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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA
HAMMOND DIVISION
LA MICHOACANA MEAT MARKET )
TM HOLDINGS, LLC, )
Plaintiff )
)
vs. ) CASE NO. 2:21-CV-00087
)
CACIMIRO GALAN and CARNICERIA y )
FRUTERIA LA MORENITA LLC, )
DEFENDAN AN E AND AFFI MA I E DEFEN E
Defendants, CACIMIRO GALAN and CARNICERIA y FRUTERIA La MORENITA
LLC, by counsel, f hei An e and Affi ma i e Defen e Plain iff C m lain , a e:
PARTIES
1. Plaintiff is a Delaware limited liability company with its principal office at 8845 Long
Point, Houston, Texas 77055.
RESPONSE: Defendants are without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief
as to the truth or falsity of the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph
1 f Plain iff C m lain and he ef e den ame.
2. Upon information and belief, Defendant Cacimiro Galan is the owner of the Defendant
entity and resides in Lake County, Indiana.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 2 of
Plain iff C m lain .
3. Upon information and belief, Defendant Carniceria y Fruteria La Morenita LLC is an
Indiana limited liability company with its principal place of business at 330 Central Avenue, Lake
Station, Indiana 46405. It may be served at the address of its registered agent, Cacimiro Galan, at
330 Central Avenue, Lake Station, Indiana 46405.
RESPONSE: Defendants admit the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 3 of
Plain iff C m lain .
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JURISDICTION AND VENUE
4. This Court has both diversity and federal question jurisdiction over this case.
RESPONSE: Defendants admit the allegations as to federal question jurisdiction; but are
without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth
or falsity of the allegations as to diversity jurisdiction contained in rhetorical
a ag a h 4 f Plain iff C m lain and he ef e den ame.
5. This Court has diversity jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332 because the parties are
citizens of different States and the amount in controversy exceeds seventy-five thousand ($75,000)
dollars.
RESPONSE: Defendants admit parties are citizens of difference States but Defendants
are without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the
truth or falsity of the allegations as to the amount in controversy contained
in he ical a ag a h 5 f Plain iff C m lain and he ef e den ame.
6. This Court has original and exclusive jurisdiction over the Lanham Act claims pursuant to
15 U.S.C.A. § 1121 and 28 U.S.C.A. §§ 1331, 1338.
RESPONSE: Defendants admit the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 6 of
Plain iff C m lain .
7. This Court has supplemental jurisdiction over the state claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C.A. §
1367.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 7 of
Plain iff C m lain .
8. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendants because they do business in this
judicial district, and/or because the conduct complained of in this Complaint occurred in this
judicial district.
RESPONSE: Defendants admit the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 8 of
Plain iff C m lain .
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9. Venue is proper in this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C.A. § 1391(b)(1) and (2) because
Defendants reside in, and do business in, this judicial district.
RESPONSE Defendants admit the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 9 of
Plain iff C m lain .
SUMMARY OF FACTS
Plaintiff s Trademark Rights
10. Plaintiff owns a family of registered marks including the words LA MICHOACANA .
Below is a list of seven of Plaintiff's federal trademark registrations (the LA MICHOACANA
marks):
MARK NAME FEDERAL REG. NO.
1 LA MICHOACANA MEAT MARKET REG NO. 3669454
2 LA MICHOACANA MEAT MARKET REG NO. 4662100
3 LA MICHOACANA MEAT MARKET (& DESIGN) REG NO. 4662101
4 LA MICHOACANA MEAT MARKET (& DESIGN) REG NO. 4662104
5 LA MICHOACANA MEAT MARKET KIDS REG NO. 4771484
6 LA MICHOACANA MEAT MARKET KIDS REG NO. 4784267
RAFITA (& DESIGN)
7 LA MICHOACANA MEAT MARKET KIDS REG NO. 4784268
RAFITA (& DESIGN)
True and correct copies of the Registration Certificates are attached as Exhibits Al -A7.
RESPONSE: Defendants are without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief
as to the truth or falsity of the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph
10 f Plain iff C m lain and he ef e den ame.
11. Plaintiff s federal registration, number 3669454, for LA MICHOACANA MEAT
MARKET (without any stylistic limitations) is incontestable. See, Exhibit Al .
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RESPONSE: Defendants are without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief
as to the truth or falsity of the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph
11 f Plain iff C m lain and he ef e den ame.
12. Since at least as early as 1986, Plaintiff has used its LA MICHOACANA marks in
connection with the operation of La Michoacana Meat Markets. La Michoacana Meat Markets are
Mexican-styled grocery stores, carnicerias (meat markets), fruterias (fruit shops), taquerias
(restaurants) and panaderias (bakeries). Attached hereto are true and accurate copies of Plaintiffs
trademark registrations for the LA MICHOACANA marks. See, Exhibits Al -A7.
