Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 1 of 25

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

Case No.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED

e

------------------------------------------------------------------ x
:
:
SESAME WORKSHOP,
:
:
Plaintiff,
:
:
- against :
:
STX PRODUCTIONS, LLC, STX FINANCING,
:
LLC, and STX FILMWORKS, INC.,
:
:
Defendants.
------------------------------------------------------------------ x

dl
in

COMPLAINT

Plaintiff Sesame Workshop (“Sesame”), as its complaint against defendants STX
Productions, LLC, STX Financing, LLC, and STX Filmworks, Inc. (collectively, “STX” or
“Defendants”), by its undersigned counsel, alleges as follows, based upon knowledge as to its

ea

own acts and upon information and belief as to all others:

INTRODUCTION

Sesame seeks to enjoin Defendants’ deliberate effort to appropriate its

D

1.

SESAME STREET mark, and its trusted brand and goodwill, to promote their R-rated movie,
The Happytime Murders, by way of a violent and sexually-explicit trailer. SESAME STREET is
a registered trademark of Sesame, an organization with a long and storied history of “helping
kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder.” Defendants’ widely-distributed marketing campaign
features a just-released trailer with explicit, profane, drug-using, misogynistic, violent,
copulating, and even ejaculating puppets,1 along with the tagline “NO SESAME. ALL

1

See https://youtu.be/-eks8LG72uo.

3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 2 of 25

STREET.” Defendants do not own, control or have any right to use the SESAME STREET
mark. Instead, they are distributing a trailer that deliberately confuses consumers into
mistakenly believing that Sesame is associated with, has allowed, or has even endorsed or
produced the movie and tarnishes Sesame’s brand. Defendants headline their marketing
materials with a tagline that invokes the well-known SESAME STREET mark and references the
award-winning children’s preschool program.
2.

The threat of irreparable injury posed to Sesame’s mark and brand cannot

be overstated. Sesame has worked for nearly 50 years to build, cultivate and maintain trust with

e

its audience of parents and young children built on its reputation for wholesome educational

dl
in

programming. That trust, although built over a span of generations, is too easily lost and is now
in jeopardy. Defendants threaten to inflict serious, irreparable damage to Sesame’s mark and
brand by associating their adult movie with Sesame Street. As evidenced by a parade of social

ea

media posts, emails and public comments, the “NO SESAME. ALL STREET.” tagline has
confused and appalled viewers because of what they believe to be a serious breach of trust by
Sesame by supporting this movie. Defendant’s actions have diluted and defiled Sesame’s

D

beloved Sesame Street children’s television show and SESAME STREET mark by associating
their trailer with Sesame Street. Indeed, it appears that Defendants chose their “NO SESAME.
ALL STREET.” tagline with the hope and intention of commercially appropriating Sesame’s
mark and associated goodwill and implying an association that does not exist to promote the
release of their movie.
3.

Sesame takes no issue with Defendants’ right to make their movie, and to

market it – lawfully – however they see fit. But Defendants cannot impermissibly appropriate
and trade on Sesame’s mark, brand, and goodwill to market a movie that has no nexus to Sesame

2
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 3 of 25

Street. Defendants seem intent on seeding confusion in the mind of the public as to the
association between the movie, Sesame Street, and its beloved Muppets from Sesame Street,
given the role of The Jim Henson Company (a division of which, along with Defendants, is a
producer of The Happytime Murders) in originally creating the Muppets. Defendants’ use and
appropriation of the SESAME STREET mark and brand infringes upon Sesame’s federal, state,
and common law intellectual property rights; and is causing devastating, irreparable harm to its
brand and image. Sesame has demanded that Defendants simply drop the references to
SESAME STREET from The Happytime Murders marketing materials – a relatively small

e

burden compared to the devastating and irreparable injury Defendants are causing. But

dl
in

Defendants have refused, and the confusion and tarnishment are building, as evidenced in
numerous social media postings.
4.

Sesame seeks an injunction that forces Defendants to cease and desist their

ea

trading upon the goodwill associated with SESAME STREET in furtherance of box office
receipts. The promotion of The Happytime Murders should succeed or fail on its own merits, not
on a cynical, unlawful attempt to deceive and confuse the public into associating it with the most

D

celebrated children’s program in history.

5.

PARTIES

Plaintiff Sesame Workshop is a not-for-profit organization incorporated

under the New York State Education Law with its principal place of business in New York.
6.

