Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
16 Civ. 1645
(Jury Trial Demanded)
COMPLAINT
Plaintiff Alvin & Sparky, LLC (A&S), by and through its attorneys Ostrager Chong
Flaherty & Broitman P.C., for its Complaint against defendant Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL)
avers as follows:
PARTIES
1.
A&S is a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the
state of New York with its principal place of business located at 698 West End Avenue, #15D,
New York, New York 10025.
2.
RL is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of Delaware
with its principal place of business located at 650 Madison Avenue, New York, New York
10022.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
3.
This is an action for copyright infringement arising under the Copyright Act of
4.
This Court has jurisdiction over this action pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1331 and
5.
Venue is proper in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391 (b) and (c) and
1338.
1400 (a).
BACKGROUND FACTS
6.
A&S and its sole owner, Samantha Goldberg, designs and handcrafts cashmere
stuffed animals and accessory products of the finest quality for babies and young children.
A&Ss stuffed animal line includes, among others, teddy bears, puppy dogs, rabbits, turtles, and
elephants. A&S has been marketing its handcrafted stuffed animals to specialty retailers and
department stores throughout the world since 1998. A&Ss stuffed animals are made by hand in
New York City of the highest quality cashmere imported from Scotland.
7.
A&S markets its stuffed animal line and accessories under the brand name
ALVIN & SPARKY, and on a private label basis to select clients, including RL and Harrods.
The ALVIN & SPARKY product line is shown and offered for sale to the public at A&Ss
website www.alvinandsparky.com.
8.
Among A&Ss most notable stuffed animals is a teddy bear with an original
The A&S Teddy Bear has been duly registered in the United States Copyright
Office under United States Copyright Registration No. VA 1-936-632 dated November 20, 2014,
annexed as Exhibit A.
10.
At all relevant times herein, A&S has been and still is the sole owner of all
copyright rights in the A&S Teddy Bear and the U.S. Copyright Registration for such rights.
11.
In or about the summer of 2001, RL placed orders with A&S for its cashmere
puppy dog stuffed animal. Thereafter, in the fall of 2001, RL ordered A&Ss Teddy Bear. RL
continues to order the A&S Teddy Bear in four sizes and other animals from A&Ss stuffed
animal line up to the present time. A&S provided its animal designs to RL on a private label
basis. A representative collection of A&Ss designs which RL presently features in its childrens
stores and through its on-line store at www.ralphlauren.com is shown in Exhibit B.
RLs Infringement of the A&S Teddy Bear
12.
non-cashmere teddy bears which are copied from and substantially identical to the A&S Teddy
Bear. As contrasted with A&Ss Teddy Bears which market at retail for $170 (Little Teddy)
and $195 (Big Teddy), RL has offered and continues to offer its non-cashmere teddy bears for
retail prices in the range of $24.50 to $49.50. RL markets its non-cashmere teddy bears at retail
throughout the United States, including in this Judicial District, and abroad through mass market
channels including RLs company stores, RLs outlet stores, RLs on-line store at
www.ralphlauren.com, and through third-party retailers such as Bloomingdales, Lord & Taylor,
Macys, Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillards and BonTon. Examples of RLs non-cashmere teddy bears
are shown in Exhibit C-1 (www.ralphlauren.com), Exhibit C-2 (www.bloomingdales.com),
Exhibit C-3 (www.saksfifthavenue.com), Exhibit C-4 (www.lordandtaylor.com), Exhibit C-5
(www1.macys.com/shop), Exhibit C-6 (www.dillards.com) and Exhibit C-7
(www.bonton.com).
13.
In or about the same period, RL began to market cashmere top and pant sets for
babies with images of the A&S Teddy Bear reproduced from A&Ss website. A&Ss website
showing an image of its A&S Teddy Bear, and the RL top and pant set including the A&S Teddy
Bear are shown in Exhibits D-1 and D-2, respectively.
14.
based upon the A&S Teddy Bear. On the contrary, A&S has objected to RLs marketing of the
unauthorized RL non-cashmere teddy bears and sweaters including images of the A&S Teddy
Bear, and has continued to lodge objection to the present.
AS AND FOR A CAUSE OF ACTION
(Copyright Infringement)
15.
