tV 15

0564

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

FERRERO S.P.A. and FERRERO U.S.A., INC.

Civil Action No.:

Plaintiffs,
COMPLAINT

v.

GCAS GROUP LLC, ANDRE SHELEG, and

Trial By Jury Demanded

\
*

GLEB CHEMERISOV,
Defendants.

Plaintiffs Ferrero S.p.A. and Ferrero U.S.A., Inc. (collectively and individually,
"Plaintiffs" or "Ferrero"), through their attorneys, complaining ofdefendants GCAS Group LLC,

Andre Sheleg, and Gleb Chemerisov (collectively and individually, "Defendants" or "GCAS"),
allege as follows:
STATEMENT OF THE CASE

1.

This is an action for trademark infringement, unfair competition, and dilution,

against GCAS's unlawful use of Ferrero's trademarks and service marks, or similar marks, in
commerce in connection with GCAS's operating business name, the goods and services it provides
under that name, and its advertisements and social media operations in conjunction with those
goods and services.
TTTRTSDTCTION AND VENUE

2. This court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action pursuant to 28
U.S.C. 1331 and 1338 and the Trademark Act of 1946, 15 U.S.C. 1121 etseq.

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3.

This Court has supplemental jurisdiction over the claims in this Complaint which

arise under state statutory and common law pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1367, since the state law
claims are so related to the federal claims that they form part of the same case or controversy and
derive from a common nucleus of operative facts.

4.

Venue is proper in this judicial district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b) and (c).
THE PARTIES

5.

Plaintiffs Ferrero S.p.A. and Ferrero U.S.A., Inc., each an affiliate of Ferrero

International S.A., are sister companies.

6.

Ferrero S.p.A., acorporation organized under the laws of Italy, has an office and

principal place ofbusiness at Piazzale P. Ferrero 1, 12051 Alba (Cuneo), Italy.

7.
Ferrero U.S.A., Inc. is acorporation duly organized and existing under the laws of
the State of Delaware, having an office and principal place of business at 600 Cottontail Lane,
Somerset,New Jersey 08873.

8.

Upon information and belief, GCAS is adomestic limited liability company duly

organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, having aprincipal place of
business at 82 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217.

9.

Upon information and belief, Defendant Andre Sheleg ("Mr. Sheleg") is an

individual who is acitizen of the United States of America and is domiciled in the State of New
York with an address at 95 Titus Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10306.

10.

Upon information and belief, Defendant Gleb Chemerisov ("Mr. Chemerisov") is

an individual who is acitizen ofthe United States ofAmerica and is domiciled in the State ofNew
York with an address at 440 Neptune Avenue Apt 3E, Brooklyn, NY 11224.

11.

Upon information and belief, Mr. Sheleg and Mr. Chemerisov are the sole owners

of GCAS Group LLC.

12. Upon information and belief, Mr. Sheleg and Mr. Chemerisov have each engaged in
the activities complained of in this Complaint; are the conscious, active and dominant forces
behind GCAS Group LLC; GCAS Group LLC is the alter ego of Mr. Sheleg and Mr. Chemerisov;
and that there exists a unity ofinterest and ownership among them.
FF.K KFRO'S ACTIVITIES

13.

Ferrero is part of the Ferrero Group of companies, one of the world's largest

confectionery companies, which manufactures, advertises, distributes, offers for sale, and sells
numerous food and confectionery products worldwide through its affiliates.

14.

One of Ferrero's most famous products is its hazelnut and cocoa spread offered and

sold under the trademark NUTELLA (the "NUTELLA Mark").

15.

Ferrero offers for sale and sells products under the NUTELLA Mark using a

distinctive and famous packaging mark (the "NUTELLA Jar"), arepresentative image of which is
shown as:

16.

Ferrero offers for sale and sells products under the NUTELLA Mark using a

distinctive and famous stylized mark where some ofthe letters are in black color and the remaining

letters are in red-orange color (the "NUTELLA Color Mark", which is subsumed under the
NUTELLA Mark), arepresentative image ofwhich is shown as:

nutella
17.

