Professional Documents
Culture Documents
NASHVILLE DIVISION
)
)
)
)
)
v.
OTR Wheel Engineering, Inc.,
)
)
)
----~D~e~fe~n~d~a~nt~_________________________)
Plaintiffs Bridgestone Brands, LLC and Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
(individually and collectively "Bridgestone") by their undersigned attorneys, allege as follows,
upon actual knowledge with respect to themselves and their own acts and upon information and
belief as to all other matters.
NATURE OF THE ACTION
1.
This is a civil action for trademark infringement, design patent infringement, and
unfair competition under federal, state, and/or common law. Bridgestone seeks equitable and
monetary relief from Defendant OTR Wheel Engineering, Inc.'s unlawful promotion and sale of
tires that infringe the famous BRIDGESTONE and FIRESTONE marks/names and
Bridgestone's patented tread design. Among a vast universe of non-infringing marks to choose
from, Defendant selected the marks BLACKSTONE and ROADSTONE to mimic and trade off
the valuable goodwill long associated with the STONE-suffix marks/names BRIDGESTONE
and FIRESTONE. Making matters worse, Defendant also copied Bridgestone's patented tread
design for its knock-off BLACKSTONE tires. For these and other reasons, Bridgestone seeks to
4811 -2580-4577.2
enjoin Defendant's unlawful conduct and to recover damages, Defendant's profits, attorneys'
fees, costs, and other relief.
PARTIES
2.
liability company with a business address at 535 Maniott Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37214.
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC is authorized to use the BRIDGESTONE and
FIRESTONE trademarks and names in the United States.
4.
5.
This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action pursuant to 15
U.S.C. 1121; 35 U.S.C. 271, 281, and 289; and 28 U.S.C. 1331, 1338(a) and (b). The
Court has supplemental jurisdiction over Bridgestone's state-law claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C.
1367(a) because they are substantially related to its federal claims and arise out of the same
case or controversy.
6.
This Court has general personal jurisdiction over Defendant based on its
continuous and systematic contacts with Tennessee, including its distribution and sale of
products in Tennessee.
7.
This Court has specific personal jurisdiction over Defendant because it has
4811 -2580-4577.2
Venue lies in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b) and (c) and 1400(b)
because a substantial part of the events giving rise to Bridgestone' s claims have occurred and are
continuing to occur in this District and Bridgestone maintains its principal place of business in
this District.
BRIDGESTONE AND THE FAMOUS
BRIDGESTONE AND FIRESTONE TRADEMARKS/NAMES
9.
Bridgestone and its related and affiliated companies comprise the world's largest
tire and rubber company. Their products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the
world.
10.
In 1988, Bridgestone's related company purchased The Firestone Tire & Rubber
Company, which was founded over a century ago by entrepreneur and innovator Harvey S.
Firestone. By 1900, with twelve employees and a single production facility in Akron, Ohio, The
Firestone Tire & Rubber Company produced its first tire. FIRESTONE tires quickly gained a
reputation for quality and performance; they were chosen by Henry Ford for the first massproduced cars in America and, shortly thereafter, drove to victory in the very first Indianapolis
500 car race.
11.
FIRESTONE-branded tires for virtually every type of land vehicle, including tires for passenger,
light truck, commercial truck and bus, agriculture, and off-the-road vehicles.
4811 -2580-4577.2
12.
Bridgestone and its related companies presently have over 40 production facilities
in the Americas alone; produce and sell 50 million tires a year; operate over 2,200 directly
owned and operated retail outlets in North America; and employ nearly 45,000 people.
13.
trademarks/names in commerce in the United States since their respective first uses in 1967 and
1900.
14.
have been used in connection with various other tire and automotive products (e.g., road-safety
kits), services, accessories, and related goods (e.g., video games, models, and toys).
15.
Bridgestone Brands, LLC owns the FIRESTONE mark and the following valid
and subsisting incontestable U.S. federal trademark registrations for that mark (among others):
Mark
""*
rtrestone
FIRESTONE
rtrestone
Goods/Services
Reg. No.