Upon information and belief, defendant STX Productions, LLC is

organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, with its principal office in California.
7.

Upon information and belief, defendant STX Financing, LLC is organized

under the laws of the State of Delaware, with its principal office in California.

3
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 4 of 25

8.

Upon information and belief, defendant STX Filmworks, Inc. is

incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, with its principal office in California.
9.

Each of STX Productions, LLC, STX Financing, LLC, and STX

Filmworks, Inc. regularly conducts business in New York, including by promoting, marketing,
and advertising, films here, both in print, through trailers played at movie theaters in New York,
and by directing online and social media promotional materials to viewers in New York. STX is
currently promoting, marketing, and advertising The Happytime Murders in New York. STX
also distributes major motion pictures that are screening in movie theaters in New York,

e

including, at this time, I Feel Pretty and Gringo, and recently Molly’s Game, Den of Thieves, The

dl
in

Foreigner, A Bad Moms Christmas, and more.

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

10.

This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over the federal claims for

trademark infringement, false designation of origin, false advertising, dilution, and related

ea

wrongs under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1338(a). This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over the
state claims under 28 U.S.C. § 1367(a).

This Court has personal jurisdiction over the Defendants under New

D

11.

York’s long arm statute, N.Y. C.P.L.R. 302(a)(1)-(2) because they have specifically targeted
their products and services to consumers in New York and committed a tortious act within the
state. The trailer is being shown in advance of recently-released Deadpool 2 in theaters
throughout New York. In addition, the trailer is being marketed through social media – Twitter,
Facebook, and others – with the clear intention of reaching users in the highly-populated New
York City area.
12.

Venue is proper in this District under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b) & (c).

4
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 5 of 25

FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
Sesame and Sesame Street
13.

Sesame is a nonprofit educational organization chartered by the New York

State Education Department. It is the creator of the beloved children’s television program
Sesame Street, which stars a cast of Muppets and people co-existing on the fictional eponymous
Sesame Street. Sesame Street’s famous “Muppet” characters, including Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie
Monster, Bert & Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, Grover and The Count are recognized throughout the
U.S. and around the world.2
Sesame Street was created in 1969 to give all children access to early

e

14.

dl
in

education. It was a revolutionary idea: to use television as a medium to reach kids at scale with
important lessons ranging from academic basics to life skills, like kindness and inclusion. At the
time, television was widely criticized for being too violent and for reflecting commercial values,
or in the words of then-F.C.C. chairman Newton Minow, “a vast wasteland.” Sesame Street

ea

changed all that by creating a show that was not just engaging, but wholesome, educational, and
with kids’ best interests at its core.

Today, Sesame Street has grown into a global educational phenomenon

D

15.

and force for good, including social impact initiatives that go well beyond the show and bring
education to kids in need. Sesame content currently reaches over 190 million children around
the world, making a meaningful and lasting difference in their lives. Studies show that American
children who frequently viewed Sesame Street as preschoolers achieved high school grade point

2

The late Jim Henson created the Muppets and copyrighted and trademarked them. Henson’s
company, Muppets, Inc. (now The Jim Henson Company, Ltd. (“Henson”)), licensed to Sesame
the right to use the Muppets of Sesame Street. In 2001, Henson conveyed to Sesame the
copyright ownership for the Muppets of Sesame Street, and a grant of rights to use the Muppet
mark in connection with Sesame Street.
5
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 6 of 25

averages that were almost 16% higher than those who did not. And a 2013 study by a leading
academic institution concluded that children who watched one of the international versions of
Sesame Street gained on average almost 12 percentile points on learning outcomes, compared to
those who did not.
16.

Sesame Street enjoys extraordinary brand awareness and approval among

U.S. audiences (including 100% brand recognition among parents with children ages 0-5) and is
considered the gold standard in children’s media. Sesame Street has been ranked among the top
25 children’s programs among kids 2-5 for 45 years. A third party commissioned by Sesame

e

found that 2/3 of today’s preschool moms watched Sesame Street as children and 2/3 of Baby

dl
in

Boomers and 3/4 of Generation X and Millennials like or love Sesame Street. Elmo, one of
Sesame Street’s Muppets, has maintained 50% or greater awareness among preschoolers over the
past 10 years (based on estimates by parents with children between the ages of 2 and 5). Sesame

ea

Street has a huge global following that interacts with the show by watching the program on
television, playing Sesame Street digital games on the Sesame Street website or app, listening to
Sesame Street podcasts, or by watching clips from episodes on Sesame’s YouTube channel.

