Professional Documents
Culture Documents
18 Plaintiffs William L. Salviano and Geneta Salviano, doing business as Stinky Cigar
19 (collectively, “Stinky Cigar” or “Plaintiffs”), for their complaint against Defendants Prestige
20 Import Group Inc. (“P.I.G.”) and 1st Class Cigar Humidors Inc. (“1st Class Cigar”) (collectively,
22 PARTIES
28 under the laws of the state of Florida, with a principal place of business located at 1800 S.
Case 2:21-cv-01968-GMN-VCF Document 1 Filed 10/26/21 Page 2 of 13
2 4. On information and belief, 1st Class Cigar Humidors Inc is a corporation organized
3 under the laws of the state of Florida, with a principal place of business located at 7049 NW 71
6 5. The Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this action under 28 U.S.C. § 1331
8 § 1338(b) (unfair competition claim joined with a substantial and related claim under the
9 trademark laws), and 15 U.S.C. § 1121(a), because this action arises under the Lanham Act, 15
10 U.S.C. §§ 1051, et seq. The Court also has supplemental jurisdiction over the claims arising out of
11 state law pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1338(b) and 1367 because the state law claims arise out of the
13 6. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendants because Defendants sell and
14 offer for sale goods under the Infringing Marks (as defined below), and otherwise conduct business
15 in this district, and have engaged in tortious conduct resulting in injury to Plaintiffs in this district.
17 other reasons, Defendants have, and continue to, transact business within this district and offer for
18 sale in this district goods and services in a manner that infringes Plaintiffs’ trademark rights. In
19 addition, Plaintiffs have suffered harm in this district and a substantial part of the events or
20 omissions giving rise to the claims asserted herein occurred in this district.
24 9. That same year, Stinky Cigar first began offering its uniquely designed cigar
25 ashtrays under the trademarks STINKY® and STINKY CIGAR® (collectively, with the Stinky
27 10. Almost immediately, Stinky Cigar’s original STINKY® ashtray gained popularity
28 and significant market success. Initial shipments of the original STINKY® ashtray design sold out
2
2651683.docx
Case 2:21-cv-01968-GMN-VCF Document 1 Filed 10/26/21 Page 3 of 13
1 quickly. Based on the huge popularity of the original design, Stinky Cigar soon began offering
2 additional ashtray models under its STINKY® brand, all of which share the highly distinct and
3 recognizable design of the original STINKY® ashtray (“Stinky Cigar Trade Dress”).
4 11. Contributing to the distinctive appearance and appeal of the STINKY® ashtray is
5 its unique deep bowl shape and inventive “stirrups,”1 which make STINKY® ashtrays highly
7 12. Over the past 17 years, STINKY® branded ashtrays have become well-known to
8 cigar enthusiasts throughout the world. STINKY® branded ashtrays are immediately recognizable
9 to consumers and have won awards and received numerous accolades. For example, in 2015 the
10 STINKY® ashtray won first place in the “Outstanding Art” category at the 2015 Cigar Trophy
11 Awards, honoring the “best designed ashtray ever”—an award presented by the Cigar Journal, a
13 13. Stinky Cigar was also recognized by the Cigar Rights of America in July 2014 and
14 was named the CRA Ambassador for the State of Nevada for tireless work on behalf of the cigar
15 industry, consumers and retail tobacconist’s community of Nevada and across the nation.
16 14. STINKY® branded ashtrays have been featured in dozens of third-party magazine
17 articles and are the subject of numerous consumer and industry reviews.
18 15. Stinky Cigar’s STINKY® ashtrays have become so popular among cigar
19 aficionados, the mere addition of new colors to the STINKY® ashtray product line is considered
20 newsworthy, and featured in unsolicited third-party cigar industry news publications, which has
22 16. As a result, Stinky Cigar’s STINKY® ashtrays have become extremely well known
23 and respected among consumers, who have come to associate Stinky Cigar’s trademarks, logos,
24 and trade dress of the STINKY® ashtrays as exclusively associated with and originating from
25 Stinky Cigar.
26 ///
27
28 1
The term “stirrup” is a term coined by Stinky Cigar to identify its unique cigar ashtray rests.
3
2651683.docx
Case 2:21-cv-01968-GMN-VCF Document 1 Filed 10/26/21 Page 4 of 13
1 17. Stinky Cigar continues to promote and advertise its STINKY® ashtray product
2 lines, which has expanded to include five (5) separate product lines featuring over fifty (50) colors
3 and finishes—all of which incorporate the highly distinctive Stinky Cigar Trade Dress.
