UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS

HOUSTON DIVISION

JPT Group, LLC
Plaintiff,

v.

Aerogroup International, LLC


Defendant.



















CASE NO:



JURY DEMANDED


PLAINTIFF JPT GROUPS ORIGINAL COMPLAINT
JPT Group, LLC (JPT), for its complaint of patent infringement against defendant
Aerogroup International, LLC (Aerogroup), alleges as follows:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
1. JPT owns the Bernardo brand (Bernardo). Bernardo is an iconic American fashion
brand. Since 1946, the Bernardo brand has inspired the womens sandal market with its
sophisticated and inspirational designs. Today Bernardos sandal designs are among the most
distinctive and well known in the footwear industry. Bernardos patented designs are the result
of significant investments in the Bernardo brand, innovative design work and product
development.
2. Under the Aerosoles brand name, the Aerogroup has copied the innovative designs of the
Bernardo brand and engaged in production and distribution of infringing products through
Aerosoles and third party branded retail and online stores. Rather than undertaking its own
Case 4:14-cv-02522 Document 1 Filed in TXSD on 09/02/14 Page 1 of 6
2
independent development, the Aerogroup slavishly copied Bernardos innovative designs,
violating JPTs valuable intellectual property rights embodied by Bernardo branded products.
THE PARTIES
3. Plaintiff JPT Group, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company having a principal
place of business in Winter Park, Colorado.
4. On information and belief, Aerogroup International, LLC is a Delaware limited liability
company with a principal place of business at 201 Meadow Road, Edison, New Jersey 08817.
JURISDICTION & VENUE
5. This action arises under the patent statutes of the United States, 35 U.S.C. 271 et seq.
Accordingly, the Court has federal question jurisdiction over this matter under 28 U.S.C.
1331 and 1338(a).
6. The court has personal jurisdiction over the Aerogroup because it has conducted and does
conduct business within the State of Texas and this District.
7. Upon information and belief, the Aerogroup has existing business relationships in Texas
and the District through its expansive sales and distribution channels, which includes at least
Macys, DSW and Famous Footwear and their respective retail locations within the District. The
Aerogroup has purposefully directed business activities to Texas consumers through these
business relationships, their retail stores and various websites owned and/or controlled by the
Aerogroup and third parties.
8. Upon information and belief, the Aerogroup committed and continues to commit acts of
infringement in violation of 35 U.S.C. 271 and has and continues to purposefully place
infringing products into the stream of commerce.
9. Upon information and belief, the Aerogroup, either directly or through distributors,
franchisees, resellers and/or others, ships, distributes, offers for sale, sells and markets products
Case 4:14-cv-02522 Document 1 Filed in TXSD on 09/02/14 Page 2 of 6
3
in the United States, the State of Texas and this District. Upon information and belief, Aerogroup
expects their actions to have consequences within this District, derives substantial revenue from
the sale of infringing products and interstate commerce within this District. The acts by
Aerogroup caused injury to JPT within this District.
10. Venue is properly within this District in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 1391 (b) and (c)
and 1400 (b).
FACTS AND BACKGROUND
The JPT Patents
11. On November 25, 2008, United States Patent No. D581,149 (the D149 Patent)
entitled Sandal was duly and legally issued. A copy of the D149 Patent is attached as Exhibit A
and incorporated herein.
12. On September 23, 2008, United States Patent No. D577,182 (the D182 Patent)
entitled Sandal was duly and legally issued. A copy of the D182 Patent is attached as Exhibit B
and incorporated herein.
13. The above referenced patents relate to the sandal designs claimed in the D149 Patent and
D182 Patent (collectively the JPT Patents). JPT owns all right, title and interest in and to the
JPT Patents by assignment dated February 11, 2014.
Case 4:14-cv-02522 Document 1 Filed in TXSD on 09/02/14 Page 3 of 6
4

The Aerogroup Infringes the JPT Patents
14. As the representative side-by-side comparisons shown below reveal, the Aerogroup
misappropriated JPTs patented sandal designs in the accused products, including through its
Chlambake sandals as depicted below (the Accused Products).

15. On information and belief, the Aerogroup contracted with suppliers to have manufactured
in China the Accused Products for sale in the U.S., Texas and this District. Shortly after
manufacturing, the Aerogroup began importing the Accused Products into the U.S., Texas and
this District for sale through Aerosoles and third party branded retail and online stores.
16. On information and belief, the Aerogroup prominently displayed and marketed, and
caused to be displayed and marketed, the Accused Products in retail store locations and online.
17. On information and belief, the Aerogroup has sold and continues to sell significant
volumes of the Accused Products through its expansive sales and distribution channels
throughout the U.S., Texas and this District.
18. JPT has complied with the statutory requirement of placing a notice of the JPT Patents on
its products that embody the JPT Patents. On information and belief, the Aerogroup had notice of
its infringement and the JPT Patents through JPTs statutory product marking, the Aerogroups
procurement of related patent footwear patents, and/or the Aerogroups monitoring of patents in
connection with its release of new products.

