belt. It alleges the marks at issue were the CH cross and CH classic oval, both were indistinguishable to the infringing products.
The plaintiff holds Hot Topic Inc. and Does 1-10 responsible because the defendants allegedly violated the rights of plaintiff, confused consumers to the true origin of the products and capitalized on the market created by plaintiff.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment in its favor, injunctive relief, recall infringing products for destruction, damages, interest, costs, attorneys’ fees and other relief as may be just. It is represented by Brent H. Blakely and Cindy Chan of Blakely Law Group in Manhattan Beach.
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California Case number 16-cv-06418