AaLand Answer

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 18

USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 1 of 18

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT


FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA
HAMMOND DIVISION

ALBERT S DIAMOND JEWELERS, INC. )


)
Plaintiff, )
)
vs. ) CASE NO.: 2:23-CV-39
)
AALAND DIAMOND JEWELERS, LLC )
)
Defendant. )

ANSWER TO COMPLAINT

Comes now Defendant, AaLand Diamond Jewelers, LLC, by counsel, David E. Woodward of

Woodward Law Offices, LLP and Mark A. Thiros of Thiros and Thiros, P.C., for its Answer to

Complaint, states as follows:

NATURE OF THE ACTION

1. This action arises from Defendant's willful infringement of Albert's' trademark rights,

to wrongfully profit from the substantial goodwill and widespread positive reputation that Albert's has

created and maintained for many years.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph one of Plaintiff's Complaint.

2. In 1905, Albert's opened its first diamond jewelry store. Starting in a tiny storefront in

East Chicago, over the last century it has grown into one of the largest and most successful family-

owned jewelers in the entire country. Albert's operates now in one location, in Schererville, Indiana.

ANSWER: Defendant is without personal knowledge or information sufficient

to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph two of Plaintiff's Complaint and, therefore, denies same.


USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 2 of 18

3. Over its many years of operating in Northwest Indiana, Albert's has generated

substantial goodwill throughout Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicagoland community. It's

television and print advertising is famous throughout the region.

ANSWER: Defendant is without personal knowledge or information sufficient

to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph three of Plaintiff's Complaint and, therefore, denies same.

4. Since at least 2002, Albert's has employed in connection with its sale of diamond and

other jewelry, what is now a widely recognized logo trademark. It uses this mark broadly, and displays

it proudly on print, television and other media advertising, marketing and advertising materials more

generally, and its Schererville storefront.

ANSWER: Defendant is without personal knowledge or information sufficient

to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the allegations, including the undefined

ide ec g i ed g ade a a d e hi a f b ad ,c ai ed i

he ica a ag a h f f P ai iff C ai a d, therefore denies same.

5. Fully aware of the fame and reputation of the Albert's logo trademark, Defendant

recently opened a new store, in a location within the region that Albert's has operated in for over a

century, but in a city in which Albert's has not previously maintained a storefront. Defendant did so,

moreover, all while prominently displaying on its new storefront a large sign consisting of a logo that,

with the exception of the business name "AaLand," appears substantially and confusingly similar to the

famous Albert's logo trademark.

ANSWER: Defendant admits that it recently opened a store in Crown Point,

Indiana, but denies any and all remaining allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph five of Plaintiff's Complaint.

6. Defendant's intentional actions have led to actual consumer confusion. Upon learning

of this confusion, Albert's attempted, numerous times, to amicably resolve the situation and remedy the

2
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 3 of 18

consumer confusion. Defendant has failed and refused, however, to cooperate or meaningfully engage

in discussions directed at resolving the dispute.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph six of Plaintiff's Complaint.

7. As a result, Albert's brings this action for trademark infringement and unfair

competition under Federal and Indiana statutory and common law, to ensure that the consuming public

is not further confused, deceived or misled into purchasing Defendant's products thinking that they

originate from or are in some way sponsored by or affiliated with Albert's, and to enjoin Defendant from

further acts of willful infringement and unfair competition.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph seven of Plaintiff's Complaint.

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

8. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this action pursuant to Section 39 of the

Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. § 1121), and 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338, and has supplemental jurisdiction

over state law claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367. Albert's claims are predicated upon the Trademark

Act of 1946, as amended, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1051 et seq., and substantial and related claims under the

statutory and common law of the State of Indiana.

ANSWER: The a ega i c ai ed i he ica a ag a h eigh f P ai iff

Complaint appear to be legal assertions which require no response Defendant denies

any and all allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph one of Plaintiff's

Complaint. Defendant admits that jurisdiction and venue properly lie.