D149 Patent




Chlambake





D149 Patent


D182 Patent


Chlambake




D149 Patent


Chlambake


D182 Patent




U S. Patent Nov. 25, 2008 Sheet 1 of3 US D581,149 S
8/5/14 11:36 AM Aerosoles - CHLAMBAKE
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BEST sandals ever! Thats what our customers say about Chlambake. This T-
strap sandal, with smooth stud embellishments and a buckle entry, captures a
trendy gladiator look that goes with this seasons latest fashions. Ultra-padded
insole and flexible rubber sole layer up your comfort.
Clearance items $29.99 and below can be exchanged, or returned for
merchandise credit. No refunds.
$59.00 Now $49.99
Color: WHITE FAUX LEATHER
Size
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9.0 9.5 10.0 10.5 11.0 12.0 .
Size Chart Width
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(12) United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.:
USO0D581149S
US D581,149 S
Comeau (45) Date of Patent: *9: Nov. 25, 2008
(54) SANDAL D495,855 S * 9/2004 Comeau .................... .. D2/917
D496,147 S * 9/2004 Comeau D2/917
Inventor: Dennis FI Comeall Santa Fe D530,898 S * 10/2006 ....... .. 132/971
D534,713 S * 1/2007 WeitZman ....... .. D2/929
(73) Assignee: Bernardo Footwear, LLC, Houston, TX 13545939 S * 6/2007 wellzman et 31' ~ 132/971
(Us) D550,942 S * 9/2007 Chol .............. .. D2/969
D553,840 S * 10/2007 WeitZman ....... .. D2/971
(**) Tenn 14 Years D572,456 S * 7/2008 Guers-Neyr'ud ............ .. D2/971
* cited by examiner
(21) Appl' NO': 29/318535 Primary ExamineriStella M Reid
- Assistant ExamineriKeli L Acker
22 F1 d: M 21 2008
( ) 1e ay (74) Attorney, Agent, or FirmiN. Elton Dry; J. M. (Mark)
Related US. Application Data Gllbreth
(63) Continuation of application No. 29/297,780, ?led on (57) CLAIM
Nov. 16, 2007.
The ornamental design for a sandal, as shoWn and described.
(51) LOC (8) Cl. .............. .. 02-04
(52) US. Cl. ....................................... .. D2/973; D2/917 DESCRIPTION
(58) Field of Classi?cation Search ................ .. D2/ 896, FIG. 1 is a perspective vieW of a sandal, embodying my new
D2/897, 9164919, 925, 9294934, 943, 9694972, design;
132/977: 978; 36/7~3*7~5 11-5 32298481956: FIG. 2 is a front elevation vieW thereof;
See application ?le for complete search history. FIG 3 1S a rear elevanon VleW thereof;
FIG. 4 is a right side elevation vieW thereof;
(56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
1,977,995 A * 10/1934 Morali ..................... .. 36/115
D129,706 S * 9/1941 Grossman .................. .. D2/932
D147,308 S * 8/1947 Steel ......................... .. D2/917
FIG. 5 is a left side elevation vieW thereof;
FIG. 6 is a top vieW thereof; and,
FIG. 7 is a bottom vieW thereof.
1 Claim, 3 Drawing Sheets
8/5/14 11:36 AM Aerosoles - CHLAMBAKE
Page 1 of 3 http://www.aerosoles.com/eng/product/chlambake/chlambake
Home > SALE > CHLAMBAKE
New Arrivals
Boots
Casual
Career
Dress
Flats
Sandals
Wides
Accessories
EXCLUSIVES
SALE
All
Boots
Career
Casual
Dress
Flats
Sandals
Wedges
Wides
Summer Sale
Clearance
EXCLUSIVES
LARGER VIEW
4.5 / 5 Read all 24 reviews Write a review
BEST sandals ever! Thats what our customers say about Chlambake. This T-
strap sandal, with smooth stud embellishments and a buckle entry, captures a
trendy gladiator look that goes with this seasons latest fashions. Ultra-padded
insole and flexible rubber sole layer up your comfort.
Clearance items $29.99 and below can be exchanged, or returned for
merchandise credit. No refunds.
$59.00 Now $49.99
Color: WHITE FAUX LEATHER
Size
5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5
9.0 9.5 10.0 10.5 11.0 12.0 .
Size Chart Width
Medium
Tweet Tweet 1 71
Chlambake Previous Next
Quantity 1
Add to Wish List Email a Friend
97 Like Like
Web Browser
$59.00
In Shape
$89.00
Duble Trouble
$89.00
Chlambake
$59.00
$29.99 to $49.99
Search by Keyword Advanced Search
New Arrivals Boots Casual Career Dress Flats Sandals Wides Accessories EXCLUSIVES SALE
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(12) United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.:
USO0D581149S
US D581,149 S
Comeau (45) Date of Patent: *9: Nov. 25, 2008
(54) SANDAL D495,855 S * 9/2004 Comeau .................... .. D2/917
D496,147 S * 9/2004 Comeau D2/917
Inventor: Dennis FI Comeall Santa Fe D530,898 S * 10/2006 ....... .. 132/971
D534,713 S * 1/2007 WeitZman ....... .. D2/929
(73) Assignee: Bernardo Footwear, LLC, Houston, TX 13545939 S * 6/2007 wellzman et 31' ~ 132/971
(Us) D550,942 S * 9/2007 Chol .............. .. D2/969
D553,840 S * 10/2007 WeitZman ....... .. D2/971
(**) Tenn 14 Years D572,456 S * 7/2008 Guers-Neyr'ud ............ .. D2/971
