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1 Stephen M. Lobbin (SBN 181195)

[email protected]
2 Austin J. Richardson (SBN 319807)
[email protected]
3 SML AVVOCATI P.C.
888 Prospect Street, Suite 200
4 La Jolla, CA 92037
Tel: 949.636.1391
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Attorneys for Plaintiff
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
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SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
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11 JEZIGN LICENSING, LLC, a New Case No. '20CV1437 LAB AGS

York company,
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Plaintiff,
13 COMPLAINT FOR PATENT
v. INFRINGEMENT
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Evolved Footwear, Missouri sole
15 proprietorship, DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
16 Defendant.
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For its Complaint, Jezign Licensing, LLC (“Jezign”) alleges as follows:
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Nature of This Action
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1. This is a design patent infringement action brought by Jezign against
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Evolved Footwear (“Evolved”) based on Defendant’s ongoing willful infringement
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of U.S. Design Patent No. D554,848 (“the ‘848 patent”). Attached hereto as Exhibit
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A is a true and correct copy of the ‘848 patent, which was issued November 13,
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2007, is entitled “Illuminated shoe lower”, and is owned by Jezign.
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Jurisdiction and Venue
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2. Jezign is a New York company with a principal place of business in
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Silver Spring, Maryland.
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3. Defendant Evolved is a Missouri sole proprietorship with a principal
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place of business in Kansas City, Missouri.
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4. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this action pursuant to
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28 U.S.C. § 1338.
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5. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendant because Evolved
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regularly conducts business in California and has incurred the liability complained
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of herein in California.
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6. Venue is proper in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b)(1)-(2)
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and 1400.
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Factual Background
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7. Jezign and/is an innovative footwear company started by Jez Marston,
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the named inventor of the patent-in-suit. Since at least 2000, Jezign and/or its
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affiliates have been perfecting the design and technology of its unique illuminated
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footwear.
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8. Upon information and belief, Evolved is an apparel company that sells
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the Nike brand shoes modified with LED lights in the sole.
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Infringement of U.S. Design Patent No D554,848
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9. The claimed design of the patent-in-suit is shown in Figures 1-9 of the
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patent. Representative images are below:
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10. Evolved offers products including shoes for sale via online retailers
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(“the Infringing Products”). Images of Evolved’s shoes are shown below:
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11. In the eye of the ordinary observer familiar with the relevant prior art,
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giving such attention as a purchaser usually gives, the claimed design of the patent-
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in-suit and the design of Evolved’s shoes are substantially the same, such that the
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ordinary observer would be deceived into believing that the design of Evolved’s
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shoes is the design claimed in the patent-in-suit.
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12. Defendant has directly infringed, and continues to directly infringe, the
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patent-in-suit by making, using, offering to sell, selling and/or importing shoes,
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including the Evolved shoes, having substantially the same ornamental design as the
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design claimed in the patent-in-suit, in violation of 35 U.S.C. §§ 271(a) and 289.
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13. Defendant has had actual knowledge of the patent-in-suit since at least
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the date on which Defendant received service of the complaint in this action.
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14. Upon information and belief, Defendant has sold and continues to sell,
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offer to sell, distribute and market shoes that infringe the patent-in-suit to end
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consumers and/or resellers with the intent that these parties will use, market, offer to
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sell and/or sell the products in the United States in a manner that infringes the
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patent-in-suit.
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15. Upon information and belief, Defendant knew or should have known
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that the use, marketing, offering to sell, and selling of the infringing products by
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Evolved or its resellers and/or customers would directly infringe on the patent-in-
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suit.
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16. Defendant’s direct and induced infringement of the patent-in-suit has
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caused and will continue to cause damage to Jezign.
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17. Defendant’s direct and induced infringement has also caused and will
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continue to cause irreparable harm to Jezign unless and until such infringing conduct
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is enjoined pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 283 and/or the equitable powers of this Court.
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18. Upon information and belief, Defendant’s acts of infringement have
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been undertaken with knowledge of the patent-in-suit. Such acts constitute willful
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infringement and make this case exceptional pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §§ 284 and 285,
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and entitle Jezign to enhanced damages and reasonable attorney fees.
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Prayer for Relief
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Plaintiff prays for judgment as follows:
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A. An Order preliminarily and permanently enjoining and restraining
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Defendant from manufacturing, distributing, licensing, using, copying, reproducing,
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displaying, adapting, offering for sale, and/or selling any product (including, but not
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limited to, the Infringing Products) that infringes the patent-in-suit;
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B. An Order directing an accounting to determine Defendant’s profits
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resulting from their unlawful activities;
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C. An Order awarding Jezign compensation for any and all damages,
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injury or harm pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §§ 284 and 289;
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D. An Order directing Defendant to pay full restitution and/or
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disgorgement of all profits, including any lost profits, and benefits that may have
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been obtained by Defendant as a result of its wrongful conduct pursuant to 35
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U.S.C. §§ 284 and 289;
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E. An Order awarding Jezign treble damages resulting from Defendant’s
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willful and intentional conduct pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §§ 284 and 289;
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F. An Order awarding Jezign punitive and exemplary damages;
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G. An Order awarding Jezign its reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees, and
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a Declaration that this case is “exceptional” within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. § 285;
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and
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H. Such further relief as this Court deems just and proper.
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JURY TRIAL DEMAND
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Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 38(b)(1) and (c), Plaintiff hereby demands a jury
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trial on all the issues in this action so triable of right by a jury.
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Respectfully submitted,
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Dated: July 26, 2020 SML Avvocati P.C.
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By: /s/ Stephen M. Lobbin
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Case No.
Case 3:20-cv-01437-LAB-AGS Document 1-1 Filed 07/26/20 PageID.7 Page 1 of 2
JS 44 (Rev. 06/17) CIVIL COVER SHEET
The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law, except as
provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the
purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)