Reg. Date
Rubber tires
0140804
03/2911921
Vehicle tires
and inner
tubes
therefor
1387468
03/25/1986
Vehicle tires
and inner
tubes
therefor
2464005
06/26/2001
Retail tire
and
automotive
store
services
1178631
11/1711981
4811 -2580-4577.2
ftrestone
Automotive
repair and
maintenance
services
3173847
11/21/2006
ftrestone
Retail tire
store
services
3173840
11/21/2006
16.
Mark
Goods/Services
Reg. No.
Tires and
inner tubes
therefor
2607465
BRIDGESTONE
Tires
1342473
BRIDGES TONE
Tires
2886688
.lJR106ESTORE
Reg. Date
8113/2002
611811985
9/21/2004
17.
Over the years, Bridgestone has sold billions of dollars of tires branded with the
and 10,000 independent wholesalers and retailers nationwide-ranging from major retailers such
as W AL-MART and SEARS to independent tire dealers. Bridges tone's tires have been featured
as original equipment on some of the world's top-selling cars and trucks, including those made
by BMW, Toyota, Nissan, General Motors, Chrysler, Daimler (Mercedes-Benz), Volkswagen,
Mazda, Subaru, and others.
4811-2580-4577.2
5
Case 3:14-cv-02402 Document 1 Filed 12/29/14 Page 5 of 20 PageID #: 5
19.
and promoting the BRIDGESTONE and FIRESTONE marks/names through vittually every type
of digital, broadcast, and print media, including but not limited to print advertisements (e.g.,
magazines and newspapers), television and radio commercials, Internet advertising, social media,
billboards, brochures, catalogs, point-of-sale displays, sponsorships, trade shows, and
promotional items.
20.
For decades, the BRIDGESTONE and FIRESTONE marks/names and tires have
People, Time, Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, Golf Digest, Men's Fitness, Men 's Health, Jet,
and Popular Mechanics, as well as major national newspapers such as the Wall Street Journal
and USA Today.
retailers regularly mn advettisements in local newspapers throughout the country promoting the
BRIDGESTONE and FIRESTONE marks and tires.
21.
Bridgestone's
television commercials have appeared on major network channels, including NBC, ABC, CBS,
and FOX channels. They have also aired on cable-television networks such as ESPN, MTV,
HGTV, TNN, TNT, VH1, FX, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, The History Channel, and
Speed TV.
Matt Kuchar, and Hudson Swafford) and the BRIDGESTONE mark/name (representative
screenshots below).
22.
shown below) promoting FIRESTONE tires and automotive maintenance services and featuring
the voice of well-known country music star Trace Adkins. This campaign has reached hundreds
of millions of viewers nationwide.
4811-2580-4577.2
23.
during the Super Bowl-reaching over 100 million viewers each year. The 2011 Super Bowl
broadcast reached over 110 million viewers, breaking the record for the most-watched program
in U.S. television history.
The 2008 Super Bowl was the second most watched television
and currently sponsors the NHL Winter Classic (depicted below) and the World Golf
Championships-Bridgestone Invitational played at the Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.
FIRESTONE is (and/or has been) the Official Tire of Major League Baseball, and Official Tire
of the Indy Racing League, IndyCar, and the Indianapolis 500. Moreover, Bridgestone has
signed on to be an Olympics partner/sponsor through 2024.
25.
through various highly followed and publicized racing events. In addition to Formula 1, the
BRIDGESTONE mark has been promoted through sponsorship of the Champ Car World Series
since 1996 and Formula D Drift Series racing. The FIRESTONE mark has been prominently
featured in connection with the Indy 500 race. From 1920 through 1966, Firestone won every
Indy 500 race-a record unmatched by any other tire manufacturer. The BRIDGESTONE
and/or FIRESTONE marks/names appear prominently on signage and other materials throughout
these events.
26.
