The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Republic Brands' $1.1 million jury verdict againstAmin Hudda and his distribution company, Star Importers & Wholesalers (“Star”).
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After a seven-day trial in federal court, a jury found Star liable and Amin Hudda personally responsible for selling counterfeit rolling papers that illegally used Republic's iconic TOP® and JOB® trademarks. The verdict awarded Republic a $1.1 million judgment. Hudda and his company, Star, sought to overturn the award, claiming it was excessive and violated their rights. The trial court rejected their arguments outright.
Hudda and Star took their case to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, but the appellate court upheld the lower court's decision dismissing every argument raised by Hudda and Star. The ruling sends a strong message: federal juries have broad authority-within the bounds of the law-to impose meaningful penalties that not only compensate victims of counterfeiting, but also hold wrongdoers accountable and deter future violations.
Hudda and Star are merely the latest distributors to find out what happens to counterfeiters caught selling fake Republic goods. “We will do whatever it takes using all the resources at our disposal to protect our customers, consumers, and reputation,” said Republic Brands CEO Don Levin.
Republic Brands continues its relentless pursuit of counterfeiters worldwide, working with investigators, law enforcement agencies, U.S. Customs & Border Patrol, and Homeland Security to stop the sale of counterfeit rolling papers through criminal and civil actions. Republic Brands has scored other major wins against companies and their owners selling counterfeits in Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Illinois, Virginia, and elsewhere, amounting to millions of dollars in damages.
Republic Brands' anti-counterfeiting efforts are led by Sachin Lele, Republic Brands' Executive Vice President and General. Republic Brands' trial team is led by Maia Woodhouse of Adams and Reese LLP and Sheldon Zenner of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. Republic Brands asks for the public to join in reporting counterfeit products by emailing counterfeit@republicbrands.com or calling 1-800-288-8888.
About Republic Brands
The world's leading rolling company, Republic Brands holds the most extensive portfolio in the category including OCB®, JOB®, e-z wider®, DRUM®, Premier®, Gambler®, and TOP® brands. With a 200-year-old cultural legacy, the family-owned company is known for innovations such as sustainable bamboo, hemp, and flax fiber papers and cones, its natural acacia gum, and internationally-recognized ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 and GMP standards. Republic brings consumers the best experience from plant to puff by combining old-world artisan quality with modern sensibilities. With its wide-reaching distribution network across 120 countries, Republic Brands operates seven manufacturing facilities across North America and Europe. For more information, please visit www.republicbrands.com.
Media Contactrepublicbrands@trailblaze.co
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SOURCE Republic Brands
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