9. Venue is properly founded in this judicial district and division pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §

1391(b) and L.R. 3-1, because Defendant resides in this judicial district and division and is subject

to personal jurisdiction within this judicial district and division, and because events giving rise to these

claims occurred within this judicial district and division.

3
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 4 of 18

ANSWER: The a ega i c ai ed i he ica a ag a h i e f P ai iff

Complaint concerning venue are admitted.

PARTIES

10. Plaintiff Albert's is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Indiana, having

a principal place of business at 711 Main Street, Schererville, IN 46375. Albert's is a family-owned and

operated business that sells diamond jewelry and other jewelry products at its site in Schererville,

Indiana.

ANSWER: Defendant is without personal knowledge or information sufficient

to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph ten of Plaintiff's Complaint and, therefore, denies same.

11. On information and belief, Defendant AaLand Diamond Jewelers LLC is a limited

liability company organized and existing under the laws of the State of Indiana, having a principal place

of business at 10460 Broadway, Crown Point, IN 46307. Defendant sells diamond jewelry and other

jewelry products at its site in Crown Point, IN.

ANSWER: Defendant admits the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph

eleven of Plaintiff's Complaint.

ALBERT'S AND THE ALBERT'S TRADEMARK

12. Albert's has operated a diamond jewelry business in Northwest Indiana since 1905.

Over this 115+ year period of time, Albert's has become renowned for its unique branding in connection

with the sale of high-quality diamond jewelry and other jewelry products, as well as personalized

service related to those products. It has done so at a number of locations in the Northwest Indiana region,

including former locations in East Chicago and Merrillville, as well as its current Schererville location since 2002.

Throughout this lengthy period of time, Albert's has developed a strong reputation throughout Northwest

Indiana for its high-quality diamond and other jewelry products and personalized service related to those

products.

4
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 5 of 18

ANSWER: Defendant is without sufficient information to admit or deny the

allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph twelve of Plaintiff's Complaint and,

therefore, denies same.

13. For many years, Albert's has offered for sale and sold its diamond jewelry and other

jewelry products under a common law logo trademark. It began using the current version of the mark in

2002 (the "Albert's Trademark"). The mark prominently incorporates a diamond drawing with sharp

edges and a multitude of internal sketch lines, all intended to evoke in a potential customer's mind a

precision cut, high-quality diamond. It's name "Albert's" appears above the term "Diamond Jewelers,"

and incorporates a distinct style of typeface/font - all of which have become extremely well-recognized

by consumers throughout Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicagoland area.

ANSWER: Defendant is without sufficient information to admit or deny the

allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph thirteen of Plaintiff's Complaint and,

therefore, denies same.

14. Below is a current exemplar of the Albert's logo trademark:

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph fourteen of Plaintiff's Complaint.

15. Albert's has extensively advertised and promoted the products offered in connection with

the Albert's Trademark, including in print, billboard, television, and other advertising venues. As a

result, Albert's has realized substantial success in its sales of products offered under the Albert's

Trademark.

5
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 6 of 18

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph fifteen of Plaintiff's Complaint.

16. As a result of its extensive marketing, advertising, and promotional efforts related to

the products that it offers in connection with its Albert's Trademark, consumers closely associate

high-quality diamond and other jewelry and personalized service with Albert's as the source of those

goods.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph sixteen of Plaintiff's Complaint.

17. Through its long-time presence in Northwest Indiana, advertising and marketing, and

high-quality product offerings coupled with personalized service, Albert's has developed a loyal

customer following that spans well beyond Schererville. Albert's is regularly recognized and awarded as

a favorite diamond jeweler in Northwest Indiana.

ANSWER: Defendant is without sufficient information to admit or deny the

allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph seventeen of Plaintiff's Complaint and,

therefore, denies same.

18. Albert's has generated substantial goodwill and customer recognition in its Albert's

Trademark. Consumers immediately associate the Albert's Trademark with Albert's' diamond jewelry

business and products, and service. The Albert's Trademark has become well- known and famous,

particularly among purchasers of diamond and other jewelry products throughout Northwest Indiana

and beyond.

