Crypton Future Media, Inc., a renowned Japanese media and musical technology company, has taken legal action against several e-commerce entities for allegedly infringing on its trademarks. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on October 14, 2024, targeting unnamed partnerships and unincorporated associations accused of selling counterfeit products under Crypton's registered trademarks.
The plaintiff, Crypton Future Media, is known for developing the popular Vocaloid software character Hatsune Miku. Since her creation in 2007, Hatsune Miku has become a global sensation, contributing significantly to Crypton's brand value. Crypton holds multiple U.S. trademark registrations for its brand, which it claims have been infringed upon by the defendants through unauthorized online sales of counterfeit goods. The complaint alleges that these defendants operate e-commerce stores using aliases to sell fake products that bear Crypton's marks without permission. These actions are said to confuse consumers and dilute the brand's reputation.
Crypton asserts that the defendants' activities constitute willful trademark infringement and counterfeiting under federal law, specifically citing violations of the Lanham Act and the Illinois Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The company claims that these unlawful acts have caused irreparable harm to its brand and seeks both injunctive relief to stop further infringement and monetary damages. Crypton is requesting statutory damages up to $2 million per counterfeit mark used by the defendants.
In response to these allegations, Crypton Future Media is seeking a court order to prevent further use of its trademarks by the defendants and demands an accounting of profits derived from such sales. Additionally, they seek compensation for damages incurred as well as attorney fees and costs associated with this legal action. The case is being handled by attorneys Sofia Quezada Hastings and Matthew De Preter from Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa law firm.
This case highlights ongoing challenges faced by companies in protecting their intellectual property rights against online counterfeiting operations that often operate anonymously across international borders. As such, it underscores the importance of robust legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms in safeguarding brand integrity in today's digital marketplace.