Predators-Nashville's NHL hockey team. The venue has received several awards, including
481 1-2580-4577.2
9
Case 3:14-cv-02402 Document 1 Filed 12/29/14 Page 9 of 20 PageID #: 9
the ACM (Academy of Country Music) Venue of the Year and the IEBD (International
Entertainment Buyers Association) Venue of the Year. It has also hosted high-profile events,
such as the third round of the 2012 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, 2011 Stanley Cup
Western Conference Quarterfinals and Semifinals, and the 45th Annual Country Music Awards.
27.
Bridgestone, its products, and it sponsored events receive a significant amount of unsolicited
media coverage, including on nationally broadcast television programs and in widely circulated
publications.
29.
and FIRESTONE marks/names; widespread use, advertising, publicity, and promotion; and
billions of dollars of sales, the BRIDGESTONE and FIRESTONE marks/names have been well
known and famous since long before OTR began its infringing acts.
4811 -2580-4577.2
10
Case 3:14-cv-02402 Document 1 Filed 12/29/14 Page 10 of 20 PageID #: 10
30.
Silverstone Berhad, 2003 TIAB LEXIS 142, 28-29 (TIAB 2003), the Trademark Trial and
Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trademark Office held that the FIRESTONE mark
is famous.
Bridgestone's "FIRESTONE DuraForce MH" tires (shown below) are among the
On March 20, 2010, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) issued
U.S. Design Patent No. D612,800 ("the '800 patent") (attached as Exhibit A), titled "Tire
Tread," to inventors Paula R. Lundgren and Ronald W. Tatlock.
34.
Bridgestone is the owner of all right, title, and interest in and to the ' 800 patent by
The claimed design of the '800 patent is directed to tire tread, as shown in figures
1-10 and described in the accompanying figure descriptions (see Exhibit A).
4811 -2580-4577.2
11
36.
37.
marks/names, and with a vast universe of marks to choose from, Defendant selected two marks
with a -STONE suffix, namely, BLACKSTONE and ROADSTONE.
38.
One of Defendant's BLACKSTONE tires uses the following tread design (shown
4811 -2580-4577.2
12
40.
(collectively the "STONE Marks") and tread-pattern design are likely to cause confusion,
mistake, and deception as to the source or origin of the products advertised/offered under those
marks/design, and are likely to falsely suggest a sponsorship, connection, or association between
Defendant, its tires, and/or its commercial activities with Bridgestone.
41.
Defendant's actions described above are likely to dilute the distinctiveness and
have damaged and irreparably injured, and, if permitted to continue will further damage and
irreparably injure Bridgestone,
Bridgestone's patented design, Bridgestone's reputation and goodwill, and/or the public's
interest in being free from confusion.
4811-2580-4577.2
13
43.
rights, and in bad faith, as evidenced in part by its obvious copying of the BRIDGESTONE and
FIRESTONE trademarks and names, and Bridges tone's tread design.
FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Trademark Infringement Under
Section 32(1) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1114(1)
44.
Bridgestone repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth m
46.
Bridgestone repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth in
4811-2580-4577.2
14
48.
Bridgestone repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth in
1125(c), and was famous prior to Defendant's first use of BLACKSTONE and ROADSTONE,
based on, among other things, the federal registration of Bridgestone's FIRESTONE mark and
the extensive nationwide use, advertising, promotion, and recognition of Bridgestone's
FIRESTONE mark.
50.
Defendant's actions, as described above, are likely to dilute the distinctive quality
of Bridgestone's famous FIRESTONE mark in violation of Section 43(c) of the Lanham Act, 15
U.S.C. 1125(c), as amended by the Trademark Dilution Revision Act of 2006.
FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Design Patent Infringement of the '800 Patent
Under 35 U.S.C. 271, 289
51.
Bridgestone repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth m
In the eye of the ordinary observer familiar with the relevant prior art, giving such
attention as a purchaser usually gives, the claimed design of the '800 patent and the tread of
Defendant's BLACKSTONE tire are substantially the same, such that the ordinary observer
would be deceived into believing that the tread design of Defendant's BLACKSTONE tire is
substantially the same as the design claimed in the '800 patent.