4 18. Stinky Cigar has also used the STINKY® Marks extensively on the Internet and
5 through Social Media mediums, and through such mediums the marks have developed a strong
6 Internet and Social Media presence and recognition by consumers who use such mediums. Stinky
7 Cigar maintains a retail website using the <stinkycigar.com> domain name. In addition to owning
8 and operating its STINKY® website at www.stinkycigar.com, Stinky Cigar uses its STINKY®
9 Marks extensively on the Internet through the social networking sites YouTube
10 (www.youtube.com/user/StinkyCigarAshtray), Instagram (www.instagram.com/stinkycigar/),
12 Ashtrays).
13 19. Stinky Cigar has expended considerable time, effort, and money promoting and
14 advertising its STINKY® ashtrays, further contributing to the recognition and success of the
15 STINKY® Marks.
16 20. As a result of Stinky Cigar’s extensive use, marketing, branding, and promotion of
17 its STINKY® Marks and STINKY® branded line of products, the STINKY® Marks have become
19 with Stinky Cigar. The consuming public distinguishes Stinky Cigar’s line of products from those
20 of others who offer the same or similar goods and services on the basis of its STINKY® Marks.
21 21. Stinky Cigar’s ownership of the STINKY® and STINKY CIGAR® marks is
4
2651683.docx
Case 2:21-cv-01968-GMN-VCF Document 1 Filed 10/26/21 Page 5 of 13
6 22. Stinky Cigar’s federal registration Nos. 4216864 and 4900209 have become
7 incontestable within the meaning of Section 15 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1065, and
8 constitute conclusive evidence that the recited marks are valid, and that Stinky Cigar is entitled to
9 exclusive use of the recited marks in commerce throughout the United States for the goods
10 identified therein.
11 23. Stinky Cigar also own the following pending applications for the Stinky Cigar
12 Trade Dress with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”):
14
15 January 26,
90490007 Class 34: Ashtrays
2021
16
17
January 26,
18 90490000 Class 34: Ashtrays
2021
19
22 25. On information and belief, Defendants are affiliated companies, with Defendant
23 P.I.G. primarily conducting Defendants’ wholesale activities, and Defendant 1st Class Cigars
25 26. On information and belief, Defendants distribute their goods through the websites
27 27. Between approximately 2005 and June 2020, Defendants were authorized
28 distributors and retail sellers of authentic STINKY® ashtrays, during which time Defendants
5
2651683.docx
Case 2:21-cv-01968-GMN-VCF Document 1 Filed 10/26/21 Page 6 of 13
1 conducted business with Stinky Cigar in Nevada and/or with Stinky Cigar’s wholesale distributor
2 in Westin, Florida.
3 28. For over fifteen (15) years, Defendants sold authentic STINKY® ashtrays to
4 retailers and direct to consumers through various channels of trade, including, but not limited to,
6 29. On information and belief, Defendants received their last shipment of authorized
11 31. Defendants sold the Infringing Goods on Defendants’ websites and through other
12 large third-party commercial websites, including, but not limited to, Amazon.com and eBay.com.
13 32. In conjunction with the distribution and sale of the Infringing Goods, Defendants
14 knowingly, willfully, and unlawfully used Stinky Cigar’s registered STINKY® mark and the
15 distinctive Stinky Trade Dress (collectively, “Infringing Marks”) to intentionally direct consumers
17 33. Specifically, Defendants used the STINKY® Marks in product descriptions for the
18 Infringing Goods and in website descriptions and metadata, which intentionally diverted Internet
19 traffic to the Infringing Goods. Defendants also used images of authentic STINKY® ashtrays in
20 website listings, which linked to URLs displaying the Infringing Goods for sale. Additionally,
21 Defendants’ online retail listings for the Infringing Goods contained consumer reviews for
22 authentic STINKY® ashtrays. All such actions by Defendants were knowingly and purposeful,
23 with the intent to deceive consumers into believing that they were purchasing authentic STINKY®
25 34. All such uses by Defendants of Stinky Cigar’s registered STINKY® mark and the
27 35. On information and belief, consumers purchased the Infringing Goods, mistakenly
6
2651683.docx
Case 2:21-cv-01968-GMN-VCF Document 1 Filed 10/26/21 Page 7 of 13
2 apparent that Defendants’ adoption and use of the Infringing Marks was in done knowingly and in
3 bad faith with the intent of capitalizing on Stinky Cigar’s goodwill and the well-known nature of
4 the STINKY® Marks and Stinky Trade Dress. Accordingly, Defendants’ infringement of the
6 37. Defendants’ adoption and first use of the Infringing Marks in connection with
7 identical products as those of Stinky Cigar, occurred long after Stinky Cigar’s first use and/or
9 38. At the time of Defendants’ adoption and first use of the Infringing Marks,
10 Defendants were well-aware of Stinky Cigar’s superior rights in the STINKY® Marks and knew
11 or should have known that the unauthorized use of the Infringing Marks constituted violations of