Ferrero advertises and markets products under the NUTELLA Mark using the

domain name www.nutella.com and www.nutellausa.com, and is the owner ofthe "nutelleria.com"
domain name (the "Nutelleria Domain Name"). The term "Nutelleria" translates to an

establishment which specializes in Nutella brand spread, and indicates aconnection, authorization,

or endorsement by Ferrero. When consumers type the Nutelleria Domain Name into a web
browser, they are automatically re-directed to Ferrero's main website located at www.ferrero.com.
18.

Ferrero is the owner of numerous trademark and service mark registrations in the

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for, inter alia, its NUTELLA Mark. Of particular relevance

herein, Ferrero owns, inter alia, the following registrations: (i) U.S. Trademark Registration No.
4,192,415 for the NUTELLA Color Mark, with alower case black "n" followed by red-orange
lower case letters, issued on August 21, 2012, for, inter alia, services for providing food and drink
in International Class 43; (ii) U.S. Trademark Registration No. 4,578,315 for "NUTELLA", issued

on August 5, 2014 for, inter alia, clothing in International Class 25; (iii) U.S. Trademark
Registration No. 1,296,656 for "NUTELLA" in adesign format, with alower case black "n"
followed by red-orange lower case letters, issued on September 18, 1984 for "cocoa and hazelnut
spread" in International Class 30; and (iv) U.S. Trademark Registration No. 855,647 for
"NUTELLA", issued on August 27, 1968 for "spread containing cocoa and other ingredients" in

International Class 29 (individually and collectively, the "NUTELLA Registrations"). Copies of

the Certificates of Registration for the NUTELLA Registrations are attached to this Complaint as
Exhibit 1.

19.

The NUTELLA Registrations are valid and subsisting, and have never been

abandoned. Registration Nos. 1,296,656 and 855,647 are incontestable pursuant to 15 U.S.C.
1065.

20.

The NUTELLA Mark (which includes the NUTELLA Color Mark) is inherently

distinctive.

21.

Ferrero has spent substantial sums of money advertising and marketing its goods

and services under the NUTELLA Mark (which includes the NUTELLA Color Mark) and the

NUTELLA Jar (collectively and individually, the "NUTELLA Intellectual Property"), and, as a

result, has received significant positive press and attention from the trade, consumers, and the
purchasing public. As such, the NUTELLA Intellectual Property has gained asecondary meaning
as denoting products and services of excellent quality and value stemming from Ferrero, and the
NUTELLA Intellectual Property has become abusiness asset of immense value to Ferrero.

22.

By virtue of the wide renown acquired by the NUTELLA Intellectual Property,

coupled with the extensive sale ofvarious products distributed under this intellectual property, the
NUTELLA Intellectual Property hasbecome famous.

23.

Ferrero has authorized and currently authorizes selected third parties to prominently

use Ferrero's NUTELLA products and to depict the NUTELLA Intellectual Property on authorized

materials provided such third party agrees to certain conditions ofuse. Such use by selected third

parties is carefully controlled by Ferrero to foster and promote the exemplary goodwill in the
NUTELLA Intellectual Property, and all use by such entities inures to the benefit of Ferrero.

Further, abar dedicated to the NUTELLA product was opened by Ferrero and Eataly at EATALY
outlets both in New York and Chicago. Representative photographs of the relevant location in
New York City are attached to this Complaint as Exhibit 2.
GCAS'S INFKTNGTNG ACTIVITIES

24.

Upon information and belief, GCAS operates acafe (the "GCAS Cafe") at 82 5th

Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (the "GCAS Cafe Location") which specializes in offering food and
drinks which use Ferrero's NUTELLA brand hazelnut and cocoa spread as the most prominent
ingredient.

25.

Upon information and belief, GCAS owns the websites www.nutelleriany.com,

www.nutelleriamia.com, and www.nutelleriala.com, and began advertising and marketing the

GCAS Cafe under the service mark NUTELLERIA on the website. Atrue and correct copy of a

webpage from www.nutelleriany.com is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit 3.

26. Upon information and belief, GCAS began advertising and marketing the GCAS
Cafe under the service mark NUTELLERIA on social media. Upon information and belief, GCAS

owns or owned the following social media accounts: Nutelleria NY on Facebook

(www.facebook.conVNutelleriaNYC); Nutelleria NYC on Twitter (twitter.com/NutelleriaNYC);

and nutelleriany on Instagram (instagram.com/nutelleriany) (collectively and individually, the
"Nutelleria Social Media Accounts"). True and correct copies of webpages from the Nutelleria
Social Media Accounts are attached to this Complaint as Exhibit 4.

