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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA
INDIANAPOLIS DIVISION
VROOM, INC.;
Plaintiff,
Case No.: 1:21-cv-715
v.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
MIDWEST MOTORS LLC, DBA,
VROOOMSACE CAR SELECTION;
KHALED ALRAGWI
Defendants.
COMPLAINT
Vroom, Inc. (“Vroom” or “Plaintiff”) brings this Complaint for trademark infringement
and unfair competition against the Defendants Midwest Motors LLC, doing business as
Vrooomsace Car Selection, and Khaled Alragwi (collectively, “Defendants”).
PARTIES, JURISDICTION, AND VENUE
1. Vroom is Delaware Corporation, with its principal place of business in New York
City, New York.
2. Upon information and belief, Midwest Motors LLC is an Indiana Limited Liability
Company, with its principal place of business in Indianapolis, Indiana.
3. Upon information and belief, Midwest Motors LLC has registered the assumed
name, Vrooomsace Car Selection, with the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office. A printout from
the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office’s online database identifying Vrooomsace Car Selection
as an assumed name registered by Midwest Motors LLC is attached as Exhibit A.
4. Upon information and belief, Khaled Alragwi is the owner, proprietor, registered
agent, and incorporator of Midwest Motors LLC.
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5. This action arises under the trademark and unfair competition laws of the United
States and is brought pursuant to Sections 32, 43(a), and 43(d) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C.
§§ 1114, 1125(a), and 1125(d), and common law.
6. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this case pursuant to 15 U.S.C.
§ 1121, and 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338(b).
7. This Court has supplemental jurisdiction over the claims in this Complaint that arise
under state common law pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367(a) because these state law claims are so
related to Plaintiff’s claims under federal law that they form part of the same case or
controversy and derive from a common nucleus of operative facts.
8. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendants because Defendants reside
and are domiciled in, and have been conducting continuous and systematic business within the
State of Indiana and within the boundaries of the Southern District of Indiana by promoting,
advertising, offering for sale, and providing their services. Further, Defendants have caused
harm and committed the unlawful acts hereinafter complained of in the Southern District of
Indiana.
9. Venue is proper in this district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b).
ALLEGATIONS COMMON TO ALL COUNTS
The Business and Trademarks of Vroom
10. Founded in 2013, Vroom is a nationwide used car retailer and e-commerce
company that brings all three aspects of the used car buying process – buying, financing and
selling – together online in an easy, transparent, and affordable way. Vroom offers thousands
of high quality, refurbished, pre-owned vehicles and deliver of those vehicles to customers.
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Representative screenshots of Vroom’s website available at https://www.vroom.com/ and
Vroom’s Facebook page available at https://www.facebook.com/vroom are provided below.
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11. Since at least 2014, Vroom has been using its VROOM trademark in connection
with the buying, selling, and financing of used cars.
12. In addition to its significant common law trademark rights in the VROOM
trademark, Vroom has sought and secured federal registration of the VROOM trademark in
multiple variations, including but not limited to those appearing in the chart below:
Mark Goods/Services Reg. Filing Date/
No./Serial Reg. Date (If
No. applicable)
VROOM Class 35 On-line wholesale and retail store services 4917005 Dec. 15, 2014
featuring automobiles Mar. 15, 2016
VROOM Class 35 On-line wholesale and retail store services 5076055 Dec. 15, 2014
& Design featuring automobiles Nov. 8, 2016
VROOM Class 36: accepting, processing, and reconciling electronic 5592887 Jan. 3, 2017
payment transactions via a global computer network; Oct. 30, 2018
financial transaction services, namely, providing secure
commercial transactions and payment options; facilitating
and arranging for the financing of automobiles
VROOM Class 35: online wholesale and retail store services featuring 5436572 June 1, 2017
& Design automobiles April 3, 2018
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VROOM Class 35: online wholesale and retail store services featuring 5964489 Apr. 4, 2018
GET IN automobiles Jan. 21, 2020
VROOM Class 9: computer software and mobile device software for 6075286 Jan. 3, 2017
creating, managing, organizing, displaying, tagging, Jun. 9, 2020
bookmarking, storing, and sharing information, and for
providing electronic media and information over the Internet
and other communications networks; computer software and
mobile device software to allow users to perform electronic
business transactions via a global computer network;
computer software and mobile device software for use in
processing the sales transactions of online retail store
services featuring a variety of consumer goods of others
VROOM Class 9: downloadable and recorded computer software and 6070931
& Design downloadable mobile device software for creating, Jun. 27, 2019
managing, organizing, displaying, tagging, bookmarking, Jun. 2, 2020
storing, sharing and providing electronic media and
information over the Internet or other communications
network; downloadable and recorded computer software and
downloadable mobile device software to allow users to
perform electronic business transactions via a global
computer network; downloadable and recorded computer
software and downloadable mobile device software for
online retail store services featuring a variety of consumers
goods of others; downloadable and recorded computer e-
commerce software and downloadable mobile device e-
commerce software to allow users to perform electronic
business transactions via a global computer network;
downloadable and recorded computer e-commerce software
and downloadable mobile device e-commerce software to
allow users to purchase and sell vehicles via a global
computer network; downloadable and recorded computer
software and mobile device software for creating, managing,
organizing, displaying, tagging, bookmarking, storing,
sharing and providing electronic media information about
vehicles for sale, namely, vehicle specifications, selection,
availability, pricing, vehicle comparisons, valuations, and
providing photographs of vehicles
VROOM Class 42: providing a website for creating, managing, 87287698 Jan. 3, 2017
organizing, displaying, tagging, bookmarking, storing,
sharing or otherwise providing electronic media or
information over the Internet or other communications
network; providing a website to allow users to perform
electronic business transactions via a global computer
network; providing a website for online retail store services
featuring a variety of consumers goods of others
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Copies of the registration/application information for the above trademarks are attached to the
Complaint at Exhibit B.