I. (a) PLAINTIFFS DEFENDANTS

Jezign Licensing, LLC Evolved Footwear

(b) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff Prince George's, MS County of Residence of First Listed Defendant
(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES) (IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)
NOTE: IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OF
THE TRACT OF LAND INVOLVED.

(c) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number) Attorneys (If Known)

Stephen M. Lobbin, SML Avvocati P.C., 888 Prospect Street, Suite 200,
'20CV1437 LAB AGS
La Jolla CA 92037 Tel: 949.636.1391 E: [email protected]

II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an “X” in One Box Only) III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES (Place an “X” in One Box for Plaintiff
(For Diversity Cases Only) and One Box for Defendant)
u 1 U.S. Government u 3 Federal Question PTF DEF PTF DEF
Plaintiff (U.S. Government Not a Party) Citizen of This State u 1 u 1 Incorporated or Principal Place u 4 u 4
of Business In This State

u 2 U.S. Government u 4 Diversity Citizen of Another State u 2 u 2 Incorporated and Principal Place u 5 u 5
Defendant (Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III) of Business In Another State

Citizen or Subject of a u 3 u 3 Foreign Nation u 6 u 6

Foreign Country
IV. NATURE OF SUIT (Place an “X” in One Box Only) Click here for: Nature of Suit Code Descriptions.
CONTRACT TORTS FORFEITURE/PENALTY BANKRUPTCY OTHER STATUTES
u 110 Insurance PERSONAL INJURY PERSONAL INJURY u 625 Drug Related Seizure u 422 Appeal 28 USC 158 u 375 False Claims Act
u 120 Marine u 310 Airplane u 365 Personal Injury - of Property 21 USC 881 u 423 Withdrawal u 376 Qui Tam (31 USC
u 130 Miller Act u 315 Airplane Product Product Liability u 690 Other 28 USC 157 3729(a))
u 140 Negotiable Instrument Liability u 367 Health Care/ u 400 State Reapportionment
u 150 Recovery of Overpayment u 320 Assault, Libel & Pharmaceutical PROPERTY RIGHTS u 410 Antitrust
& Enforcement of Judgment Slander Personal Injury u 820 Copyrights u 430 Banks and Banking
u 151 Medicare Act u 330 Federal Employers’ Product Liability u 830 Patent u 450 Commerce
u 152 Recovery of Defaulted Liability u 368 Asbestos Personal u 835 Patent - Abbreviated u 460 Deportation
Student Loans u 340 Marine Injury Product New Drug Application u 470 Racketeer Influenced and
(Excludes Veterans) u 345 Marine Product Liability u 840 Trademark Corrupt Organizations
u 153 Recovery of Overpayment Liability PERSONAL PROPERTY LABOR SOCIAL SECURITY u 480 Consumer Credit
of Veteran’s Benefits u 350 Motor Vehicle u 370 Other Fraud u 710 Fair Labor Standards u 861 HIA (1395ff) u 490 Cable/Sat TV
u 160 Stockholders’ Suits u 355 Motor Vehicle u 371 Truth in Lending Act u 862 Black Lung (923) u 850 Securities/Commodities/
u 190 Other Contract Product Liability u 380 Other Personal u 720 Labor/Management u 863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g)) Exchange