27.

Upon information and belief, GCAS began advertising and marketing the GCAS

Cafe at the GCAS Cafe Location under the service mark NUTELLERIA. Atrue and correct copy

of aphotograph showing NUTELLERIA signage at the GCAS Cafe Location is attached to this
Complaint as Exhibit 5.

28.

Upon information and belief, GCAS advertised and marketed the GCAS cafe with

(i) the NUTELLERIA word mark; (ii) the NUTELLERIA mark in adesign format with alower
case black "n" followed by lower case red-orange letters; and (iii) the design mark comprising a

spoon and jar with a lower case black "n" and red-orange "u" on the jar (collectively and
individually, the "NUTELLERIA Marks"). True and correct images of the NUTELLERIA Marks
are attached to this Complaint as Exhibit 6.

29.

On September 13, 2014, Ferrero hand delivered aletter to GCAS advising that use

of the service mark NUTELLERIA as the name of the GCAS Cafe would infringe and dilute
Ferrero's distinctive rights in the famous NUTELLA Mark, and requesting that GCAS not open

the GCAS Cafe until Ferrero's legitimate concerns had been addressed. Atrue and correct copy of
the September 13,2014 letter is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit 7.
30.

GCAS and its counsel have had several communication exchanges since September

13, 2014 with representatives and counsel from Ferrero.

31.

Upon information and belief, at least as early as November 4, 2014, while counsel

for Ferrero and counsel for GCAS were attempting to resolve this dispute, GCAS began use ofthe

service mark NUTERIA as the name of the GCAS Cafe, without notifying Ferrero's counsel until
after such use had begun. Atrue and correct copy of awebpage from ny.eater.com on the opening
ofNuteria is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit 8.

32. Upon information and belief, GCAS advertises and markets the GCAS cafe with (i)
the NUTERIA word mark; (ii) the design mark comprising ajar with NUTERIA on the jar; and

(iii) the NUTERIA mark in adesign format with alower case red-orange "nu" followed by lower
case black letters (collectively and individually, the "NUTERIA Marks"). True and correct images
ofthe NUTERIA Marks are attached to this Complaint as Exhibit 9.
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33.

Upon information belief, GCAS owns the website www.nuteriany.com, and

advertises and markets the GCAS cafe under the NUTERIA Marks on the website. Atrue and

correct copy ofawebpage from www.nuteriany.com is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit 10.
34.

The www.nuteriany.com website makes prominent use of the NUTELLA

Intellectual Property to such an extent that it gives the false impression that it is owned and

operated by Ferrero or otherwise authorized, licensed, connected to, or sponsored by Ferrero when
it is not. Atrue and correct copy of a webpage from www.nuteriany.com is attached to this
Complaint as Exhibit 11.

35.

Upon information and belief, GCAS advertises and markets the GCAS Cafe under

the NUTERIA Marks on social media, including the following social media accounts which GCAS

owns: Nuteria NY on Facebook (ww.facebook.com/NuteriaNY); Nuteria NY on Twitter

(twitter.com/nuteriany); and nuteriany on Instagram (instagram.com/nuteriany) (collectively and

individually, the "Nuteria Social Media Accounts"). True and correct copies of representative
webpages from the Nuteria Social Media Accounts are attached to this Complaint as Exhibit 12.
36. Continuing from a time after November 4, 2014, GCAS continued to use the
www.nutelleriany.com, www.nutelleriamia.com, and www.nutelleriala.com domain names to

advertise and promote the GCAS Cafe, because when consumers type those domain names into a
web browser, they are automatically re-directed to www.nuteriany.com. Atrue and correct copy

of the code showing the re-direct from www.nutelleriany.com to www.nuteriany.com is attached

to this Complaint as Exhibit 13.

37.

Continuing from a time after November 4, 2014, GCAS continued to use the

NUTELLERIA Marks on its website and social media platforms. True and correct copies of

representative advertising using the NUTELLERIA Marks after November 4, 2014 are attached to
this Complaint as Exhibit 14.