* cited by examiner
(21) Appl' NO': 29/318535 Primary ExamineriStella M Reid
- Assistant ExamineriKeli L Acker
22 F1 d: M 21 2008
( ) 1e ay (74) Attorney, Agent, or FirmiN. Elton Dry; J. M. (Mark)
Related US. Application Data Gllbreth
(63) Continuation of application No. 29/297,780, ?led on (57) CLAIM
Nov. 16, 2007.
The ornamental design for a sandal, as shoWn and described.
(51) LOC (8) Cl. .............. .. 02-04
(52) US. Cl. ....................................... .. D2/973; D2/917 DESCRIPTION
(58) Field of Classi?cation Search ................ .. D2/ 896, FIG. 1 is a perspective vieW of a sandal, embodying my new
D2/897, 9164919, 925, 9294934, 943, 9694972, design;
132/977: 978; 36/7~3*7~5 11-5 32298481956: FIG. 2 is a front elevation vieW thereof;
See application ?le for complete search history. FIG 3 1S a rear elevanon VleW thereof;
FIG. 4 is a right side elevation vieW thereof;
(56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
1,977,995 A * 10/1934 Morali ..................... .. 36/115
D129,706 S * 9/1941 Grossman .................. .. D2/932
D147,308 S * 8/1947 Steel ......................... .. D2/917
FIG. 5 is a left side elevation vieW thereof;
FIG. 6 is a top vieW thereof; and,
FIG. 7 is a bottom vieW thereof.
1 Claim, 3 Drawing Sheets
8/5/14 11:36 AM Aerosoles - CHLAMBAKE
Page 1 of 3 http://www.aerosoles.com/eng/product/chlambake/chlambake
Home > SALE > CHLAMBAKE
New Arrivals
Boots
Casual
Career
Dress
Flats
Sandals
Wides
Accessories
EXCLUSIVES
SALE
All
Boots
Career
Casual
Dress
Flats
Sandals
Wedges
Wides
Summer Sale
Clearance
EXCLUSIVES
LARGER VIEW
4.5 / 5 Read all 24 reviews Write a review
BEST sandals ever! Thats what our customers say about Chlambake. This T-
strap sandal, with smooth stud embellishments and a buckle entry, captures a
trendy gladiator look that goes with this seasons latest fashions. Ultra-padded
insole and flexible rubber sole layer up your comfort.
Clearance items $29.99 and below can be exchanged, or returned for
merchandise credit. No refunds.
$59.00 Now $49.99
Color: WHITE FAUX LEATHER
Size
5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5
9.0 9.5 10.0 10.5 11.0 12.0 .
Size Chart Width
Medium
Tweet Tweet 1 71
Chlambake Previous Next
Quantity 1
Add to Wish List Email a Friend
97 Like Like
Web Browser
$59.00
In Shape
$89.00
Duble Trouble
$89.00
Chlambake
$59.00
$29.99 to $49.99
Search by Keyword Advanced Search
New Arrivals Boots Casual Career Dress Flats Sandals Wides Accessories EXCLUSIVES SALE
My Account Order Status Store Locator Email Sign Up
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My Bag (0 Items)
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Case 4:14-cv-02522 Document 1 Filed in TXSD on 09/02/14 Page 4 of 6
5
Patent Infringement
19. JPT incorporates herein the allegations set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 18 above.
20. Under 35 U.S.C. 271 et seq., the Aerogroup has directly infringed the JPT Patents by
the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, and importation of the Accused Products or
alternatively by contributing or inducing others to manufacture, use, sell, offer for sale, and
import the Accused Products, literally and/or under the doctrine of equivalents.
21. Upon information and belief, the Aerogroup has applied the designs of the JPT Patents,
or a colorable imitation thereof, to the Accused Products for the purpose of sale, and/or selling or
exposing for sale the Accused Products.
22. On information and belief, the Aerogroup will continue to infringe the claims of the JPT
Patents unless enjoined by this Court.
23. JPT has been damaged and will continue to be damaged by the Aerogroups infringing
acts.
24. On information and belief, the Aerogroup was actually aware of the JPT Patents and
willfully committed acts of infringement.
JURY DEMAND
25. JPT demands a trial by jury on all issues.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, JPT prays the Court to:
(a) grant a permanent injunction against the Aerogroups continued
infringement;
(b) award damages for the Aerogroups infringement of the JPT Patents under
35 U.S.C. 284 or 289;
(c) in the event JPT elects to collect damages under 35 U.S.C. 284, find that
the Aerogroups infringement has been willful and increase such damages
to three times the awarded amount;
Case 4:14-cv-02522 Document 1 Filed in TXSD on 09/02/14 Page 5 of 6
6
(d) award prejudgment and post judgment interest;
(e) find that this case is an exceptional case under 35 U.S.C. 285 and award
attorneys fees;
(f) award costs; and
(g) grant all other relief to which JPT is entitled.