12 Stinky Cigar’s rights, title and interest in and to the STINKY® Marks.
13 39. Defendants’ use of the Infringing Marks and sale of the Infringing Goods is likely
14 to cause confusion, mistake, and deception of consumers as to the source, quality, and nature of
15 Defendants’ goods, thereby proximately causing injury to Stinky Cigar and its trademark rights.
16 40. On information and belief, Defendants’ sale of the Infringing Goods and
17 unauthorized use of the Infringing Marks has caused, and will continue to cause, actual confusion
18 among consumers.
19 41. Defendants’ wrongful actions as alleged herein have caused damages to Plaintiff
20 and irreparable injury to Plaintiffs’ business, reputation, and goodwill, for which Plaintiffs are
24 42. Stinky Cigar incorporates the allegations set forth in each of the preceding
26 43. Defendants’ Infringing Marks are identical and/or confusingly similar to Stinky
28 ///
7
2651683.docx
Case 2:21-cv-01968-GMN-VCF Document 1 Filed 10/26/21 Page 8 of 13
2 copying, counterfeiting, and colorable imitation of Stinky Cigar’s registered STINKY® Marks, in
3 such a manner as is likely to cause confusion, to cause mistake, and/or to deceive consumers.
4 45. On information and belief, Defendants’ use in commerce of the Infringing Marks
6 46. Defendants are using a mark that is the same and/or confusingly similar to the
7 STINKY® Marks in connection with the sale, offering for sale, or advertising of goods and
11 47. Defendants’ use of the Infringing Marks and/or a mark(s) confusingly similar to the
12 STINKY® Marks, was intentional and willfully done with the knowledge that Stinky Cigar owns
15 49. Stinky Cigar has no control over the quality of Defendants’ Infringing Goods and,
17 Stinky Cigar’s valuable goodwill in and to its STINKY® Marks has been, and continues to be,
18 significantly harmed.
20 Marks in violation of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1114(1). Accordingly, Stinky Cigar is entitled
21 to recover Defendants’ profits, together with Stinky Cigar’s damages, increased monetary
22 recoveries as provided by the Lanham Act, as well as costs of the action and reasonable attorneys’
24 51. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ infringement, Stinky Cigar has
25 suffered, and will continue to suffer, monetary damages and irreparable injury to its business,
27 52. Defendants’ activities have caused, and will continue to cause, irreparable harm to
28 Stinky Cigar for which Stinky Cigar has no adequate remedy at law. Accordingly, Stinky Cigar
8
2651683.docx
Case 2:21-cv-01968-GMN-VCF Document 1 Filed 10/26/21 Page 9 of 13
1 is entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1116(a), and to
2 an order under 15 U.S.C. § 1118 and other operation of law impounding all goods and other
3 materials in Defendants’ possession, custody, or control that bear the Infringing Marks.
4 53. Stinky Cigar also is entitled to, in addition to the other remedies described herein,
5 the cost of corrective advertising and a reasonable royalty as a result of Defendants’ infringement
9
2651683.docx
Case 2:21-cv-01968-GMN-VCF Document 1 Filed 10/26/21 Page 10 of 13
1 59. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ infringement, Stinky Cigar has
2 suffered, and will continue to suffer, monetary damages and irreparable injury to its business,
4 60. Defendants’ activities have caused and will continue to cause irreparable harm to
5 Stinky Cigar for which Stinky Cigar has no adequate remedy at law.
8 62. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s intentional and unauthorized use of
9 the STINKY® Marks, Stinky Cigar has been compelled to retain counsel to enforce its trademark
10 rights and prosecute this action, for which Stinky Cigar should recover attorneys’ fees and costs
14 63. Stinky Cigar incorporates the allegations set forth in each of the preceding
15 paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
16 64. Defendants’ unauthorized use in commerce of the Infringing Marks as alleged
17 herein is likely to deceive consumers as to the origin, source, sponsorship, or affiliation of
18 Defendants’ services, and is likely to cause consumers to believe, contrary to fact, that Defendants’
19 services are sold, authorized, endorsed, or sponsored by Stinky Cigar, or that Defendants are in
20 some way affiliated with or sponsored by Stinky Cigar. Defendants’ conduct therefore constitutes
21 trademark infringement, use of a false designation of origin and misleading description and
22 representation of fact in violation of Nevada common law.