RESPONSE: Defendants are without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief
as to the truth or falsity of the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph
12 f Plain iff C m lain and he ef e den ame.
13. Additionally, the LA MICHOACANA marks are used on private label products for a
variety of goods such as, coffee, tea, cookies, bread, pastries, salt, rice, beans, canned goods,
seasonings and spices and water in its 146 La Michoacana Meat Market stores. The goods are
marketed at www.lamichoacanameatmarket.com, and available for purchase at
www.elvenadofoods.com.
RESPONSE: Defendants are without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief
as to the truth or falsity of the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph
13 f Plain iff C m lain and he ef e den ame.
14. As a result of Plaintiff s long experience, care, and skill in selling goods under the LA
MICHOACANA marks, it has become widely known and has become identified in the public mind
as the seller of the services of Mexican-styled grocery stores, carnicerias (meat markets), fruterias
(fruit shops), taquerias (restaurants) and panaderias (bakeries). Plaintiff has expended substantial
sums promoting its LA MICHOACANA marks.
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RESPONSE: Defendants are without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief
as to the truth or falsity of the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph
14 f Plain iff C m lain and he ef e den ame.
15. As a result of the above-described and other activities, the LA MICHOACANA marks are
widely recognized symbols, and have considerable marketplace goodwill.
RESPONSE: Defendants are without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief
as to the truth or falsity of the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph
15 f Plain iff C m lain and he ef e den ame.
16. Because of Plaintiffs substantial use and promotion of its LA MICHOACANA marks,
those marks have become well-known and distinctive marks, controlled by Plaintiff. Plaintiff has
developed an excellent reputation for its LA MICHOACANA marks.
RESPONSE: Defendants are without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief
as to the truth or falsity of the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph
16 f Plain iff C m laint and therefore deny same.
17. Plaintiff has never given Defendants permission: to use any of its LA MICHOACANA
marks or any variance thereof; to hold themselves out as associates in any way with Plaintiff;
and/or to hold themselves out as being endorsed in any way by Plaintiff.
RESPONSE: Defendants admit the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 17 of
Plain iff C m lain .
18. Prior to filing this suit, Plaintiff apprised Defendants of the infringement and requested that
Defendants stop all use of the LA MICHOACANA marks.
RESPONSE: Defendants are without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief
as to the truth or falsity of the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph
16 f Plain iff C m lain and he ef e den ame.
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19. Defendants ignored the request.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 19 of
Plain iff C m lain .
Defendants Infringement
20. Defendants own and operate at least one Mexican-themed grocery store, using the name
Carniceria y Fruteria La Michoacana, subsequent to Plaintiff's federal registration no. 3669454.
By using this name in conjunction with Carniceria, or meat market in English, Defendants
authorize, participate in, and/or direct conduct that directly infringes on Plaintiff s LA
MICHOACANA marks.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 20 of
Plain iff C m lain .
21. Defendants also used the phrase Michoacana or La Michoacana to promote their meat
market by running the Facebook account titled Carniceria y Fruteria La Michoacana. The URL
for this website is: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Deli/Carniceria-y-Fruteria-La-
Michoacana-622945037913490/. This website actually includes a link to Plaintiff s own website
for the La Michoacana Meat Market (lamichoacanameatmarket.com) to improperly give the
impression that Plaintiff is affiliated with or has licensed the mark to Defendants. No such license
or affiliation exists.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 21 of
Plain iff C m lain .
22. LA MICHOACANA is the dominant element used by Defendants in the promotion of
their meat market. Defendants advertisements are used in connection with food-related goods and
services so similar to those offered by Plaintiff, and within the same trade channels as Plaintiff,
that there is a high likelihood of confusion with Plaintiffs LA MICHOACANA marks.
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RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 22 of
Plain iff C m lain .
23. Defendants use of Michoacana and Carniceria is confusingly similar in appearance,
sound and commercial impression to Plaintiff s LA MICHOACANA marks.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 23 of
Plain iff C m lain .
24. Defendants use of the LA MICHOACANA marks constitutes infringement of Plaintiff s
federally registered trademarks and common law trademarks and will cause Plaintiff irreparable
harm which will continue unless enjoined by this court.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 24 of
Plain iff C m lain .
COUNT ONE Federal Trademark Infringement Under Section 32 of the Lanham Act
25. Plaintiff repeats and realleges the allegations of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein.
RESPONSE: Defendan eallege hei an e a ag a h 1 h gh 24 f Plain iff
Complaint as if fully set forth herein.
26. By the acts and omissions set forth above, Defendants have infringed and continue to
infringe upon Plaintiff s rights in its federal trademark registrations, in violation of Section 32(1)
of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C.A. § 1114(1)(a).
