LOS ANGELES – A Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine restaurant chain operator alleges that a Glendale business is unlawfully using its trademark.
International Grill Inc., doing business as Massis Kabob, filed a complaint on May 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Massif Mediterranean Grill Inc. alleging trademark infringement.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff has been in operation since 1976 and has used the marks Massis and Massis Kabob. It alleges the defendant was incorporated in 2015 and is currently operating a restaurant one mile from the plaintiff's location in Glendale offering similar food.
The plaintiff holds Massif Mediterranean Grill Inc. responsible because the defendant allegedly caused confusion among customers as to whether or not defendant is affiliated with or sponsored by plaintiff.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against defendant for all damages, attorney's fees, costs of action, and further relief as the court deems just. It is represented by Richard B. Hopkins II, Mark K. Suri and Courtney A. Mulcahy of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in Los Angeles.
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California case number 2:18-cv-03846