38.

Upon information and belief, as a direct result of GCAS's actions, the term

NUTELLERIA functions as amark to direct traffic to the GCAS Cafe. Atrue and correct copy of
the search results for "Nutelleria" using the Google search engine, which displays amap showing
the GCAS Cafe Location and alink to www.nuteria.com, is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit
15.

39.

Upon information and belief, GCAS's use of Ferrero's products and the NUTELLA

Intellectual Property on its websites and social media platforms is beyond what is necessary to

accurately represent and describe that GCAS uses Ferrero's products in the GCAS Cafe, and,
instead, gives the false impression that the GCAS Cafe is owned and operated by Ferrero or
otherwise authorized, licensed, connected to, or sponsored by Ferrero when itis not.

40.

Upon information and belief, GCAS uses the stylized-font NUTERIA Mark on

point of sale promotional materials that are provided or displayed at the GCAS Cafe when
customers purchase food and drinks. Atrue and correct image from yelp.com of arepresentative
GCAS Cafe point of sale promotional material with the NUTERIA Mark is attached to this
Complaint as Exhibit 16.

41.

Upon information and belief, GCAS visually displays the mark NUTERIA with the

"NU" portion in adifferent visual presentation than the "TERIA" portion, which educates and
dictates that the pronunciation of the prefix "NU" portion is identical to the beginning sound of
NUTELLA.

.6

42.

Upon information and belief, GCAS offers for sale and sells Nuteria t-shirts. Atrue

and correct copy of a webpage from www.nuteriany.com explaining where to buy the Nuteria tshirts is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit 17.

43.

Upon information and belief, the interior of the GCAS Cafe prominently displays

jars of Ferrero's NUTELLA brand hazelnut and cocoa spread, including within alighted display
case at the front of the store. The jars are displayed for the purpose of creating an impression of a
connection between the GCAS Cafe and Ferrero or the NUTELLA Intellectual Property. Atrue

and correct image of the interior ofthe GCAS Cafe is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit 18.

44.

Upon information and belief, the interior of the GCAS Cafe has aposter featuring

the NUTELLA Intellectual Property for the purpose of creating an impression of a connection
between the GCAS Cafe and Ferrero or the NUTELLA Intellectual Property. Atrue and correct

image ofthe Nutella poster inside the GCAS Cafe is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit 19.
45. Upon information and belief, the interior of the GCAS Cafe has a poster of the
Mona Lisa featuring the NUTELLA Intellectual Property for the purpose of creating an impression
of a connection between the GCAS Cafe and Ferrero or the NUTELLA Intellectual Property. A

true and correct image ofthe Mona Lisa poster inside the GCAS Cafe is attached to this Complaint
as Exhibit 20.

46.

Upon information and belief, GCAS offers for sale and sells expensive, Italian

specialty jars of Ferrero's NUTELLA brand hazelnut and cocoa spread on the GCAS online store
at https://sauareup.cnm/market/NuteriaNY for the purpose of creating an impression of adirect
connection between the GCAS Cafe and Ferrero or the NUTELLA Intellectual Property. Atrue

and correct copy of awebpage from https://sauareun.com/market/NuteriaNY showing the products

for sale by GCAS is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit 21.
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47.

Upon information and belief, GCAS uses cocoa confection products manufactured

by third parties as ingredients in food products offered for sale and sold inside the GCAS Cafe.
Specifically, upon information and belief, GCAS uses cocoa powder manufactured by Ferrero's
competitor Hershey Chocolate &Confectionery Corporation. When consumers purchasing
GCAS's products at the GCAS Cafe taste products made with Hershey brand cocoa, they will
mistakenly believe that such product is aNUTELLA brand product, or is otherwise authorized or

approved by Ferrero, when it is not. Such use will deceive customers as to the quality of Ferrero's
products and services, and will prevent Ferrero from controlling the nature and quality of
confections which are attributed to, or associated with, Ferrero. Atrue and correct image of a

Hershey's Cocoa container inside the GCAS Cafe is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit 22.
48. Upon information and belief, GCAS is operating in the State of New York,
including in this judicial district.

49.