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 26 of
Plain iff C m lain .
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27. Defendants conduct is likely to cause confusion, mistake or deception among the general
purchasing public as to the origin, sponsorship, affiliation, or approval of Defendants goods or
services.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 27 of
Plain iff C m lain .
28. Defendants conduct interferes with Plaintiff s ability to use its LA MICHOACANA marks
as a cohesive brand with the highest quality control.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 28 of
Plain iff C m lain .
29. Plaintiff has suffered, is suffering, and will continue to suffer irreparable injury for which
Plaintiff has no adequate remedy at law. Plaintiff is therefore entitled to a permanent injunction
against Defendants further infringing conduct.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 29 of
Plain iff C m lain .
30. Defendants have profited and are profiting from such infringement, and Plaintiff has been
and is being damaged by such infringement. Plaintiff is therefore entitled to recover damages from
Defendants in an amount to be proved at trial, as a consequence of Defendants infringing
activities.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 30 of
Plaintiff C m lain .
31. Defendants infringing conduct has been willful, wanton and malicious, and done with an
intent to deceive. Plaintiff is entitled to an award of its reasonable attorneys fees and costs, and
treble its actual damages, pursuant to 15 U.S.C.A. § 1117(a).
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RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 31 of
Plain iff C m lain .
COUNT TWO False Designation of Origin and Unfair Competition Under Section 43(A)
of the Lanham Act
32. Plaintiff repeats and realleges the allegations of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein.
RESPONSE: Defendan eallege hei an e a ag a h 1 h gh 31 f Plain iff
Complaint as if fully set forth herein.
33. By the acts and omissions set forth above, Defendants have infringed and continue to
infringe upon Plaintiffs rights, in violation of the Lanham Act § 43(a)(1)(B), 15 U.S.C.A. §
1125(a).
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 33 of
Plain iff C m lain .
34. Defendants have used the aforementioned marks in interstate commerce on their goods or
in connection with their services, which uses constitute false and misleading descriptions of fact,
or false and misleading representations of fact, which are likely to cause confusion or to cause
mistake, or to deceive in a material way, as to the affiliation, connection, or association with
Plaintiff, or as to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of Defendants goods or services.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 34 of
Plain iff C m lain .
35. Defendants acts constitute false designation of origin, unfair competition, and false
advertising in violation of Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, 15 U,S,C.A. § 1125(a).
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 35 of
Plain iff C m lain .
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36. Plaintiff has been damaged and will continue to be damaged by Defendants misleading
descriptions and misrepresentations due to interference with Plaintiff s ability to use its LA
MICHOACANA marks as a cohesive brand with the highest quality control.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 36 of
Plain iff C m lain .
37. Plaintiff has suffered, is suffering, and will continue to suffer irreparable injury for which
Plaintiff has no adequate remedy at law. Plaintiff is therefore entitled to a permanent injunction
against Defendants further infringing conduct, pursuant to 15 U.S.C.A. § 1116(a).
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 37 of
Plain iff C m lain .
38. Defendants have profited and are profiting from such infringement, and Plaintiff has been
and is being damaged by such infringement. Plaintiff is therefore entitled to recover damages from
Defendants in an amount to be proved at trial, as a consequence of Defendants infringing
activities.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 38 of
Plain iff C m lain .
39. Defendants infringing conduct has been willful, wanton, and malicious, and done with an
intent to deceive. Plaintiff therefore is entitled to an award of its reasonable attorneys' fees and
costs, and treble its actual damages, pursuant to 15 U.S.C.A. § 1117(a).
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 39 of
Plain iff C m lain .
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COUNT THREE Common Law Unfair Competition
40. Plaintiff repeats and realleges the allegations of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein.
RESPONSE: Defendan eallege hei an e a ag a h 1 h gh 39 f Plain iff
Complaint as if fully set forth herein.
41. Defendants have engaged in unfair competition with Plaintiff in violation of the common
law of Indiana by selling and/or offering, and promoting its products and services with the intention
of trading upon the goodwill established by Plaintiff and are thereby misappropriating the benefits
of substantial effort and money expended by Plaintiff in establishing its trademark rights, passing
off its goods and services for those of Plaintiff s, and causing a likelihood that consumers will be
confused as to the source or sponsorship of Defendants goods and services.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 41 of
Plain iff C m lain .
42. The aforesaid conduct of Defendants is of the nature, probable tendency, and effect to
deceive the public so as to pass off Defendants goods or business as the goods or business of
Plaintiff.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 42 of
Plain iff C m lain .
43. Defendants conduct is willful and deliberate.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 43 of
Plain iff C m lain .