23 65. Upon information and belief, Defendants have committed the foregoing acts of
24 infringement with full knowledge of Stinky Cigar’s prior rights in the STINKY® Marks and with
25 the willful intent to cause confusion and trade on Stinky Cigar’s goodwill.
26 66. Defendants’ conduct is causing immediate and irreparable harm and injury to
27 Stinky Cigar, and to its goodwill and reputation, and will continue to both damage Stinky Cigar
28 and confuse the public unless enjoined by this court. Stinky Cigar has no adequate remedy at law.
10
2651683.docx
Case 2:21-cv-01968-GMN-VCF Document 1 Filed 10/26/21 Page 11 of 13
1 67. As the direct and proximate result of Defendant’s conduct, Stinky Cigar has
2 suffered, and will continue to suffer, monetary damages and irreparable injury to its business,
4 68. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ infringement, Stinky Cigar has been
5 compelled to retain counsel to enforce its trademark rights and prosecute this action.
7 WHEREFORE, Stinky Cigar prays for entry of a judgment ordering and declaring:
9 Defendants and their agents, servants, employees, successors, licensees and assignees, and all
10 persons, firms, entities, partners, or corporations in active concert or participation with Defendants,
11 are preliminarily and thereafter permanently enjoined from doing, threatening, or attempting to do
12 or causing to be done, either directly or indirectly, by any means, method or device, any of the
13 following acts:
15 or any mark confusingly similar thereto, including but not limited to the Infringing Marks, in any
16 manner or for any purpose, including, but not limited to, in advertising, promoting, producing,
17 distributing, selling, offering for sale, or giving away any services or products which infringe, use,
19 (b) Using any term that is likely to be confused with Stinky Cigar’s STINKY®
20 Marks;
23 Defendants originate from Stinky Cigar, or are sponsored, approved, licensed by, or associated
24 with Stinky Cigar, or that Defendants or their services or products are in some way associated or
26 (d) Committing any other acts calculated to or that do unfairly compete with
28 (e) Filing or maintaining any business license, d/b/a, or similar document using
11
2651683.docx
Case 2:21-cv-01968-GMN-VCF Document 1 Filed 10/26/21 Page 12 of 13
3 containing or consisting of the STINKY® Marks or any mark confusingly similar thereto;
4 2. That Defendants be required to account for all profits derived by Defendants from
5 their trade, infringing conduct, unfair practices and competition, and for an order of restitution of
7 3. That, in addition to being ordered to pay the lost profits attributable to the infringing
8 conduct complained of herein, Defendants also be ordered to pay their infringing profits as
9 monetary damages and reasonable royalties, to be increased by the Court by such amount as the
10 Court deems to be just, together with Stinky Cigar’s damages, all of which, according to the
11 circumstances of this case, should be increased and trebled as provided by law, including 15 U.S.C.
12 § 1117;
14 available under and according to 15 U.S.C. § 1117 and other operation of law;
15 5. That Defendants be ordered to pay all of Stinky Cigar’s attorneys’ fees, costs, and
16 disbursements incurred in this suit, in bringing this action for the legal enforcement of its trademark
17 rights, and in connection with all efforts to stop Defendant’ trademark infringement, counterfeiting
18 and unfair competition, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117 and other operation of law;
19 6. That an Order issue from this Court instructing the United States Marshals Service
20 or other law enforcement agency to impound all goods and other materials in Defendants’
21 possession, custody, or control that bear the Infringing Marks, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1118 and
24 according to law;
25 8. That Defendants be ordered to pay the costs of any and all corrective advertising;
26 and
27 ///
28 ///
12
2651683.docx
Case 2:21-cv-01968-GMN-VCF Document 1 Filed 10/26/21 Page 13 of 13
1 9. For all such other, further, and different relief that this Court deems just and proper.
3 HOLLEY DRIGGS
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
13
2651683.docx