53.
In violation of 35 U.S.C. 271, Defendant has directly infringed the '800 patent
by making, offering for sale, selling, and/or importing BLACKSTONE tires in the United States.
4811 -2580-4577.2
15
54.
In violation of 35 U.S.C. 289, Defendant has directly infringed the '800 patent
by applying the patented design of the '800 patent, or a colorable imitation thereof, to an article
of manufacture, including BLACKSTONE tires, for the purpose of sale and/or by selling,
offering, or exposing for sale an article of manufacture, including BLACKSTONE tires, to which
the patented design of the '800 patent or a colorable imitation thereof has been applied.
FIFTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Common-Law Trademark Infringement and Unfair Competition
55.
Bridgestone repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth m
57.
Bridgestone repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth m
16
59.
Bridgestone repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth in
trademark is famous, as defined under Tenn. Code Ann. 47-25-513, and was famous before
Defendant's first use of FIRESTONE.
62.
distinctive quality of Bridgestone's FIRESTONE trademark, as defined under Tenn. Code Ann.
47-25-513.
JURY DEMAND
Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 38, Bridgestone respectfully demands a trial by jury on all
issues properly triable by a jury in this action.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Bridgestone requests that this Court enter judgment in its favor on each
and every claim for relief set forth above and award it relief including, but not limited to, the
following:
A.
4811 -2580-4577.2
17
marks/names and constitutes infringement, dilution, and unfair competition under federal and/or
state law, as detailed above;
B.
violates the '800 patent and constitutes infringement under federal law, as detailed above;
C.
From using or registering the STONE Marks and any other marks or
names that are likely to be confused with the BRIDGESTONE or FIRESTONE marks, or
that are to likely dilute the FIRESTONE mark, including as or as part of a product name
or logo, company name or logo, trademark, service mark, trade name, business name,
fictitious name, slogan, tagline, domain name, e-mail address, URL, social-media name,
screen name, keyword, metatag, or other name or identifier;
2.
selling BLACKSTONE tires or any tire with tread design confusingly similar to the
claimed design of Bridgestone's '800 patent; and
3.
An Order directing Defendant to, within thirty (30) days after the entry of the
injunction, file with this Court and serve on Bridgestone' s attorneys a report in writing and under
4811 -2580-4577.2
18
oath setting forth in detail the manner and form in which Defendant has complied with the
injunction;
E.
signage, advertisements, promotional materials, stationery, forms, and/or any other materials and
things that contain or bear the STONE Marks, any other marks or names that are likely to be
confused with the BRIDGESTONE or FIRESTONE marks and/or Bridgestone's patented tread
design, and/or that are likely to dilute the FIRESTONE mark;
F.
remove all uses of the STONE Marks, Bridgestone's patentented tread design, and products
bearing those marks and design from the www.otrwheel.com website and any other website(s)
owned or controlled by Defendant or a related entity or person;
G.
An Order requiring Defendant to account for and pay to Bridgestone any and all
profits arising from the foregoing acts, and increasing such profits, including trebling them, in
accordance with 15 U.S.C. 1117 and other applicable laws;
H.
undetermined (and including prejudgment and post-judgment interest) caused by the foregoing
acts, and trebling such damages in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 1117,35 U.S.C. 284 or 289;
and other applicable laws;
I.
An Order requiring Defendant to pay Bridgestone its costs and attorneys' fees in
this action pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1117 and other applicable laws; and
K.