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44. Defendants conduct has caused Plaintiff irreparable injury and unless restrained and
enjoined by this Court, will continue to cause irreparable damage, loss, and injury to Plaintiff for
which Plaintiff has no adequate remedy at law.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 44 of
Plain iff C m lain .
45. Defendants conduct has injured Plaintiff in an amount to be determined at trial.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 45 of
Plain iff C m lain .
46. Defendants acts are in violation of Indiana law and Plaintiff is entitled to a permanent
injunction prohibiting Defendants from unfairly competing with Plaintiff.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 46 of
Plain iff C m lain .
COUNT FOUR Unjust Enrichment
47. Plaintiff repeats and realleges the allegations of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein.
RESPONSE: Defendan eallege hei an e a ag a h 1 h gh 46 f Plain iff
Complaint as if fully set forth herein.
48. By engaging in the conduct described above, Defendants have directly and knowingly
benefitted, including without limitation unjust benefits from its unlawful use, misappropriation
and infringement of Plaintiff s trademarks and goodwill.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 48 of
Plain iff C m lain .
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49. As a result, Defendants have been unjustly enriched by taking advantage of the LA
MICHOACANA mark and Plaintiff s reputation, trade, brand, trademarks, all of which Plaintiff
invested significant economic value and time into developing.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 49 of
Plain iff C m lain .
50. Unless restrained and enjoined by this Court, Defendants will continue to be unjustly
enriched from its use of Plaintiff s intellectual property, causing Plaintiff irreparable injury.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 50 of
Plain iff C m lain .
51. In addition, Defendants have financially benefitted from their wrongful use of the LA
MICHOACANA mark and paying Plaintiff no royalty or other fees in return for that benefit.
Plaintiff is entitled to just compensation under the common law of the State of Indiana.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 51 of
Plain iff C m lain .
52. Defendants failure to compensate Plaintiff under circumstances where it would be unjust
to do so without payment constitutes unjust enrichment and has damaged Plaintiff.
RESPONSE: Defendants deny the allegations contained in rhetorical paragraph 52 of
Plain iff C m lain .
WHEREFORE, Defendants, CACIMIRO GALAN and CARNICERIA y FRUTERIA La
MORENITA LLC, respectfully request that Plaintiff take nothing by way of its Complaint and for
all other just and proper relief in the premises.
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JURY DEMAND
Defendants, CACIMIRO GALAN and CARNICERIA y FRUTERIA La MORENITA
LLC, request trial by jury herein.
AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES
Defendants, CACIMIRO GALAN and CARNICERIA y FRUTERIA La MORENITA
LLC, f hei Affi ma i e Defen e he Plain iff C m lain , a e :
1. That the Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
2. The claims in the Complaint are barred, in whole or in part, because any
infringement, if any, was innocent.
3. The claims in the Complaint are barred, in whole or in part, by the applicable statute
of limitations.
4. Plain iff claim a e ba ed b lache .
5. The claims in the Complaint are barred, in whole or in part, on the basis that some
or all of the marks lack secondary meeting.
6. Plain iff claim a e ba ed b ai e , ac ie cence and e el.
7. The claims in the Complaint are barred, in whole or in part, by the doctrine of
descriptive fair use.
8. The claims in the Complaint are barred, in whole or in part, on the basis that any
marks are functional.
9. Plain iff claim a e ed ced d e i fail e mi iga e damage .
10. The claims in the Complaint are barred, in whole or in part, by reason of other
a ie e f he ma k .
11. Defendants have not infringed any trademarks under federal or state law.
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12. That if it should be deemed that Defendants have failed to answer any allegations
c n ained in he Plain iff C m lain , Defendants hereby deny said allegation.
13. Defendants reserve the right to add any additional affirmative defenses which
become known to them in the future.
WHEREFORE, Defendants, CACIMIRO GALAN and CARNICERIA y FRUTERIA La
MORENITA LLC, respectfully request that plaintiff take nothing by its Complaint, for costs of
this action, and for all other just and proper relief in the premises.
Respectfully submitted,
BURKE COSTANZA & CARBERRY LLP
Attorneys for Defendants, Cacimiro Galan
and Carniceria y Fruteria La Morenita LLC
By: /s/Kevin E. Steele____
Kevin E. Steele, #17567-53
156 S. Washington Street
Valparaiso, IN 46383
PH: (219) 531-0134
steele@bcclegal.com
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on July 12, 2021, service of a true and complete copy of the foregoing was
made n he f ll ing c n el f ec d h gh he C elec nic filing em b
depositing same in the United States Mail in envelopes addressed to them and with sufficient first-
class postage affixed:
Ann O C nn McC ead
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
amccready@taftlaw.com
Ruth M. Willars, pro hac vice pending
Monty & Ramirez LLP
By: /s/Kevin E. Steele
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