D

Sesame has an active social media presence featuring its SESAME STREET and SESAME
variant marks, including on Facebook and Twitter.3 Every quarter in the U.S., more than 15

3

In total, Sesame Street and its characters have approximately 19.8 million “Likes” or
“Followers” on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For example, the SESAME STREET official
Facebook page, which launched in 2009, currently has approximately 1.1 million “Likes” around
the world, with approximately 600,000 originating in the U.S. There are separate Facebook
pages for the show’s famous Muppet characters – which pages also prominently feature the
SESAME STREET and SESAME variant marks – which have huge followings. For instance,
Facebook – COOKIE MONSTER currently has almost 9 million “Likes” worldwide with
approximately 3.2 million in the U.S., and Facebook – ELMO has almost 6 million “Likes”
worldwide, with approximately 1.3 million in the U.S. In addition, Sesame Street has over 3.6
million YouTube subscribers worldwide.
6
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 7 of 25

million people watch Sesame Street on PBS and HBO, and more than 12 million kids aged 0-8
interact with Sesame Street on various platforms.
17.

Sesame Street’s reputation and trust are critical to its success. Educators,

parents, corporate partners, and funders all count on Sesame Street to be a safe haven for kids
and uphold the moral values that the show teaches. Studies show that moms rate Sesame Street
#1 as a brand they trust, that is safe for their child to watch, has high standards, and has their
kids’ best interest at heart.
18.

With 188 Emmy Awards, Sesame Street is the most awarded television

e

show in history. Sesame content has also been recognized in a variety of philanthropic

dl
in

capacities, most recently as the recipient of the Smithsonian’s American Ingenuity Award, the
CLIO Global Impact Award, and the MacArthur Foundation’s first ever 100&Change Award. In
connection with the 100&Change Award, the MacArthur Foundation awarded Sesame a $100

ea

million grant to address the refugee crisis in Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon by educating young
children displaced by conflict and persecution in the Middle East. As a nonprofit, Sesame
continues to prove itself not only as a model in educational media, but also as a trailblazer in

D

philanthropic impact, working every day to ensure kids everywhere grow up smarter, stronger,
and kinder.

19.

Sesame provides numerous educational and entertainment-focused

services and products using the SESAME STREET mark and other SESAME-formative marks.4

4

These include, but are not limited to, charitable services; education and entertainment-related
services; streaming of audio and video materials online; activities and games provided online;
educational and entertainment content; theatrical productions; amusement parks; computer
hardware, software, and peripherals; electronic devices and accessories; printed publications and
materials; paper goods, stationery, arts and crafts materials, and office supplies; toys and games;
clothing; personal care products; houseware; baby products; jewelry and accessories; bags;
furniture, home furnishings, bedding and linens; food and beverage items; and more. (Sesame
7

3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 8 of 25

Sesame first registered the word mark SESAME STREET with the United States Patent Office
on November 27, 1973, Registration No. 974,206, for use in International Class 41 – educational
services rendered through the medium of television, namely, a children’s program. The
SESAME STREET mark registration has been renewed through November 2023.
The Happytime Murders Marketing Campaign and Resulting Confusion and Tarnishment
of Sesame’s Mark
20.

Defendants are the U.S. distributor and a producer (along with Henson) of

The Happytime Murders, scheduled for release in the United States on August 17, 2018.

e

Defendants have initiated a marketing campaign that seeks to capitalize on the reputation and

dl
in

goodwill of Sesame Street to market their movie. The movie’s Facebook page states: “NO
SESAME. ALL STREET. Two clashing detectives, one human (Melissa McCarthy) and one
puppet, are forced to work together to solve the brutal murders of the former cast of a beloved
classic puppet television show.” (Orsini Decl. ¶ 4.) The use of the tagline, “NO SESAME.

ea

ALL STREET.” is prominent in Defendants’ social media marketing campaign. In the profile
section of the Twitter account for The Happytime Murders, Defendants display it at the very top

D

of the profile picture, and then repeat the phrase below the picture:

has 9 live trademark registrations of SESAME STREET and an additional 4 live trademark
registrations that include the words SESAME STREET.
8
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 9 of 25

Defendants also use this tagline to emphasize a non-existent association

e

21.

with Sesame Street in the movie’s trailer (see https://youtu.be/-eks8LG72uo), which was widely

dl
in

released last week. In addition to being available online, the trailer is running before screenings
of Deadpool 2 (including in New York). Deadpool 2 led all box office receipts over the
weekend of May 18-20 with $125 million in gross receipts.