Date: September 2, 2014
Respectfully submitted,

/s/ J. Reid Bumgarner
J. Reid Bumgarner
State Bar No. 24053118
Bumgarner Law P.C.
3050 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 640
Houston, Texas 77056
Telephone: 713/893-7255
Email: jrb@bumgarnerpc.com

For Plaintiff JPT

Case 4:14-cv-02522 Document 1 Filed in TXSD on 09/02/14 Page 6 of 6










"#$%&%' (

Case 4:14-cv-02522 Document 1-1 Filed in TXSD on 09/02/14 Page 1 of 5
(12) United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.:
USO0D581149S
US D581,149 S
Comeau (45) Date of Patent: *9: Nov. 25, 2008
(54) SANDAL D495,855 S * 9/2004 Comeau .................... .. D2/917
D496,147 S * 9/2004 Comeau D2/917
Inventor: Dennis FI Comeall Santa Fe D530,898 S * 10/2006 ....... .. 132/971
D534,713 S * 1/2007 WeitZman ....... .. D2/929
(73) Assignee: Bernardo Footwear, LLC, Houston, TX 13545939 S * 6/2007 wellzman et 31' ~ 132/971
(Us) D550,942 S * 9/2007 Chol .............. .. D2/969
D553,840 S * 10/2007 WeitZman ....... .. D2/971
(**) Tenn 14 Years D572,456 S * 7/2008 Guers-Neyr'ud ............ .. D2/971
* cited by examiner
(21) Appl' NO': 29/318535 Primary ExamineriStella M Reid
- Assistant ExamineriKeli L Acker
22 F1 d: M 21 2008
( ) 1e ay (74) Attorney, Agent, or FirmiN. Elton Dry; J. M. (Mark)
Related US. Application Data Gllbreth
(63) Continuation of application No. 29/297,780, ?led on (57) CLAIM
Nov. 16, 2007.
The ornamental design for a sandal, as shoWn and described.
(51) LOC (8) Cl. .............. .. 02-04
(52) US. Cl. ....................................... .. D2/973; D2/917 DESCRIPTION
(58) Field of Classi?cation Search ................ .. D2/ 896, FIG. 1 is a perspective vieW of a sandal, embodying my new
D2/897, 9164919, 925, 9294934, 943, 9694972, design;
132/977: 978; 36/7~3*7~5 11-5 32298481956: FIG. 2 is a front elevation vieW thereof;
See application ?le for complete search history. FIG 3 1S a rear elevanon VleW thereof;
FIG. 4 is a right side elevation vieW thereof;
(56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
1,977,995 A * 10/1934 Morali ..................... .. 36/115
D129,706 S * 9/1941 Grossman .................. .. D2/932
D147,308 S * 8/1947 Steel ......................... .. D2/917
FIG. 5 is a left side elevation vieW thereof;
FIG. 6 is a top vieW thereof; and,
FIG. 7 is a bottom vieW thereof.
1 Claim, 3 Drawing Sheets
Case 4:14-cv-02522 Document 1-1 Filed in TXSD on 09/02/14 Page 2 of 5
U S. Patent Nov. 25, 2008 Sheet 1 of3 US D581,149 S
Case 4:14-cv-02522 Document 1-1 Filed in TXSD on 09/02/14 Page 3 of 5
US. Patent Nov. 25, 2008 Sheet 2 of3 US D581,149 S
Case 4:14-cv-02522 Document 1-1 Filed in TXSD on 09/02/14 Page 4 of 5
US. Patent Nov. 25, 2008 Sheet 3 of3 US D581,149 S
FIG. 7
Case 4:14-cv-02522 Document 1-1 Filed in TXSD on 09/02/14 Page 5 of 5










"#$%&%' (
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