ANSWER: Defendant is without personal knowledge or information sufficient

to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph eighteen of Plaintiff's Complaint and, therefore, denies same.

19. Moreover, Albert's always endeavors to maintain its reputation for high quality diamond

jewelry and other jewelry products that customers have come to associate with the Albert's

6
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 7 of 18

Trademark. Albert's painstaking adherence to the highest quality standards has resulted in widespread

and favorable public acceptance among consumers for all products and services offered under the

Albert's Trademark.

ANSWER: Defendant is without sufficient information to admit or deny the

allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph nineteen of Plaintiff's Complaint and,

therefore, denies same.

20. As a result of Albert's advertising and promotion, adherence to the highest quality

standards, and sales success over the course of 115+ years in business, the Albert's Trademark is widely-

recognized in Northwest Indiana, immediately identifying Albert's as the exclusive source of the

products which are offered in connection with the Albert's Trademark, and signifying goodwill of

incalculable value.

ANSWER: Defendant is without sufficient information to admit or deny the

allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph twenty of Plaintiff's Complaint and,

therefore, denies same.

DEFENDANT'S UNLAWFUL ACTS

21. Defendant recently moved its single storefront from a location in Merrillville, Indiana

to a new location in Crown Point, Indiana. In connection with the opening of its new Crown Point store,

Defendant installed and continues to use and display exterior signage that incorporates a prominent

logo. Immediately below is a photo showing Defendant's storefront and its exterior sign:

7
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 8 of 18

ANSWER: Defendant admits the photograph shown in rhetorical paragraph

twenty-one is a true and accurate representation of Defe da e f a d

exterior sign, but denies any and all remaining allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph twenty-one of Plaintiff's Complaint.

22. As one can see in the Defendant exterior sign, Defendant is using a logo that is

suspiciously similar to the Albert's Trademark. That logo (the "Infringing Mark") appears immediately

below:

DIAMOND JEWELERS
8
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 9 of 18

ANSWER: Defendant denies that Defendant is using a logo that is suspiciously

i ia A be ade a . Defe da f he de ie that its logo is an infringing

mark. Defendant admits that its logo is set forth in rhetorical paragraph twenty-two

of Plaintiff's Complaint.

23. Defendant's Infringing Mark as presented to the consuming public through signage, its

website, and other materials incorporates the prominent features of the Albert's Trademark. The

Infringing Mark utilizes a diamond sketch, that, just like the Albert's Trademark, incorporates internal

lines evoking prevision cuts and high quality. The Infringing Mark displays the business name above

the phrase "Diamond Jewelers," and utilizes a distinct typeface/font - all of which is suspiciously similar

to that used by Albert's in the Albert's Trademark.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph twenty-three of Plaintiff's Complaint.

24. Defendant located its new storefront in Northwest Indiana, the same region that Albert's

has operated in for over 115 years. However, it chose a specific city within the Albert's Northwest

Indiana sales territory, namely Crown Point.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph twenty-four of Plaintiff's Complaint.

25. As such, Defendant now offers to sell and sells diamond jewelry and other jewelry

products, using a logo that is confusingly similar to the Albert's Trademark, in the same region that

Albert's has been operating for 115+ years, all of which leading consumers to believe that Defendant's

storefront is either a new location for Albert's or somehow related to or sponsored by Albert's.

ANSWER: Defendant admits that it offers to sell and sells diamond jewelry and

other jewelry products, but denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph twenty-five of Plaintiff's Complaint.

9
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 10 of 18

26. Albert's competes in the marketplace for the same consumers as Defendant. In fact,

Defendant's actions in opening a new store in Crown Point, but using the Infringing Mark, have led to

actual consumer confusion. Albert's is currently aware of at least one Albert's customer who, after seeing

the new Defendant storefront, contacted Albert's and congratulated it on opening a new store. That

consumer was confused, of course, because Albert's has not opened a store in Crown Point, Indiana.