13. The common law and registered trademark rights referred to in paragraphs 11-12
will be collectively referred to as the “Vroom Marks”. The goods and services referred to in
paragraphs 11-12 will be collectively referred to as the “Vroom Goods and Services.”
14. Through the extensive, continuous use and promotion of the Vroom Marks, the
Vroom Marks have become associated with Vroom and the Vroom Goods and Services.
15. As a result of the promotion and use of the Vroom Marks in connection with the
Vroom Goods and Services, the Vroom Marks and the goodwill associated therewith are of
significant value to Vroom.
Relevant Background and Discussions Between the Parties
16. In December of 2020, Vroom became aware of Defendants’ use the business names
and trademarks, VROOOMSACE, VROOOMSACE CAR SELECTION,
VROOOMCARS.COM, and the vrooomcars.com and vroomindy.com domain named in
connection with buying and selling of used cars (collectively, the “Infringing Properties”).
Representative screenshots of Defendants’ store signage and website available at the
vroomindy.com and vrooomcars.com domain names and the https://midwestmotors317.net/
URL and Defendants’ Facebook page available at
https://www.facebook.com/vrooomsace/vehicles/) are provided below.
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17. On December 30, 2020, Vroom, through counsel, sent a letter to Defendants putting
them on notice of Vroom’s rights to the Vroom Marks and requesting that they cease
infringement of the Vroom Marks (the “Vroom Letter”).
18. After receiving no response, Vroom, through counsel, again sent the Vroom Letter
to Defendants on January 15 and January 23, 2021.
19. On January 23, 2021, Vroom, through counsel, called Defendants by phone
requesting an email address so that Vroom could help ensure the Defendants would receive the
Vroom Letter. In response, Defendants provided to Vroom’s counsel the email address
brooomsace2@gmail.com. Upon information and belief, Defendants provided this email
address with full knowledge that it did not belong to Defendants and Defendants willfully and
deliberately provided the fraudulent email address after determining that the request for the
email address was made on behalf of Vroom for the purpose of seeking to enforce Vroom’s
trademark rights.
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20. On January 30, 2021, Vroom, through counsel, sent to Defendants another email
insisting on Defendants’ response.
21. On or February 2, 2021, Vroom, through counsel, spoke with a representative of
Defendants by phone asking for Mr. Khaled Alragwi and when told Mr. Alragwi was not
available, asked that Mr. Alragwi call Vroom’s counsel.
22. On February 22, 2021, Plaintiff sent to Defendants, by both email and certified U.S.
mail, another letter insisting that the Defendants immediately cease use all use of the Infringing
Properties and enclosing a courtesy draft copy of this federal complaint. A Return Receipt for
the letter sent to Defendants by certified U.S. mail was signed on behalf of Defendants and
returned to Plaintiff confirming that Plaintiff’s letter and draft federal complaint was indeed
received by Defendants.
23. To date, Vroom has not received any response from Defendants and Plaintiff has
confirmed the Defendants continue to use the Infringing Properties in connection with the
marketing and sale of automobiles.
Defendants’ Current Infringement
24. As of the date of the filing of this Complaint, Defendants have failed to cease use
of the Infringing Properties.
25. The Defendants continue to advertise and promote their services through various
mediums, including Facebook, the website available the https://midwestmotors317.net/ URL,
and the vroomindy.com domain name.
26. Defendants’ adoption and continued use of the Infringing Properties is a clear and
willful attempt to trade on Vroom’s rights to the Vroom Marks and the goodwill symbolized
thereby.