A&S repeats and realleges each and every allegation contained in paragraphs 1
the A&S Teddy Bear in violation of Sections 106 and 501 et seq. of the Copyright Act of 1976,
as amend (17 U.S.C. 501 et seq.).
17.
plaintiffs copyright rights in the A&S Teddy Bear will cause plaintiff irreparable injury for
which he has no adequate remedy at law.
18.
Plaintiff is entitled to actual damages for this infringement and RLs profits
pursuant to Sections 501, 502 and 504 of the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended (17 U.S.C.
501, 502, and 504).
WHEREFORE, plaintiff Alvin & Sparky, LLC prays for judgment against Ralph Lauren
Corporation as follows:
1.
Declaring that RL violated Section 106 of the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended
(17 U.S.C. 106) by infringing plaintiffs copyright rights and awarding actual damages and lost
(;+,%,7$
EXHIBIT B
EXHIBIT C-1
EXHIBIT C-2
3/2/2016
Page 1 of 2
Case 1:16-cv-01645 Document 1-6 Filed 03/03/16 Page 2 of 8
|
USD
|
MY ACCOUNT
|
WISH LIST
|
BROWN BAG: ( 0)
Sub
100% DESIGNERS WHAT'S NEW WOMEN SHOES HANDBAGS JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES BEAUTY MEN KIDS HOME GIFTS THE REGISTRY SALE OUTLET
Ralph Lauren
Infant Boys' Plush Bear - Ages 0+
ORIG. $49.50
WAS $26.25
SALE $19.69
Sale ends 3/9/16
pricing policy
COLOR: Blue
SHIP: In Stock
Usually leaves our facility within 2 business days.
QUANTITY:
IN-STORE AVAILABILITY:
Check local stores if you want it sooner.
Like
DETAILS
REVIEWS
OFFERS
Tweet
EDIT
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/ralph-lauren-infant-boys-plush-bear-ages-0?ID=15393...
3/2/2016
Page 1 of 2
Case 1:16-cv-01645 Document 1-6 Filed 03/03/16 Page 3 of 8
|
USD
|
MY ACCOUNT
|
WISH LIST
|
BROWN BAG: ( 0)
Sub
100% DESIGNERS WHAT'S NEW WOMEN SHOES HANDBAGS JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES BEAUTY MEN KIDS HOME GIFTS THE REGISTRY SALE OUTLET
write a review
SHIP: In Stock
Usually leaves our facility within 2 business days.
PICK UP IN STORE:
Available at 59th Street
Check another store
Like
DETAILS
REVIEWS
OFFERS
Tweet
EDIT
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/ralph-lauren-childrenswear-infant-boys-plush-bear-age...
3/2/2016
Page 1 of 2
Case 1:16-cv-01645 Document 1-6 Filed 03/03/16 Page 4 of 8
|
USD
|
MY ACCOUNT
|
WISH LIST
|
BROWN BAG: ( 0)
Sub
100% DESIGNERS WHAT'S NEW WOMEN SHOES HANDBAGS JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES BEAUTY MEN KIDS HOME GIFTS THE REGISTRY SALE OUTLET
write a review
QUANTITY:
IN-STORE AVAILABILITY:
Check local stores if you want it sooner.
Like
DETAILS
REVIEWS
OFFERS
Tweet
EDIT
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/ralph-lauren-childrenswear-infant-girls-plush-bear-age...
3/2/2016
Page 1 of 2
Case 1:16-cv-01645 Document 1-6 Filed 03/03/16 Page 5 of 8
|
USD
|
MY ACCOUNT
|
WISH LIST
|
BROWN BAG: ( 0)
Sub
100% DESIGNERS WHAT'S NEW WOMEN SHOES HANDBAGS JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES BEAUTY MEN KIDS HOME GIFTS THE REGISTRY SALE OUTLET
write a review
QUANTITY:
PICK UP IN STORE:
Available at 59th Street
Check another store
Like
DETAILS
REVIEWS
OFFERS
Tweet
EDIT
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/ralph-lauren-childrenswear-infant-boys-bear-print-plus...