ANSWER: Defendant is without personal knowledge or information sufficient

f a be ief a he h acc ac f he a ega i , A be c ee i

he a e ace f he a e c e a Defe da a d, he ef e de ie a e,

and denies any and all remaining allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph

twenty-six of Plaintiff's Complaint.

27. On October 13, 2022, Albert's' through counsel sent a letter to Defendant explaining that

Defendant's use of the Infringing Mark was in violation of Section 43(a)(l)(A) of the Lanham Act (15

U.S.C. § 1125) and Indiana state law. The letter noted the actual consumer confusion that Albert's was

aware of, and proposed an amicable resolution in which the Defendant would voluntarily stop using the

Infringing Mark on all signage, marketing materials, printed or electronic materials, and/or any and all

other references to Defendant's jewelry store. It offered to coordinate to ensure that any new mark to be

used by Defendant would be agreeable and avoid further conflict. A true and accurate copy of the letter

is attached as Exhibit A.

ANSWER: Defendant admits receiving a letter dated October 13, 2022 and

states the letter speaks for itself and, therefore, does not admit nor deny the allegation,

but if an answer is required, Defendant denies, and denies any and all remaining

allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph twenty-seven of Plaintiff's Complaint.

28. Defendant through counsel responded to the October 13 letter. In a letter dated

November 3, 2022, Defendant through counsel acknowledged Albert's' longtime and extensive

10
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 11 of 18

advertising, marketing and promotion. It further admitted that ''Albert's indeed is very well known

because of its marketing, television commercials and billboards, which are prominent throughout the

Northwest Indiana area." The letter curiously failed to acknowledge or respond to Albert's notice to it

of actual consumer confusion The letter conveyed the Defendant "is not willing to modify its logo."

ANSWER: Defendant admits through counsel it responded to the October 13,

2022 A be e e and states the document speaks for itself and, therefore, does not

admit nor deny the allegation, but if an answer is required, Defendant denies, and denies

any and all remaining allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph twenty-eight of

Plaintiff's Complaint.

29. In follow-on communications by electronic mail and telephone, Albert's through

counsel attempted to propose a further amicable resolution to change and discontinue use of the

Infringing Mark. Defendant has to date failed and refused to substantively reply to Albert's proposal.

ANSWER: Defendant is without personal knowledge or information sufficient

to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph twenty-nine of Plaintiff's Complaint and, therefore, denies same.

30. Defendant's continuing use of the Infringing Mark has caused, and is likely to continue

to cause confusion, mistake, or to deceive as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Defendant's

business with Albert's and to damage Albert's' business relations with consumers and prospective

consumers.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph thirty of Plaintiff's Complaint.

31. Defendant is aware of the strength and fame of the Albert's Trademark, and the goodwill

symbolized thereby, and that the Infringing Mark cannot be legally used by it as an indicator of source

or sponsorship for the goods it is offering. Accordingly, Defendant has been engaging in the above-

11
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 12 of 18

described unlawful activities knowingly and intentionally, or with reckless disregard for Albert's' rights

in the Albert's Trademark.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph thirty-one of Plaintiff's Complaint.

COUNT I

Trademark Infringement, False Designation of Origin, and Unfair


Competition (15 U.S.C. § 1125(a))

32. Albert's incorporates fully herein paragraphs 1 to 31 as set forth above.

ANSWER: Defendant incorporates herein, by reference, answers to rhetorical

paragraphs one through thirty-one of Defe da A e Complaint, as its answer

to rhetorical paragraph thirty-two, Count I, as if fully set out herein.

33. Albert's solely and exclusively owns the common law Albert's Trademark and all right,

title and interest therein.

ANSWER: Defendant is without personal knowledge or information sufficient

to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph thirty-three, Count I, of Plaintiff's Complaint and, therefore, denies same.