The trailer is “Restricted” – meaning that the Motion Picture Association

ea

22.

of America has not deemed it suitable for all audiences. And it is easy to see why: scenes from

D

the movie shown in the trailer depict repeated foul language by humans and puppets; drug use by
humans and puppets; puppet prostitutes offering sexual favors to a human; gun and other types
of violence; and puppet sex that culminates in scene where a puppet is depicted copiously
ejaculating for an extended period. The leading online movie ticket-seller, Fandango, referred to
it as “filthy” and “depraved”, and repeated the “NO SESAME. ALL STREET.” tagline, in a
tweet that Defendants retweeted:

9
3354927.2

 23.

dl
in

e

Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 10 of 25

While the trailer at issue is almost indescribably crude, Sesame is not

ea

trying to enjoin Defendants’ promotion or distribution of their movie. It is only Defendants’
deliberate choice to invoke and commercially misappropriate Sesame’s name and goodwill in
marketing the movie – and thereby cause consumers to conclude that Sesame is somehow

goodwill.

D

associated with the movie – that has infringed on and tarnished the SESAME STREET mark and

24.

Already, Defendants’ strategy appears to be working. In just the few days

since the trailer was released and covered in the media, instances of confusion and tarnishment
are everywhere. As one reviewer wrote, The Happytime Murders includes “Prostitution, drug
use, murder, and more, all from the makers of Sesame Street and The Muppets. Ladies and

10
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 11 of 25

gentleman, hold on to your childhoods, this is The Happytime Murders.”5 Those posting on
social media have followed suit, demonstrating their clear confusion as to the connection

D

ea

dl
in

e

between the movie and Sesame Street, and the resulting tarnishment of Sesame’s reputation:

5

This article was later updated after Sesame brought it to the reviewer’s attention, to read “… all
from the DNA of Sesame Street and The Muppets.”
11
3354927.2

 Case Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 12 of 25

 

 

- I thought about
Aleyhe when saw this i I hope she never

SEES thiS Will SESHITIE
TDFEVEF

Like Repty 3d -.

 

 

?nevsr seen

SE33 me CHEFECIEFS
Litte Reply 2o

 

 

 

 

?i think mrdreams Justt

came true. Adutt sesame street
Lit-:e Repty as 0 ti

- I: Fallow fl 
.

The happytime murderers made me question
sesame street and the muopets

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALL RUINED NA ?53 a? 4:7" 
:33 - 3' 2315



 

 

 

12
33549272

25.

dl
in

e

Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 13 of 25

A comment about The Happytime Murders was posted on the Sesame

ea

Street Facebook page indicating the poster’s confusion about Sesame’s ability to control whether
the movie is ever released: “Now, PLEASE, Sesame Street, find a way to ensure that the

D

wretched, raunchy, inappropriate movie coming out with Melissa McCarthy and Muppets in
Rated X situations NEVER makes it in theatres. It should be illegal.”
26.

As Defendants intended, the audience for their marketing campaign is

reading the “NO SESAME. ALL STREET.” tagline as an indication that the movie will show the
more salacious – or, colloquially, “street” – side of characters associated with (even if not
starring on) Sesame Street. This deliberate invocation of, and implied association with, Sesame
Street at the least confuses viewers into thinking that Sesame itself was involved with, and/or has
endorsed or allowed, this subversion of its own programming – thereby irreparably harming
Sesame and its goodwill and brand.
13
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 14 of 25

Defendants Belatedly Inform Sesame About Their Marketing Campaign, But Refuse to
Stop Using Their “NO SESAME. ALL STREET.” Tagline
27.

Late in the night on May 17, 2018, Henson alerted Sesame to the existence

of the raunchy trailer for The Happytime Murders, and its release on May 18 with Deadpool 2.
After receiving Henson’s communication in the morning on May 18, Sesame discovered
Defendants’ use of the “NO SESAME. ALL STREET.” tagline on The Happytime Murders
Facebook page.
28.