Ferrero has not authorized or consented to GCAS's use of the NUTELLA

Intellectual Property.

50.

The use by GCAS of the NUTELLA Intellectual Property, or similar use, without

Ferrero's consent, is likely to cause confusion and mistake in the minds of the purchasing public

and, in particular, tends to and does falsely create the impression that the GCAS Cafe is owned and
operated by Ferrero or otherwise authorized, licensed, connected to, or sponsored by Ferrero when
it is not.

51.

Upon information and belief, the activities of GCAS complained of herein

constitute willful and intentional infringement of Ferrero's rights, and were commenced and have

continued in spite of GCAS's knowledge that the use of the NUTELLA Intellectual Property, or
similar use, is indirect contravention ofFerrero's rights.
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COUNT I

TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT
15 U.S.C. 1114

52.

Ferrero repeats and realleges the allegations contained inParagraphs 1through 51.

53.

GCAS's acts have caused or are likely to cause confusion, mistake, or deception as

to the source oforigin, sponsorship, or approval ofthe goods and services offered by and sold by

GCAS in that purchasers and others are likely to believe that Ferrero authorizes and controls the
GCAS Cafe orthat the GCAS Cafe is associated with, related to, or is authorized or sponsored by
Ferrero, when they are not.

54.

On information and belief, GCAS's acts have injured or are likely to injure

Ferrero's image and reputation with the purchasing public by creating confusion about, and
dissatisfaction with, Ferrero and the goods and services offered and sold.

55.

On information and belief, GCAS's advertising, marketing, offering, and sale of

goods and services under the marks in the NUTELLA Registrations, or confusingly similar marks,
is adeliberate, intentional, and willful attempt to confuse or deceive purchasers.
56.

GCAS's acts constitute infringement of the marks in the NUTELLA Registrations

in violation of Section 32 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1114.

57.

GCAS's acts irreparably damage Ferrero and, unless enjoined by this Court, will

continue to irreparably damage Ferrero. Ferrero has no adequate remedy at law for these wrongs

and injuries. Therefore, Ferrero is entitled to, among other things, an order enjoining and
restraining GCAS from infringing the marks in the NUTELLA Registrations.
58.

The aforesaid and continuing acts of GCAS infringe the marks in the NUTELLA

Registrations in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1114. Said continuing violation is causing and, unless
enjoined, will continue to cause irreparable harm and damage to Ferrero and its business,
.6

12

reputation, and goodwill and has caused Ferrero to suffer monetary damages and GCAS to obtain
ill-gotten gains in an amount that has yet to be determined.
COUNT II

FALSE DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN,

FALSE DESCRIPTIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS OF FACT

15 U.S.C. 1125(a)

59.

Ferrero repeats and realleges the allegations contained in Paragraphs 1 through 51

and 53 through 56.

60.

GCAS has, in connection with the GCAS Cafe, used in commerce, and continues to

use in commerce, the NUTELLA Intellectual Property, or confusingly similar marks. Such use

tends to falsely describe sponsorship, association, or approval by Ferrero of the GCAS Cafe and
the activities of GCAS.

61.

Upon information and belief, GCAS has falsely implied that it is licensee of

Ferrero.

62.

GCAS's use of the NUTELLA Intellectual Property, or confusingly similar marks,

in the advertising, marketing, offering, and sale of its goods and services constitutes the use in
commerce offalse descriptions and representations offact tending to falsely describe or represent
GCAS and the GCAS Cafe as being authorized, sponsored, affiliated, or associated with Ferrero,
when they are not.

63.

GCAS's acts constitute the use in commerce of false designations of origin and

false or misleading descriptions or representations of fact, tending to falsely or misleadingly

describe or represent its goods and services as those of Ferrero, which is in violation of Section
43(a) ofthe Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1125(a).

13

64.

GCAS's acts irreparably damage Ferrero and, unless enjoined by this Court, will

continue to irreparably damage Ferrero. Ferrero has no adequate remedy at law for these wrongs

and injuries. Therefore, Ferrero is entitled to, among other things, an order enjoining and
restraining GCAS from infringing the NUTELLA Intellectual Property.

65.

