An international company has launched a legal battle against a group of alleged online counterfeiters. Anagram International, LLC filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on October 18, 2024, targeting various individuals and business entities accused of selling counterfeit products bearing Anagram's trademarks and copyrights.
The lawsuit details how Anagram International, LLC, a Delaware-based company known for its innovative balloon designs, is fighting back against unauthorized use of its intellectual property. The defendants are accused of operating numerous internet stores designed to mimic legitimate retailers, thereby deceiving consumers into purchasing inferior imitations of Anagram's products. These actions allegedly infringe upon Anagram's registered trademarks and copyrights, including well-known designs such as "Happy Bee" and "Rainbow Unicorn." The complaint states that these infringing activities have caused consumer confusion and diluted the brand's reputation.
According to the filing, the defendants have created sophisticated online marketplaces that appear legitimate by using similar design elements and accepting payments in U.S. dollars through platforms like Alipay. The defendants are said to employ tactics such as search engine optimization (SEO) manipulation to mislead consumers searching for genuine Anagram products. Furthermore, they reportedly conceal their identities using fictitious names and addresses while operating multiple accounts across various e-commerce platforms.
Anagram International seeks several forms of relief from the court. They request injunctive relief to prevent further infringement and protect consumers from being misled by counterfeit goods. Additionally, they seek monetary damages for lost profits due to the defendants' unlawful actions. The plaintiff also requests statutory damages under U.S. trademark law for each instance of trademark infringement.
Representing Anagram International in this case are attorneys Michael A. Hierl, William B. Kalbac, Robert P. McMurray, and John I. Wilson from Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym Ltd., based in Chicago, Illinois. The case is presided over by an unnamed judge under Case No. 24-cv-10794.