On May 18 at 5:53 p.m. EST, Sesame’s in-house counsel sent an email to

e

in-house counsel for each of Defendants and Henson, attaching a letter from Sesame’s General

dl
in

Counsel, Joseph Salvo. The letter demanded that Defendants immediately cease and desist from
any and all further use of Sesame’s rights associated with SESAME STREET in marketing The
Happytime Murders. The letter demanded that Defendants, inter alia, remove the trailer from
anywhere it appears, including YouTube, Facebook, and any other website; assure Sesame that

ea

the trailer has not been displayed elsewhere; and respond by 5:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, May 19,
2018, confirming their compliance with those demands.
After Sesame emailed the cease-and-desist letter to Defendants and

D

29.

Henson, Sesame’s in-house counsel called each recipient to confirm receipt, and emphasized the
seriousness of the issue and Sesame’s expectation that it would receive a response over the
weekend. Later that evening, outside counsel for Defendants emailed Sesame and Henson,
saying that it would evaluate Sesame’s cease-and-desist letter, and aim to respond by Monday,
May 21. Sesame’s General Counsel responded the next afternoon that “time is of the essence”
because there are already visible instances of actual confusion in the marketplace caused by
Defendants’ marketing campaign and asked for a response by midday EST on Monday, May 21.

14
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 15 of 25

30.

At 4:22 p.m. EST on Sunday, May 20, 2018, Lisa Henson, CEO and

President of Henson, and an executive producer of the movie, sent an email to Sesame’s CEO,
Jeffrey Dunn, stating:

Ms. Henson further explained that:

dl
in

31.

e

It makes me terribly sad that the marketing campaign for
HAPPYTIME MURDERS has devolved to this state of affairs ….
It’s been very difficult for Brian [Henson] (and also for Nicole
[Goldman]) to effect what STX is doing with the campaign. We
wholeheartedly disagree with their direction of referencing
Muppets and Sesame, and Brian has taken as hard a position as he
could, but contractually we don’t have the right to change it. For
myself personally, I did not know that the “No Sesame” line was
going to be in the final trailer, and I apologize for not giving you a
heads up at the CPA event (emphasis added).

D

ea

Throughout the development of HAPPYTIME MURDERS, Brian
has conscientiously pushed the creative direction and design of the
new characters away from Muppets (both Muppet Show and
Sesame Street) because he never saw it as a parody of the
Muppets. Unlike MEET THE FEEBLES and AVENUE Q, which
were explicit parodies of those shows, the HAPPYTIME concept
is an original world where all kinds of puppets live alongside
humans as an underclass in society ala ROGER RABBIT. We
resisted creative suggestions to make some characters look more
like Anything Muppets or Muppet monsters, because that was
exactly wrong for the movie. Therefore, trading off the famous
Muppets to sell the film is exactly what we did not want to have
happen (emphases added).
32.

Despite Henson’s acknowledgement that The Happytime Murders was not

a parody, and should not be trading off the famous Muppets, Defendants have refused to change
their marketing campaign. At 4:17 p.m. EST on Monday, May 21, Defendants’ outside counsel
sent Sesame a letter declining to change their marketing campaign for The Happytime Murders.
33.

As a result of Defendants’ refusal to remove references to the SESAME

STREET mark, Sesame will face irreparable harm to the brand and goodwill associated with this
mark.
15
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 16 of 25

FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Federal Trademark Infringement
(15 U.S.C. § 1114)
34.

Sesame repeats and re-alleges the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1

through 33 as if fully set forth herein.
35.

Sesame owns the SESAME STREET mark, which is valid and registered

with the US Patent and Trademark Office in Class 41, registration number 974206.
36.

Defendants have both actual and constructive knowledge of the registered

SESAME STREET mark.
Defendants have used, are using, and have caused others to use the

e

37.

dl
in

registered SESAME STREET mark, and marks confusingly similar thereto, in connection with
the advertising, promotion, and marketing of the movie The Happytime Murders without
Sesame’s authorization.
38.

These uses of the registered SESAME STREET mark have caused and are

ea

likely to cause confusion, mistake, and deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association
with, or sponsorship or approval by, Sesame, in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1114.
Defendants’ unlawful conduct was and is knowing, deliberate, willful, and

D

39.

in bad faith, and done with the intent to trade on the goodwill and reputation of Sesame and the
SESAME STREET mark, and to deceive consumers into believing that Sesame was involved in
the creation, promotion, and/or distribution of the movie The Happytime Murders, or that The
Happytime Murders is endorsed by, sponsored by, or otherwise associated or affiliated with
Sesame.
40.