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27. Defendants’ advertising and marketing materials infringe upon the Vroom Marks
and suggest a false connection or association with Vroom.
28. Defendants do not have the authorization or consent of Vroom to use the Infringing
Properties , the term VROOM, or the Vroom Marks in any capacity.
29. Defendants’ use of the Infringing Properties are likely to cause confusion, to cause
mistake, and/or to deceive consumers as to the affiliation, connection, and association of
Defendants with Vroom, and as to the origin, sponsorship, and approval of Defendants’
services and commercial activities by Vroom.
COUNT I
INFRINGEMENT OF FEDERALLY REGISTERED TRADEMARK
(LANHAM ACT, 15 U.S.C. § 1114(1))
30. Vroom realleges and incorporates by reference the allegations of paragraphs 1
through 29 as if fully set forth in this paragraph.
31. Defendants’ use the Infringing Properties in connection with the promotion,
advertising, provision, sale, and offering for sale of its services and operation of Defendants
and their services is likely to confuse, mislead, or deceive consumers and the relevant public
as to the origin, source, sponsorship, or affiliation of said services with Vroom, and is intended
and is likely to cause such parties to believe in error that the Defendants’ services have been
authorized, sponsored, approved, endorsed, or licensed by Vroom, or that Defendants are in
some way related to or affiliated with Vroom.
32. Defendants’ activities, as described herein, constitute infringement of the registered
Vroom Marks in violation of the Lanham Act, including, but not limited to, 15 U.S.C. § 1114.
33. Defendants’ use of the Infringing Properties with the promotion, advertising, and
provision of their services has been and continues to be willful, deliberate, unfair, false,
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deceptive, and is intended to trade upon the goodwill and reputation appurtenant to Vroom’s
registered Vroom Marks.
34. Defendants’ actions have damaged and will continue to damage Vroom.
35. As a result of these wrongful acts, Vroom is entitled to injunctive relief prohibiting
Defendants from using the Infringing Properties or any variation thereof, or any other
trademarks confusingly similar to Vroom’s registered Vroom Marks, in accordance with 15
U.S.C. § 1116, and to recover all damages, that Vroom has sustained and will sustain, and all
gains, profits, and advantages obtained by Defendants as a result of their infringing acts in an
amount not yet known, as well as the costs of this action, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a).
36. This is an exceptional case justifying the award of attorneys’ fees under Section
1117(a).
COUNT II
FEDERAL UNFAIR COMPETITION
AND FALSE DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN
(LANHAM ACT, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(A))
37. Vroom realleges and incorporates by reference the allegations of paragraphs 1
through 36 as if fully set forth in this paragraph.
38. Defendants’ conduct complained of herein constitutes federal unfair competition,
false designation of origin, and false advertising pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a).
39. Defendants’ intentional and unlawful use in commerce of the Infringing Properties
is likely to cause confusion, mistake, or deception as to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of
Defendants’ services by Vroom and therefore constitutes false designation of origin and false
advertising, in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a).
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40. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ knowing, deliberate, and willful
infringement of the Vroom Marks, Vroom has suffered and will continue to suffer harm to its
business, reputation, and goodwill.
41. As a result of these wrongful acts, Vroom is entitled to injunctive relief prohibiting
the Defendants from using the Infringing Properties and any other marks confusingly similar
to the Vroom Marks, in accordance with 15 U.S.C. § 1116, and to recover all damages, that
Vroom has sustained and will sustain, and all gains, profits, and advantages obtained by
Defendants as a result of its infringing acts in an amount not yet known, as well as the costs of
this action, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a).
42. This is an exceptional case justifying the award of attorneys’ fees under Section
1117(a).
COUNT III
COMMON LAW UNFAIR COMPETITION
AND TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT
43. Vroom realleges and incorporates paragraphs 1 through 42, as if fully set forth in
this paragraph.
44. Vroom is the owner and authorized user of the Vroom Marks, with the right to
enforce the Vroom Marks. Defendants are not authorized to use the Vroom Marks or any
variation thereof, or any mark confusingly similar to the Vroom Marks.
45. The Vroom Marks are inherently distinctive.
46. Defendants have sold, promoted, and offered for sale their products and services
using the Infringing Properties in violation of and with knowledge of Vroom’s rights to the
Vroom Marks for the purpose of trading upon Vroom’s goodwill and reputation.
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47. Defendants’ use of the Infringing Properties constitutes a willful and intentional
infringement of Vroom’s common law trademark rights in the Vroom Marks and is likely to
cause confusion, mistake, and deception as to source, affiliation, or sponsorship with Vroom.