u 195 Contract Product Liability u 360 Other Personal Property Damage Relations u 864 SSID Title XVI u 890 Other Statutory Actions
u 196 Franchise Injury u 385 Property Damage u 740 Railway Labor Act u 865 RSI (405(g)) u 891 Agricultural Acts
u 362 Personal Injury - Product Liability u 751 Family and Medical u 893 Environmental Matters
Medical Malpractice Leave Act u 895 Freedom of Information
REAL PROPERTY CIVIL RIGHTS PRISONER PETITIONS u 790 Other Labor Litigation FEDERAL TAX SUITS Act
u 210 Land Condemnation u 440 Other Civil Rights Habeas Corpus: u 791 Employee Retirement u 870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff u 896 Arbitration
u 220 Foreclosure u 441 Voting u 463 Alien Detainee Income Security Act or Defendant) u 899 Administrative Procedure
u 230 Rent Lease & Ejectment u 442 Employment u 510 Motions to Vacate u 871 IRS—Third Party Act/Review or Appeal of
u 240 Torts to Land u 443 Housing/ Sentence 26 USC 7609 Agency Decision
u 245 Tort Product Liability Accommodations u 530 General u 950 Constitutionality of
u 290 All Other Real Property u 445 Amer. w/Disabilities - u 535 Death Penalty IMMIGRATION State Statutes
Employment Other: u 462 Naturalization Application
u 446 Amer. w/Disabilities - u 540 Mandamus & Other u 465 Other Immigration
Other u 550 Civil Rights Actions
u 448 Education u 555 Prison Condition
u 560 Civil Detainee -
Conditions of
Confinement
V. ORIGIN (Place an “X” in One Box Only)
u 1 Original u 2 Removed from u 3 Remanded from u 4 Reinstated or u 5 Transferred from u 6 Multidistrict u 8 Multidistrict
Proceeding State Court Appellate Court Reopened Another District Litigation - Litigation -
(specify) Transfer Direct File
Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity):
35 USC 289
VI. CAUSE OF ACTION Brief description of cause:
Design Patent Infringement
VII. REQUESTED IN u CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTION DEMAND $ CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint:
COMPLAINT: UNDER RULE 23, F.R.Cv.P. JURY DEMAND: u Yes u No
VIII. RELATED CASE(S)
(See instructions):
IF ANY JUDGE DOCKET NUMBER
DATE SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD
07/26/2020 /s/ Stephen M. Lobbin
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

RECEIPT # AMOUNT APPLYING IFP JUDGE MAG. JUDGE

Case 3:20-cv-01437-LAB-AGS Document 1-1 Filed 07/26/20 PageID.8 Page 2 of 2
JS 44 Reverse (Rev. 06/17)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS COMPLETING CIVIL COVER SHEET FORM JS 44

Authority For Civil Cover Sheet

The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replaces nor supplements the filings and service of pleading or other papers as
required by law, except as provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is
required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. Consequently, a civil cover sheet is submitted to the Clerk of
Court for each civil complaint filed. The attorney filing a case should complete the form as follows:

I.(a) Plaintiffs-Defendants. Enter names (last, first, middle initial) of plaintiff and defendant. If the plaintiff or defendant is a government agency, use
only the full name or standard abbreviations. If the plaintiff or defendant is an official within a government agency, identify first the agency and
then the official, giving both name and title.
(b) County of Residence. For each civil case filed, except U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county where the first listed plaintiff resides at the
time of filing. In U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county in which the first listed defendant resides at the time of filing. (NOTE: In land
condemnation cases, the county of residence of the "defendant" is the location of the tract of land involved.)
(c) Attorneys. Enter the firm name, address, telephone number, and attorney of record. If there are several attorneys, list them on an attachment, noting
in this section "(see attachment)".

II. Jurisdiction. The basis of jurisdiction is set forth under Rule 8(a), F.R.Cv.P., which requires that jurisdictions be shown in pleadings. Place an "X"
in one of the boxes. If there is more than one basis of jurisdiction, precedence is given in the order shown below.
United States plaintiff. (1) Jurisdiction based on 28 U.S.C. 1345 and 1348. Suits by agencies and officers of the United States are included here.
United States defendant. (2) When the plaintiff is suing the United States, its officers or agencies, place an "X" in this box.
Federal question. (3) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1331, where jurisdiction arises under the Constitution of the United States, an amendment
to the Constitution, an act of Congress or a treaty of the United States. In cases where the U.S. is a party, the U.S. plaintiff or defendant code takes
precedence, and box 1 or 2 should be marked.
Diversity of citizenship. (4) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1332, where parties are citizens of different states. When Box 4 is checked, the
citizenship of the different parties must be checked. (See Section III below; NOTE: federal question actions take precedence over diversity
cases.)

III. Residence (citizenship) of Principal Parties. This section of the JS 44 is to be completed if diversity of citizenship was indicated above. Mark this
section for each principal party.

IV. Nature of Suit. Place an "X" in the appropriate box. If there are multiple nature of suit codes associated with the case, pick the nature of suit code
that is most applicable. Click here for: Nature of Suit Code Descriptions.

V. Origin. Place an "X" in one of the seven boxes.

Original Proceedings. (1) Cases which originate in the United States district courts.
Removed from State Court. (2) Proceedings initiated in state courts may be removed to the district courts under Title 28 U.S.C., Section 1441.
When the petition for removal is granted, check this box.
Remanded from Appellate Court. (3) Check this box for cases remanded to the district court for further action. Use the date of remand as the filing
date.
Reinstated or Reopened. (4) Check this box for cases reinstated or reopened in the district court. Use the reopening date as the filing date.
Transferred from Another District. (5) For cases transferred under Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1404(a). Do not use this for within district transfers or
multidistrict litigation transfers.
Multidistrict Litigation – Transfer. (6) Check this box when a multidistrict case is transferred into the district under authority of Title 28 U.S.C.
Section 1407.
Multidistrict Litigation – Direct File. (8) Check this box when a multidistrict case is filed in the same district as the Master MDL docket.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NOT AN ORIGIN CODE 7. Origin Code 7 was used for historical records and is no longer relevant due to
changes in statue.

VI. Cause of Action. Report the civil statute directly related to the cause of action and give a brief description of the cause. Do not cite jurisdictional
statutes unless diversity. Example: U.S. Civil Statute: 47 USC 553 Brief Description: Unauthorized reception of cable service

VII. Requested in Complaint. Class Action. Place an "X" in this box if you are filing a class action under Rule 23, F.R.Cv.P.
Demand. In this space enter the actual dollar amount being demanded or indicate other demand, such as a preliminary injunction.
Jury Demand. Check the appropriate box to indicate whether or not a jury is being demanded.

VIII. Related Cases. This section of the JS 44 is used to reference related pending cases, if any. If there are related pending cases, insert the docket
numbers and the corresponding judge names for such cases.

Date and Attorney Signature. Date and sign the civil cover sheet.
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