4811 -2580-4577.2
19
Respectfully submitted,
RobeliE:Bostoi1('fN13ad~. 9744)
Keith W. Randall (TN Bar No. 30313)
WALLER, LANSDEN, DORTCH & DAVIS, LLP
Nashville City Center
511 Union Street
Suite 2700
Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 244-6380 (phone)
(615) 244-6804 (fax)
bob. boston@wallerlaw.com
heather.hubbard@wallerlaw.com
Douglas A. Rettew (pro hac vice admission forthcoming)
Danny M. A wdeh (pro hac vice admission forthcoming)
Elizabeth D. Ferrill (pro hac vice admission forthcoming)
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW,
GARRETT & DUNNER, L.L.P.
901 New York Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001 -4413
(202) 408-4000 (phone)
(202) 408-4400 (fax)
doug.rettew@finnegan.com
danny.awdeh@finnegan.com
elizabeth.ferrill@finnegan.com
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
4811 -2580-4577.2
20
111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
USOOD612800S
EXHIBIT A
(12)
(lO)
Lundgren et al.
(45)
(54)
TIRE THK>\D
(75)
(73)
Assignee:
us 0612,800 s
** Mar. 30,2010
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
cited by exmlliuer
CLAIM
LLC
(*"')
Term:
(21)
(22)
14
Y~ar~
DESCRIPTION
I'ICr. I i:; a side perspective view of a tire tread showing our
uew design, it beiug, uuderstood thm tile trend panern is
repented tllroug,llout the circulllference of the tire tread, the
oppo:;itc side being the :;arne as that shown:
Filed:
(51)
(52)
(5~)
(56)
Rcfennccs Cited
0481.990
0492.64:1
0529.434
0549,163
0571.942
0597.022
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
012/57')
012'579
012/579
f) 12/57')
012/57')
0 12-'579
012'579
D12/.i7')
f) 12/579
012'579
012/579
012/.17')
012/.i7')
\ie~>v
U.S. Patent
Sheet 1 oflO
_,.J,;
...
... /
/
...
US D612,800 S
-- ----
-,
...........
''
''
'\
/
I
I
I
I
I
I
/-------,,,',,
\I
I1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
\
1
\
I
I
II
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
\I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
\
I
I
I
I
I
-----
_.,/
"
J
I
'
I
I
\I
\
,~1
'-..,
I I
I :
I
I :
I
I ,.
I
I
I
I
'
I
t
I I
\
I
I 1
J
I I
(
\
\I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
\
I
t
1
\ '~
'\
/
I
I
II
I
I
/
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
\
''
' ...........
, - _,.
FIG-1
Case 3:14-cv-02402 Document 1-1 Filed 12/29/14 Page 2 of 11 PageID #: 22
U.S. Patent
Mar.30,2010
Sheet 2 of 10
US D612,800 S
FIG-2
Case 3:14-cv-02402 Document 1-1 Filed 12/29/14 Page 3 of 11 PageID #: 23
U.S. Patent
Mar.30,2010
-------
,,~..-"~~
....
'
,,
I
I
I
I /
,.r'- _..-
---------------........ ...
I
f
'
\
\
' \
I
I
'\
\
\
\
',
\
\
'\
''
I
I
I /
',
I
f
\
J
I
''
''
I
\
''
\
I
I
I
I
I
I
\
\
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
\
\
I
I
I
I
I
I
',
''\
I
I
I
I
''
''
',,
''
I I
- ...............,,,
.....
,"'"'
US D612,800 S
Sheet 3 of 10
,/
',,
.......... ._
---------
___,...,"
,." /
/
/
I
I
/
.,,/
....
........... ........
__ .,..,, .,"
----
~~'
FIG-3
U.S. Patent
Mar. 30,2010
..........
,,~''
,'
,,'
~--
-------:-----
..... ,
,.'
I
I
,-
./
\
\
'
'
I
I
\
\
\
\
I
I
I
'
1
1
',\
\
'
'
..... , ,
.. ,
./"'
.........
,/'
US D612,800 S
Sheet 4 of 10
I
\
\
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
\
\
1
I
1
1
1
I
I
I
I
\
I
\
\
\
',
\
',
'
'
_,/
'
',,
............
'
'
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
'
\
I
I
_____________ ,-
1
I
,.,."
