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Merchandising Company Great Eastern Files Suit Against 'Maryland Anime' Store

The merchandising company Great Eastern Entertainment filed a lawsuit in Illinois against Amanda Naeemi, her Maryland Anime store, VK338 LLC, and 10 unnamed defendants on June 23. Great Eastern alleges the defendants engaged in inter alia, passing off, trademark infringement, false advertising, unfair competition, deceptive trade practices, and consumer fraud. Great Eastern believes the 10 Does listed work for Naeemi and create, sell, and supply her with counterfeit merchandise. VK3388, LLC is listed as an alternate business name for Maryland Anime per a convention form registration at Anime Central.

According to the lawsuit, the defendants sold counterfeit merchandise at their booth at Chicago's Anime Central convention two months ago. On May 17, an Aniplex of America representative noticed a Sword Art Online Kirito plush toy at the Maryland Anime booth with Great Eastern's logo, but the toy was made of different materials, missing details, had typographical errors on its tag, and featured a QR code redirecting to a Chinese website. The defendants were issued a citation by convention staff to stop selling the merchandise or they would be "immediately ejected from the [convention] hall without refund." One of the unnamed Maryland Anime staff members signed the form, thus agreeing to obey the citation.

Great Eastern is requesting a jury trial, an award of damages, the defendants' profits gained through sale of unlawful merchandise, legal fees, and delivery of any remaining counterfeit merchandise.

The Maryland Anime Facebook page is still active, but its official website is now protected. Attempts to contact Naeemi at her listed e-mail address were returned as undeliverable. ANN left a request for comment on Naeemi's personal Facebook page.

Great Eastern is a licensed distributor for multiple anime and video game franchises including Sailor Moon, Bleach, Death Note, Vampire Knight, Black Butler and more.