3/2/2016
Page 1 of 2
Case 1:16-cv-01645 Document 1-6 Filed 03/03/16 Page 6 of 8
|
USD
|
MY ACCOUNT
|
WISH LIST
|
BROWN BAG: ( 0)
Sub
100% DESIGNERS WHAT'S NEW WOMEN SHOES HANDBAGS JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES BEAUTY MEN KIDS HOME GIFTS THE REGISTRY SALE OUTLET
write a review
QUANTITY:
PICK UP IN STORE:
Available at 59th Street
Check another store
Like
DETAILS
REVIEWS
OFFERS
Tweet
EDIT
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/ralph-lauren-childrenswear-infant-girls-stuffed-bear-a...
3/2/2016
Page 1 of 2
Case 1:16-cv-01645 Document 1-6 Filed 03/03/16 Page 7 of 8
|
USD
|
MY ACCOUNT
|
WISH LIST
|
BROWN BAG: ( 0)
Sub
100% DESIGNERS WHAT'S NEW WOMEN SHOES HANDBAGS JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES BEAUTY MEN KIDS HOME GIFTS THE REGISTRY SALE OUTLET
write a review
QUANTITY:
PICK UP IN STORE:
Available at 59th Street
Check another store
Like
DETAILS
REVIEWS
OFFERS
Tweet
EDIT
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/ralph-lauren-childrenswear-infant-girls-floral-plush-te...
3/2/2016
Page 1 of 2
Case 1:16-cv-01645 Document 1-6 Filed 03/03/16 Page 8 of 8
|
USD
|
MY ACCOUNT
|
WISH LIST
|
BROWN BAG: ( 0)
Sub
100% DESIGNERS WHAT'S NEW WOMEN SHOES HANDBAGS JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES BEAUTY MEN KIDS HOME GIFTS THE REGISTRY SALE OUTLET
write a review
QUANTITY:
PICK UP IN STORE:
Available at 59th Street
Check another store
Like
DETAILS
REVIEWS
OFFERS
Tweet
EDIT
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/ralph-lauren-childrenswear-infant-girls-bear-print-plus...
EXHIBIT C-3
EXHIBIT C-4
EXHIBIT C-5
3/2/2016
Page 1 of 2
Case 1:16-cv-01645 Document 1-9 Filed 03/03/16 Page 2 of 6
sign in
my account
stores
customer service
WOMEN
MEN
JUNIORS
KIDS
ACTIVE
Subm
BEAUTY
SHOES
lists
HANDBAGS
JEWELRY
WATCHES
gift cards
BRANDS
wedding registry
Reg. $29.50
Sale $20.65
Sale ends 3/7/16
EXTRA 20% OFF Enjoy 20% off your purchase. Promo Code: CUTE
details
size chart
ONE SIZE
in stock
Check availability in your area
LARGER VIEW
Product Details
This adorable plush bear is sure to be one of her favorite stuffed
animals. Ralph Lauren's signature embroidered pony accents the
bear's scarf, giving it a heritage-inspired look.
macys.com and Macy's stores operate separately; products and prices offered at each may be different.
For more information read our Online Pricing Policy at www.macys.com/pricingpolicy
$20.00
Sale $35.70
Sale $35.70
Sale $11.99
Everyday Value
$12.98
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/ralph-lauren-baby-girls-solid-bear-toy?ID=2393139&Category...
3/2/2016
Page 1 of 2
Case 1:16-cv-01645 Document 1-9 Filed 03/03/16 Page 3 of 6
sign in
my account
stores
customer service
WOMEN
MEN
JUNIORS
KIDS
ACTIVE
Subm
BEAUTY
SHOES
lists
HANDBAGS
JEWELRY
WATCHES
gift cards
BRANDS
wedding registry
Reg. $29.50
Sale $20.65
Sale ends 3/7/16
EXTRA 20% OFF Enjoy 20% off your purchase. Promo Code: CUTE
details
Color: White
size chart
Size:
ONE SIZE
in stock
Check availability in your area
LARGER VIEW
Product Details
He won't want to leave home without his new favorite teddy bear,
complete with a happy face and an adorable little scarf.
An attached scarf with Ralph Lauren's signature embroidered
pony ties at the neck
Shell: cotton; Fill: polyester
Spot clean
Imported
Web ID: 2393154
macys.com and Macy's stores operate separately; products and prices offered at each may be different.