The aforesaid and continuing acts of GCAS infringe the NUTELLA Intellectual

Property in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1125(a). Said continuing violation is causing and, unless

enjoined, will continue to cause irreparable harm and damage to Ferrero and its business,

reputation, and goodwill and has caused Ferrero to suffer monetary damages and GCAS to obtain
ill-gotten gains in an amount that has yet to be determined.
COUNT III

FFDF.R AL TRADEMARK DILUTION

15 U.S.C. $ 1125(c)

66.

Ferrero incorporates and realleges all of the allegations in Paragraphs 1through 51,

53 through 56, and 60 through 63.

67.

GCAS's activities in the advertising, marketing, and sale of its goods and services

constitutes dilution of the NUTELLA Intellectual Property.

68.

The NUTELLA Intellectual Property has been used for many years and is

recognized and associated with Ferrero. The NUTELLA Intellectual Property is famous under 15
U.S.C. 1125(c).

69.

The NUTELLA Intellectual Property is famous, as well as indicative of Ferrero's

reputation for high quality and excellent customer service. The purchasing public is likely to
attribute GCAS's use of the NUTELLA Intellectual Property, or similar marks, as indicative of

GCAS having authorization or sponsorship for its operating business name, the goods and services

it provides under that name, and its advertisements and social media operations in conjunction with
6

14

those goods and services. Further, the public is likely to purchase the goods and services GCAS
offers for sale in the erroneous belief that GCAS is associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated
with Ferrero.

70.

Ferrero has not authorized or licensed the use of the NUTELLA Intellectual

Property to GCAS.

71.

GCAS's unauthorized use ofthe NUTELLA Intellectual Property, or similar marks,

in its advertising, marketing, and sale of goods and services is diluting the distinctive quality of the
NUTELLA Intellectual Property and the goodwill associated with them in violation of Section
43(c) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1125(c).

72.

Upon information and belief, GCAS is intentionally and willfully utilizing the

NUTELLA Intellectual Property and similar marks and is trading on Ferrero's reputation and
goodwill.

73.

GCAS's acts irreparably damage Ferrero and, unless enjoined by this Court, will

continue to irreparably damage Ferrero. Ferrero has no adequate remedy at law for these wrongs

and injuries. Therefore, Ferrero is entitled to, among other things, an order enjoining and
restraining GCAS from infringing the NUTELLA Intellectual Property.

74.

The aforesaid and continuing acts of GCAS infringe the NUTELLA Intellectual

Property in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1125(c). Said continuing violation is causing and, unless
enjoined, will continue to cause irreparable harm and damage to Ferrero and its business,

reputation, and goodwill and has caused Ferrero to suffer monetary damages in an amount that has
yet to be determined.

75.

Ferrero is entitled to recover all damages sustained as a result of GCAS's unlawful

and willful conduct, including GCAS's profits, and Ferrero's damages.

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15

COUNT rv

ANTT-DILUTION AND UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES

NEW YORK GENERAL BUSINESS LAW 360-1

76.

Ferrero repeats and realleges the allegations contained in Paragraphs 1through 51,

53 through 56, 60 through 63, and 67 through 72.

77.

Ferrero, on behalf of itself and the general public, seeks recovery from GCAS for

violationof New York General Business Law 360-1, et seq.

78.

GCAS's unauthorized use ofthe NUTELLA Intellectual Property, or similar marks,

in its advertising, marketing, and sale of goods and services is diluting the distinctive quality ofthe
NUTELLA Intellectual Property and the goodwill associated therewith.

79.

By virtue of GCAS's unauthorized use and promotion of the NUTELLA

Intellectual Property, or similar marks, such use trading on the goodwill associated with Ferrero

and made for purposes of influencing consumers, GCAS has misled and will continue to mislead
the public into assuming aconnection between Ferrero and the GCAS Cafe.

80.

By falsely suggesting aconnection with or sponsorship by Ferrero, GCAS is likely

to cause public confusion constituting unfair competition within the meaning of New York
Business Law 360-1.

81.

GCAS's acts irreparably damage Ferrero and, unless enjoined by this Court, will

continue to irreparably damage Ferrero. Ferrero has no adequate remedy at law for these wrongs

and injuries. Therefore, Ferrero is entitled to, among other things, an order enjoining and
restraining GCAS from infringing the NUTELLA Intellectual Property.

