A Florida judge has blocked Philippe from dismissing numerous counts in the trademark-related lawsuit brought by Mr. Chow. Judge William H. Hoeveler of the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida granted Philippe’s motion to dismiss counts related to “corporate-espionage surveillance” (Mr. Chow claimed that a suspicious man who entered its Miami Beach kitchen dressed as a chef was attempting to steal trade secrets; Philippe insisted the man was merely visiting an old friend, and there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prove that he was a spy). However, all of the other counts that Philippe had hoped to dismiss are still in play. The judge’s order and a statement from Mr. Chow’s attorney, Bert Fields, are below.
“We’re pleased that the court has rejected the attempt of Philippe Restaurant to dismiss Mr. Chow’s lawsuit. We will now proceed to trial as rapidly as we can. We want to show the public what these people have done. The suit has grown to include additional defendants and claims, including trademark infringement, deceptive and unfair trade practices, false advertising, misappropriation of trade secrets and more. We expect that the damages will exceed $10 million.”
Order Granting, In Part, Motion to Dismiss and Denying Motion to Strike [PDF]
Earlier: Mr. Chow Adds Backstabbing Chefs to $10 Million Lawsuit Against Philippe
Philippe Moves to Dismiss, Unravels Mystery of the Kitchen Spy
