Crypton Future Media, Inc., a Japanese media and musical technology company, has launched a legal battle against various online e-commerce operators accused of trademark infringement and counterfeiting. On October 16, 2024, Crypton Future Media filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against unnamed defendants identified as "The Partnerships and Unincorporated Associations Identified on Schedule A."
The case revolves around allegations that these defendants have been selling unauthorized and counterfeit products bearing Crypton's trademarks through interactive e-commerce stores. Crypton claims ownership of several federally registered trademarks, known as the "Crypton Marks," which include U.S. Registration Nos. 4163035, 4879127, among others. These marks are associated with their popular product line featuring Hatsune Miku, a Vocaloid software character that has gained international fame since its creation in 2007.
According to the complaint, the defendants operate under various seller aliases to avoid detection and liability while trading on Crypton's reputation by offering counterfeit products that confuse consumers into believing they are purchasing genuine items. The lawsuit highlights how these actions dilute and tarnish Crypton's brand value and cause irreparable harm through consumer confusion.
Crypton is seeking both injunctive relief to prevent further sales of counterfeit goods and monetary damages from the defendants. The plaintiff requests an order requiring defendants to cease using the Crypton Marks in any form that might mislead consumers about the authenticity of their products. Additionally, Crypton seeks compensation for damages incurred due to these infringements and demands statutory damages amounting to $2 million for each use of their marks.
The legal team representing Crypton Future Media includes Sofia Quezada Hastings and Matthew De Preter from Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa law firm based in Chicago. The case is being presided over by judges from the Northern District of Illinois under Case No. 24-cv-10537.