34. Defendant's use of the Infringing Mark in commerce and in connection with its products,

is likely to cause confusion, mistake or deception: (i) as to the affiliation, connection or association

with Albert's, and (ii) as to the origin, sponsorship or approval of its products and services by

Albert's.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph thirty-four, Count I, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

35. Defendant has acted with knowledge of the Albert's Trademark and with the deliberate

intention to unfairly benefit from the incalculable goodwill symbolized thereby.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph thirty-five, Count I, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

12
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 13 of 18

36. Defendant's actions have continued despite being expressly notified of the Albert's

Trademark and Albert's' request that it cease and desist use thereof.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph thirty-six, Count I, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

37. Defendant's acts therefore constitute willful trademark infringement, false designation

of origin, and unfair competition in violation of Section 43(a)(l)(A) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §

1125(a)(l)(A).

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph thirty-seven, Count I, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

38. Defendant has profited from its unlawful actions and it has been unjustly enriched to the

detriment of Albert's. Defendant's unlawful actions have caused Albert's monetary damage in an amount

presently unknown, but in an amount to be determined at trial.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph thirty-eight, Count I, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

39. Upon information and belief, by its acts, Defendant has made and will realize substantial

profits and gain to which it is not entitled in law or equity.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph thirty-nine, Count I, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

40. Defendant's intentional and willful conduct has caused, and will continue to cause,

Albert's irreparable harm unless enjoined, and Albert's has no adequate remedy at law.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph forty, Count I, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

COUNT II

Trademark Infringement (Indiana Common Law; Ind. Code§ 24-2-1-13.5)

41. Albert's incorporates fully herein paragraphs 1 to 40 as set forth above.

13
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 14 of 18

ANSWER: Defendant incorporates herein, by reference, answers to rhetorical

a ag a h e h gh f f Defe da A e C ai , a i a e

rhetorical paragraph forty-one, Count II, as if fully set out herein.

42. Albert's owns all right, title, and interest in and to the Albert's Trademark as aforesaid,

including all common law rights in such mark, and such mark is famous, distinctive and fanciful.

ANSWER: Defendant is without sufficient information to admit or deny the

allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph forty-two, Count II, of Plaintiff's

Complaint and, therefore, denies same.

43. The aforesaid acts of Defendant constitute trademark infringement in violation of the

common law of the State of Indiana and Ind. Code§ 24-2-1-13.5.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph forty-three, Count II, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

44. Defendant has acted with knowledge of the Albert's Trademark and with the deliberate

intention to unfairly benefit from the incalculable goodwill symbolized thereby.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph forty-four, Count II, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

45. Defendant has profited from its unlawful actions and has been unjustly enriched to the

detriment of Albert's. Defendant's unlawful actions have caused Albert's monetary damage in an

amount presently unknown, but in an amount to be determined at trial.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph forty-five, Count II, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

46. Upon information and belief, by its acts, Defendant has made and will realize

substantial profits and gain to which it is not entitled in law or equity.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph forty-six, Count II, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

14
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 15 of 18

COUNT III

Common Law Unfair Competition

47. Albert's incorporates fully herein paragraphs 1 to 46 as set forth above.

ANSWER: Defendant incorporates herein, by reference, answers to rhetorical

paragraphs one through forty- i f Defe da A e C ai , a i a e

to rhetorical paragraph forty-seven, Count III, as if fully set out herein.

48. Defendant's use of the Infringing Mark in commerce in connection with its goods and

services is intended to cause, has caused, and is likely to continue to cause confusion, mistake and

deception among the general consuming public and the trade as to whether the goods and services

bearing the Infringing Mark originate from, or are affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by

Albert's.

ANSWER: Defendant is without personal knowledge or information sufficient

to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph forty-eight, Count III, of Plaintiff's Complaint and, therefore, denies

same.

49. Albert's competes with Defendant for a common pool of customers.

ANSWER: Defendant is without personal knowledge or information sufficient

to form a belief as to the truth or accuracy of the allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph forty-nine, Count III, of Plaintiff's Complaint and, therefore, denies same.