48. Vroom has been harmed by Defendants’ wrongful acts.
49. Vroom is entitled to injunctive relief, recovery of Defendants’ profits, actual
damages, treble profits and damages, costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees.
COUNT IV
ANTICYBERSQUATTING CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
(LANHAM ACT: 15 U.S.C. § 1125 (D))
50. Vroom realleges and incorporates by reference the allegations of paragraphs 1
through 49 as if fully set forth in this paragraph.
51. Defendants are using and have registered the domain names vroomindy.com and
vrooomcars.com (collectively, the “Infringing Domain Names”). Defendants have set the
Infringing Domain Names to redirect to Defendant’s website at https://midwestmotors317.net/.
52. The vrooomcars.com domain name was registered on June, 27, 2019 and the
vroomindy.com domain name was registered on December 12, 2020.
53. The Vroom Marks were distinctive at the time of Defendants’ registered the
Infringing Domain Names.
54. The Infringing Domain Names incorporate and are confusingly similar to the
Vroom Marks.
55. Upon information and belief, Defendants have registered and used the Infringing
Domain Names with the bad faith intent to profit from the registration and continued use of
the Infringing Domain Names by creating an association with Vroom and the Vroom Marks.
56. Vroom has been damaged by Defendants’ unlawful use and registration of the
Infringing Domain Names and will suffer irreparable harm.
57. Defendants’ acts, as aforesaid, are in violation of the Anti-cybersquatting
Consumer Protection Act under Section 43(d) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d).
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58. As a result of Defendants’ actions, Vroom is entitled to immediate transfer of any
domain names incorporating the Vroom, including the Infringing Domain Names, that are
used, registered, or under the control of Defendants, in accordance with 15 U.S.C. §
1125(D)(1)(c); and an award of statutory damages of between $1,000 and $100,000 per each
of the Infringing Domain Names pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117(d).
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Vroom requests the Court to award the following relief:
1. The issuance of preliminary and permanent injunctions enjoining and restraining
Defendants, their associates, agents, servants, employees, officers, members, directors,
representatives, successors, assigns, attorneys and all persons in active concert or participation
with it who learn of the injunction through personal service or otherwise:
a. from using the Infringing Properties, the Vroom Marks, or any marks confusingly
similar to the Vroom Marks, including but not limited to, as part of a company
name, domain name, social media account name, or in connection with the
marketing and sale of any product or service;
b. from claiming, representing, suggesting, or implying that Defendants’ services are
in any way sponsored by or associated with Vroom;
c. from representing by words or conduct that Defendants or its services are
authorized, sponsored, endorsed, or otherwise connected with Vroom;
d. from engaging in any other conduct which causes, or is likely to cause, confusion,
mistake, deception, or misunderstanding as to the source, affiliation, connection or
association of Defendants or Defendants’ services with Vroom.
2. An accounting and judgment against Defendants and all others acting concert with
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them, for (a) all profits received from the sale of goods or services by Defendants in association
with the use of the Infringing Properties or any other infringement of the Vroom Marks; (b)
damages sustained by Vroom on account of Defendants’ trademark infringement, unfair
competition, and false designation of origin; (c) treble damages, where appropriate; (d)
$100,000.00 for each of the Infringing Domain Names or any other domain names confusingly
similar to the Vroom Marks used or registered by Defendants in the connection with any good
or services related to the purchase and sale of cars; (e) the transfer to Vroom of the Infringing
Domain Names or any other domain names confusingly similar to the Vroom Marks used or
registered by Defendants; and (f) punitive damages to deter such actions in the future.
3. An enhancement of damages to a sum not exceeding three (3) times the profits
earned by Defendants as a result of their willful and improper use of marks confusingly similar
to the marks of Vroom.
4. Damages under 15 U.S.C. § 1117(b)-(d).
5. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1118, the removal and destruction of all signage, business
cards, invoices, forms, advertisements, packaging, catalogs, promotional materials or any other
materials bearing the Infringing Properties or any other term confusingly similar to the Vroom
Marks, and the termination of all websites, social media handles, URLs, and other digital or
online properties owned or controlled by Defendants so as to prevent any further use or
reference to the Vroom Marks by Defendants.
6. Vroom’s costs of this suit, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses,
including all fees and costs incurred in the collection and enforcement of any judgment
subsequently obtained, with interest pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117.
7. All other just and proper relief.
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Respectfully submitted,
/s/ David A.W. Wong
David A.W. Wong (#25161-49)
Caitlin R. Byczko (#31905-49)
Kathleen S. Fennessy (#34011-49)
BARNES & THORNBURG LLP
11 South Meridian Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Telephone: 317-236-1313
Attorneys for Plaintiff,
Vroom, Inc.
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