For more information read our Online Pricing Policy at www.macys.com/pricingpolicy
Now $71.25
Sale $45.50
$20.00
Sale $45.50
Now $27.00
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/ralph-lauren-baby-boys-printed-bear-toy?ID=2393154&Categ...
3/2/2016
Page 1 of 2
Case 1:16-cv-01645 Document 1-9 Filed 03/03/16 Page 4 of 6
sign in
my account
stores
customer service
WOMEN
MEN
JUNIORS
KIDS
ACTIVE
Subm
BEAUTY
SHOES
lists
HANDBAGS
JEWELRY
WATCHES
gift cards
BRANDS
wedding registry
Reg. $29.50
Sale $20.65
Sale ends 3/7/16
EXTRA 20% OFF Enjoy 20% off your purchase. Promo Code: CUTE
details
Color: White
size chart
Size:
ONE SIZE
in stock
Check availability in your area
LARGER VIEW
Product Details
She won't want to leave home without her new favorite teddy
bear, complete with a happy face and an adorable little scarf.
An attached scarf with Ralph Lauren's signature embroidered
pony ties at the neck
Shell: cotton; Fill: polyester
Spot clean
Imported
Web ID: 2393140
macys.com and Macy's stores operate separately; products and prices offered at each may be different.
For more information read our Online Pricing Policy at www.macys.com/pricingpolicy
First Impressions
Baby Girls...
Now $71.25
Everyday Value
$12.98
Sale $11.99
Now $41.25
Sale $35.70
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/ralph-lauren-baby-girls-printed-bear?ID=2393140&CategoryI...
3/2/2016
Page 1 of 2
Case 1:16-cv-01645 Document 1-9 Filed 03/03/16 Page 5 of 6
sign in
my account
stores
customer service
WOMEN
MEN
JUNIORS
KIDS
ACTIVE
Subm
BEAUTY
SHOES
lists
HANDBAGS
JEWELRY
WATCHES
gift cards
BRANDS
wedding registry
Reg. $29.50
Sale $20.65
Sale ends 3/7/16
EXTRA 20% OFF Enjoy 20% off your purchase. Promo Code: CUTE
details
Color: Blue
size chart
Size:
ONE SIZE
in stock
Check availability in your area
LARGER VIEW
Product Details
This adorable plush toy is sure to become one of yRalph Lauren's
little one's favorite stuffed animals. Ralph Lauren's signature
embroidered pony accents the bear's scarf, giving it a heritageinspired look.
macys.com and Macy's stores operate separately; products and prices offered at each may be different.
For more information read our Online Pricing Policy at www.macys.com/pricingpolicy
Now $71.25
Sale $11.99
Sale $18.99
Sale $11.99
Sale $8.99
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/ralph-lauren-baby-boys-bear-toy?ID=2398632&CategoryID=5...
3/2/2016
Page 1 of 2
Case 1:16-cv-01645 Document 1-9 Filed 03/03/16 Page 6 of 6
sign in
my account
stores
customer service
WOMEN
MEN
JUNIORS
KIDS
ACTIVE
Subm
BEAUTY
SHOES
lists
HANDBAGS
JEWELRY
WATCHES
gift cards
BRANDS
wedding registry
Reg. $29.50
Sale $20.65
Sale ends 3/7/16
EXTRA 20% OFF Enjoy 20% off your purchase. Promo Code: CUTE
details
size chart
ONE SIZE
in stock
Check availability in your area
LARGER VIEW
Product Details
This adorable plush toy is sure to become one of Ralph Lauren's
little one's favorite stuffed animals. Ralph Lauren's signature
embroidered pony accents the bear's scarf, giving it a heritageinspired look.
macys.com and Macy's stores operate separately; products and prices offered at each may be different.
For more information read our Online Pricing Policy at www.macys.com/pricingpolicy
Now $71.25
Sale $45.50
Sale $41.65
Now $15.00
$20.00
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/ralph-lauren-baby-boys-solid-bear-toy?ID=2393144&Category...
EXHIBIT C-6
EXHIBIT C-7
EXHIBIT D-1
EXHIBIT D-2