CHICAGO — A major battery manufacturer is suing JRS Ventures Inc., a Missouri corporation, citing alleged unfair competition for its distribution practices.
Duracell U.S. Operations Inc., headquartered in Chicago, filed a complaint on April 27 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against JRS Ventures alleging the company, which is licensed to distribute Duracell products to manufacturers of products, distributed batteries directly to consumers and retailers instead, violating the companies' agreement.
According to the complaint, Duracell alleges JRS sells batteries that, while substantially different from Duracell's other consumer products, still bear their trademark.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks injunction against the defendant, damages, treble damages, court costs, punitive damages and any other relief as this court deems just. Duracell is represented by James T. Hultquist of Reed Smith LLP in Chicago.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois case number 1:17-cv-03166