',
I
/1
///
'',,,
////
~',,_
- ___
.....
_...
-------
~~~~
FIG-4
U.S. Patent
Mar.30,2010
Sheet 5 of 10
US D612,800 S
FIG-5
Case 3:14-cv-02402 Document 1-1 Filed 12/29/14 Page 6 of 11 PageID #: 26
U.S. Patent
Mar.30,2010
Sheet 6 of 10
,"
,.,
,.-
US D612,800 S
------- -, '
'" '
',,, ,.;: ,
,//
I
:_
-.
I
_,"'
/' //
I
I
1
,...-----.._
\\
I
I
I
'
\
l !~
// //
I I
I
I
I I
'
',
'-..______
_,-"
-'
I 1
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
\/
\~
I
\
I
I
I
\
\
If l
I
I
',
.-_
/
I
I
\
/
/
....
''
',,.....
/
/
FIG-6
Case 3:14-cv-02402 Document 1-1 Filed 12/29/14 Page 7 of 11 PageID #: 27
U.S. Patent
Mar.30,2010
Sheet 7 oflO
US D612,800 S
FIG-7
Case 3:14-cv-02402 Document 1-1 Filed 12/29/14 Page 8 of 11 PageID #: 28
U.S. Patent
Mar.30,2010
_,..-
,..,,"' ....
US D612,800 S
Sheet 9 of 10
-~
--
--
....................
......,,
/
/
I
I
,,.,~;
I
I
,..,
I
I
- .,.---~------
.... ~,
',,
''
I
I
I
I
I
I
\
I
I
I
I
\
I
'
\
\
\
''
',,
.,.,"
..........,,
__
'~
',
I
\
''
I
J
'\
I
I
I
I
I
I
\
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
\
I
I
I
1
I
I
'
\
I
I
1
''
'I I
I
1
I
I
I
''
'
''
I
I
''
',
',
I
I
I
//~ "
.,.~
I
/
-- ~-- -- --
I
/
',... ...
/'
'
__
/'
/'
--
---------
-- ,.--.--'
... --
FIG-9
U.S. Patent
Mar.30,2010
Sheet 10 of 10
US D612,800 S
FIG-10
Case 3:14-cv-02402 Document 1-1 Filed 12/29/14 Page 11 of 11 PageID #: 31
JS 44 (Rev. 09/11)
The JS 44 civil coversheet and the infonmtion contained herein neither replace nor supplem:nt the filing and service of pleadngs or other papers as required by law, except as pvvideo
by local rules of court. This torm, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States inSeptember 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk ofCburt for the purpose of tnitiatin
the civil docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)
I. (a) PLAINTIFFS
DEFENDANTS
Wairer Lansaen uortcn lSt Dav1s, Llt-', 511 umon Street, Suite 2700,
Nashville, Tennessee 37219 (615) 244-6380
U.S. Government
Plaintiff
U.S. Government
Defendant
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
CONTRACT
V. ORIGIN
Original
Proceeding
Citizen or Subject of a
Foreign Nation
PRISONER PETITIONS
a 5 10 Motions to Vacate
Sentence
Habeas Corpus:
a 530 General
a 535 Death Penalty
a 540 Mandanms & Other
a 550 Civil Rights
a 555 Prison Condition
a 560 Civil Detainee
Conditions of
Confinement
2 Removed from
State Court
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
LABOR
7 10 Fair Labor Standards
Act
720 Labor/Mgmt. Relations
740 Railway Labor Act
751 Family and Medical
Leave Act
790 Other Labor Litigation
791 Empl. Ret. Inc.
Security Act
SOriA
a 861 HIA (!395ft)
a 862 Black Lung (923)
a 863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g))
0 864 SSID Title XVI
a 865 RSI (405(g))
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
IMMIGRATION
462 Naturalization Application
463 Habeas Corpus Alien Detainee
(Prisoner Petition)
465 Otl1er Immigration
Actions
.