50. Defendant has acted with knowledge of the Albert's Trademark and with the deliberate

intent to deceive the general consuming public and the industry, and to benefit unfairly from the

incalculable goodwill symbolized by the Albert's Trademark.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph fifty, Count III, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

15
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 16 of 18

51. The aforesaid acts of Defendant constitute unfair competition in violation of the

common law of the State of Indiana.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph fifty-one, Count III, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

52. Defendant has profited from its unlawful actions and has been unjustly enriched to the

detriment of Albert's. Defendant's unlawful actions have caused Albert's monetary damage in an

amount presently unknown, but in an amount to be determined at trial.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph fifty-two, Count III, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

53. Upon information and belief, by its acts, Defendant has made and will realize

substantial profits and gain to which it is not entitled-in law or equity.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph fifty-three, Count III, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

54. Defendant's intentional and willful conduct has caused, and will continue to cause,

Albert's irreparable harm unless enjoined, and Albert's has no adequate remedy at law.

ANSWER: Defendant denies any and all allegations contained in rhetorical

paragraph fifty-four, Count III, of Plaintiff's Complaint.

AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE

Without admitting that they bear the burden of proof with respect to the following, such of which

c i e a ega fac a fai e f P ai iff c ai , Defe da a es and alleges the following

affi a i e defe e P ai iff C ai :

1. The Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.

2. P ai iff c ai a e ba ed b he d c i e f ache ba ed P ai iff d e a d

prejudicial delay.

3. P ai iff c ai a e ba ed b he d c i e f ac ie ce ce ba ed P ai iff d ea d

prejudicial delay and consent.

16
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 17 of 18

4. P ai iff c ai a e ba ed b e e.

5. P ai iff c ai a e ba ed b ai e .

6. P ai iff c ai a e ba ed beca e he a ae f c i a a d i ca ab e f ega

protection under trademark or unfair competition law.

7. P ai iff c ai ee i e fi ed a a e f i iai .

8. P ai iff c ai d ec e he e ide ia e i a d e c i e igh

granted to AaLand Diamond Jewelers, LLC in its own state trademark registration.

9. P ai iff c ai i ba ed b fai e .

10. Defendant reserves the right to assert additional Affirmative Defenses as this matter

progresses and more facts are developed.

PRAYER FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, AaLand Diamond Jewelers, LLC de he a ega i i P ai iff a e f e ief

and respectfully request that:

1. P ai iff Complaint be dismissed with prejudice;

2. P ai iff c ai f e ief be de ied;

3. Judgment be entered in favor of AaLand Diamond Jewelers, LLC;

4. Plaintiff takes nothing by way of its Complaint;

5. AaLand Diamond Jewelers, LLC be awarded its costs of this suit incurred in defense of this

action, including reasonable attorney fees; and

6. Defendant be awarded any other relief that this Court deems just and proper.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ David E. Woodward


David E. Woodward
Attorney No. 15299-45
200 East 90th Drive
Merrillville, Indiana 46410
Tel. (219) 736-9990
[email protected]
Woodward Law Offices, LLP
Attorneys for Defendant
17
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx
USDC IN/ND case 2:23-cv-00039-JD-JPK document 16 filed 03/15/23 page 18 of 18

JURY DEMAND

Defendant, AaLand Diamond Jewelers, LLC, by counsel, David E. Woodward, respectfully

requests trial by jury of all issues herein.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ David E. Woodward


David E. Woodward
Attorney No. 15299-45
200 East 90th Drive
Merrillville, Indiana 46410
Tel. (219) 736-9990
[email protected]
Woodward Law Offices, LLP
Attorneys for Defendant

By: /s Mark A. Thiros


Mark A. Thiros
Attorney No. 11685-49
200 East 90th Drive
Merrillville, Indiana 46410
Tel. (219) 769-1600
[email protected]

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

THIS IS TO CERTIFY that the undersigned did, this day, electronically filed the foregoing
instrument with the Clerk of the Court using the CM/ECF system which sent notification of such filing to
all parties of record herein.

Dated this 15th day of March, 2023.

/s/David E. Woodward
David E. Woodward

18
N:\Personal Files\dkozlowski\Word\DEW\aaland\answer.complaint.docx

You might also like