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16

COUNTV
UNFAIR COMPETITION

NEW YORK COMMON LAW

82.

Ferrero repeats and realleges the allegations contained in Paragraphs 1through 51,

53 through 56, 60 through 63, 67 through 72, and 77 through 80.

This claim arises under the common law of the State of New York relating to

83.

trademark infringement and unfaircompetition.

84.

As more fully set forth above, the NUTELLA Intellectual Property has gained a

secondary meaning as denoting products and services of excellent quality and value stemming
from Ferrero.

85.

As a result of GCAS's use of the NUTELLA Intellectual Property, the trade,

consumers, and purchasing public is likely to believe erroneously that the GCAS Cafe is owned
and operated by Ferrero or otherwise authorized, licensed, connected to, or sponsored by Ferrero.
86.

On information and belief, GCAS has intentionally appropriated the NUTELLA

Intellectual Property with the intent of causing confusion, mistake, and deception as to GCAS's

relationship with Ferrero, and, as such, GCAS has committed trademark infringement and unfair
competition under the common law ofthis State.

87.

GCAS's acts irreparably damage Ferrero and, unless enjoined by this Court, will

continue to irreparably damage Ferrero. Ferrero has no adequate remedy at law for these wrongs

and injuries. Therefore, Ferrero is entitled to, among other things, an order enjoining and
restraining GCAS from infringing the NUTELLA Intellectual Property.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, Ferrero demands judgment against GCAS as follows:

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17

I.

That a permanent injunction be issued enjoining and restraining GCAS Group LLC,

Andre Sheleg, and Gleb Chemerisov and their officers, agents, servants, employees and
attorneys and all those in active concert or participation with them from the advertising,
marketing, offering and sale of goods and services under the NUTELLERIA Marks, the
NUTERIA Marks, any components and elements ofthem, any similar marks or business

names, and/or any other marks or business names which infringe the NUTELLA
Intellectual Property.

II.

Requiring GCAS to pay to Ferrero such actual damages as Ferrero has sustained in
consequence of the acts of infringement, unfair competition, and dilution by GCAS

complained of herein, and that any such monetary award be enhanced up to three times
pursuant to the provisions of 15 U.S.C. 1117.

III.

Requiring GCAS to account to Ferrero for all profits resulting from GCAS's infringing
activities and that such award ofprofits to Ferrero be increased by the Court as provided
for under 15 U.S.C. 1117.

IV.

Requiring GCAS to pay to Ferrero such damages as Ferrero has sustained as a

consequence of GCAS's willful dilution of the NUTELLA Intellectual Property and to
account for all gains, profits, and advantages derived by GCAS for its willful dilution of
the NUTELLA Intellectual Property through the operation and advertising ofthe GCAS

Cafe pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1125(c) and 1117(a) and that the award to Ferrero be
trebled asprovided for under 15 U.S.C. 1117.

V.

Requiring GCAS to pay to Ferrero such damages as Ferrero has sustained and profits
GCAS has realized as a consequence of GCAS engaging in unfair competition and
trademark infringement to the fullest extent allowed by state and common law.

.6

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VI.

Ordering that Ferrero recover the costs of this action together with reasonable attorneys'
and investigators' fees in this action pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1117(a) and the laws of the
State of New York.

VII.

Awarding to Ferrero such other and further relief as the Court may deem just and proper,

together with the costs and disbursements which Ferrero has incurred in connection with
this action.

Dated:

February 2015

Respectfully submitted,

New York, NY

By:
Chester Rothstein
Marc J. Jason

AMSTER, ROTHSTEIN & EBENSTEIN LLP

90 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212)336-8000

Fax: (212) 336-8001

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS

592783.6

19

JURY DEMAND

Pursuant to the Seventh Amendment of the United States Constitution, plaintiffs Ferrero S.p.A.
and Ferrero U.S.A., Inc. demand that their claims be tried to a jury.

Dated:

February ^ 2015
New York, NY

Chester Rothstein
Marc J. Jason

Reena Jain

AMSTER, ROTHSTEIN & EBENSTEIN LLP

90 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212)336-8000
Fax: (212) 336-8001

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS

592783.6

20