0 4 Remstated or 0
Reopened
a
a
)(5
BANKRUPTCY
FORFEITURE/PENAL1Y
PERSONAL INJURY
a 365 Personal Injury Product Liability
a 367 Health Care/
Pharmaceutical
Personal Injury
Product Liability
a 368 Asbestos Personal
Injury Product
Liability
PERSONAL PROPERTY
a 370 Other Fraud
a 371 Truth in Lending
a 380 Other Personal
Property Damage
a 385 Property Damage
Product Liability
DEF
a I
Diversity
(Indicate Citizenship ofParties in Item III)
I I 0 Insurance
PERSONAL INJURY
I20 Marine
a 31 0 Airplane
I 30 Miller Act
a 315 Airplane Product
140 Negotiable Instrument
Liability
150 Recovery of Overpayment a 320 Assault, Libel &
& Enforcement of Judgment
Slander
151 Medicare Act
a 330 Federal Employers'
152 Recove1y of Defaulted
Liability
Student Loans
a 340 Marine
0 345 Marine Product
(Excl. Veterans)
153 Recovery of Overpayment
Liability
of Veteran's Benefits
a 350 Motor Vehicle
160 Stockholders' Suits
a 355 Motor Vehicle
190 Other Contract
Product Liability
195 Contract Product Liability a 360 Other Personal
196 Franchise
Injury
a 362 Personal Injury Med. Malp_ractice
REAL PROPERlY
CIVIL RIGHTS
210 Land Condemnation
a 440 Otl1er Civil Rights
220 Foreclosure
a 441 Voting
a 442 Employment
230 Rent Lease & Ejectment
240 To11s to Land
a 443 Housing/
245 Tort Product Liability
Accommodations
a 445 Alner. w/Disabilities.
290 All Other Real Property
Employment
a 446 Alner. w/Disabilities
Other
a 448 Education
~I
3 Federal Question
(US. Government Not a Party)
IV NATURE OF SUIT
L
_,_F_,_,Io. ,y,_,d,._________
Transferred from
5 another district
VII. REQUESTED IN
COMPLAINT:
VIII. RELATED CASE(S)
IF ANY
DOCKET NUMBER
JUDGE
DATE
RECEIPT#
AMOUNT
APPLYING IFP
JUDGE
MAG. JUDGE
Original Proceedings. (I) Cases which originate in the United States district courts.
Removed from State Court. (2) Proceedings initiated in state courts may be removed to the district courts under Title 28U.S.C., Section 1441. When the petitio
for removal is granted, check this box.
Remanded from Appellate Court. (3) Check this box for cases remanded to the district court for further action. Use the date of remand as the filing date.
Reinstated or Reopened. (4) Check this box for cases reinstated or reopened in the district court. Use the reopening date as the filing date.
Transferred from Another District. (5) For cases transferred under Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1404(a). Do not use this for within district transfers or multidistrict
litigation transfers.
Multidistrict Litigation. (6) Check this box when a multidistrict case is transferred into the district under authority of Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1407. When thi5
box is checked, do not check (5) above.
Appeal to District Judge from Magistrate Judgment. (7) Check this box for an appeal from a magistrate judge's decision.
VI.
Cause of Action. Report the civil statute directly related to the cause of action and give a brief description of the cause Do not cite jurisdictional statut
unless diversity.
Example:
U.S. Civil Statute: 47 USC 553
Brief Description: Unauthorized reception of cable service
VII.
Requested in Complaint. Class Action. Place an "X" in this box if you are filing a class action under Rule 23, F.R.Cv.P.
Demand. In this space enter the dollar amount (in thousands of dollars) being demanded or indicate other demand such as a preliminary injunction.
Jury Demand. Check the appropriate box to indicate whether or not a jury is being demanded.
VIII. Related Cases. This section of the JS 44 is used to reference related pending cases, if any. If there are related pending cases, insert the docket number
and the corresponding judge names for such cases.
Date and Attorney Signature. Date and sign the civil cover sheet.