Indiana Intellectual Property Law News
Indianapolis, Indiana – Attorneys for Plaintiff, Kimball International, Inc. of Jasper, Indiana filed suit in the Southern District of Indiana
alleging that Defendant, Jasper Seating Company, Inc. d/b/a Community of Jasper, Indiana infringed its rights on the Indiana State Trademark Registration No. 2017-0052 for the mark “JEWEL.” Plaintiff is seeking an injunction, damages, lost profits, attorneys’ fees and costs, and any other relief the Court seems just.
Plaintiff is an Indiana corporation that manufactures furniture for offices, schools, healthcare facilities and hotels. According to the complaint, since August 2015 the Plaintiff has manufactured a line of chairs under the “JEWEL” trademark. Plaintiff has sold the chairs across the country and registered the trademark with the Indiana Secretary of State.
Defendant is also an Indiana corporation that manufactures furniture for businesses and public spaces. According to the complaint, the Defendant has, without authorization, used a variation of the “JEWEL” trademark by marketing a line of chairs under the name “JUEL.” Plaintiff claims that Defendant began using the “JUEL” mark after August 2015, and that they notified Defendant of their superior rights in the trademark, but Defendant ignored the notice and continued producing the allegedly infringing chairs.
Plaintiff has officially alleged infringement of a state trademark, false designation of origin, common law unfair competition, deception, and a claim under the Indiana Crime Victim’s Relief Act.
The case was assigned to District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt and Magistrate Judge Mark J. Dinsmore in the Southern District and assigned Case 1:17-cv-04709-TWP-MJD.