Defendants’ unlawful conduct has caused Sesame to lose control over the

goodwill it has established in the SESAME STREET mark and to irreparably injure and damage
Sesame’s business, reputation, and goodwill. Unless Defendants are enjoined from their
16
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 17 of 25

unlawful conduct, Sesame will continue to suffer irreparable harm for which it has no adequate
remedy at law.
SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Federal Trademark Infringement, Unfair Competition, And False
Designation Of Origin
(15 U.S.C. § 1125)
41.

Sesame repeats and re-alleges the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1

through 40 as if fully set forth herein.
42.

Sesame owns the SESAME STREET mark, which is valid and registered

Defendants have used, are using, and have caused others to use the

dl
in

43.

e

with the US Patent and Trademark Office in Class 41, registration number 974206.

registered SESAME STREET mark in connection with the advertising, promotion, and
marketing of the movie The Happytime Murders without Sesame’s authorization.
44.

These uses of the registered SESAME STREET mark have caused and are

ea

likely to cause confusion, mistake, and deception as to the actual or implied affiliation,
connection, or association with, or sponsorship or approval by, Sesame, in violation of 15 U.S.C.

D

§ 1125.
45.

Defendants’ unlawful conduct was and is knowing, deliberate, willful, and

in bad faith, and done with the intent to trade on the goodwill and reputation of Sesame and the
registered SESAME STREET mark, and to deceive consumers into believing that Sesame was
involved in the creation, promotion, and/or distribution of the movie The Happytime Murders, or
that The Happytime Murders is endorsed by, sponsored by, or otherwise associated or affiliated
with Sesame.
46.

Defendants’ unlawful conduct has caused Sesame to lose control over the

goodwill it has established in the registered SESAME STREET mark, and has irreparably injured
17
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 18 of 25

and damaged Sesame’s business, reputation, and goodwill. Unless Defendants are enjoined from
their unlawful conduct, Sesame will continue to suffer irreparable harm for which it has no
adequate remedy at law
THIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Federal False Advertising
(15 U.S.C. § 1125)
47.

Sesame repeats and re-alleges the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1

through 46 as if fully set forth herein.
48.

Sesame owns the SESAME STREET mark, which is valid and registered

Defendants are distributing, have distributed, and caused others to

dl
in

49.

e

with the US Patent and Trademark Office in Class 41, registration number 974206.

distribute materials that misrepresent that Defendants’ uses of the registered SESAME STREET
mark are authorized, licensed, or sponsored by Sesame when in fact they are not.
50.

Defendants’ false or misleading statements misrepresent the nature,

ea

characteristics, and qualities of Defendants’ goods, services, or commercial activities, and have
deceived and are likely to deceive the public and the trade in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1125.
Defendants’ unlawful conduct was and is knowing, willful, deliberate, and

D

51.

in bad faith because Defendants knew at the time the statements were made that they were false
or misleading statements and made the statements in order to increase the sales of tickets to see
the movie The Happytime Murders, and the revenues therefrom.
52.

Unless Defendants are permanently enjoined from their unlawful conduct,

Sesame will continue to suffer damages as well as irreparable injury for which it has no adequate
remedy at law.

18
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 19 of 25

FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Federal Trademark Dilution
(15 U.S.C. § 1125(c))
53.

Sesame repeats and re-alleges the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1

through 52 as if fully set forth herein.
54.

Sesame owns the SESAME STREET mark, which is valid and registered

with the US Patent and Trademark Office in Class 41, registration number 974206.
55.

The registered SESAME STREET mark is widely recognized by the

general consuming public and is famous and became famous before Defendants commenced

Defendants have used, are using, and have caused others to use the

dl
in

56.

e

their unlawful uses of the registered SESAME STREET mark.

registered SESAME STREET mark, and substantially similar marks, in commerce in connection
with the advertising, promotion, and marketing of the movie The Happytime Murders, without
Sesame’s authorization.

Defendants’ uses of the registered SESAME STREET mark, and

ea

57.

substantially similar marks, are likely to impair and damage the distinctiveness of the registered

D

SESAME STREET mark by tarnishing the reputation of Sesame and the goodwill it has
developed in the SESAME STREET mark, and by causing the public to no longer associate the
registered SESAME STREET mark exclusively with Sesame.
58.

Defendants’ unlawful conduct was and is knowing, deliberate, willful, and

in bad faith, and done with the intent to trade on the goodwill and reputation of Sesame and the
registered SESAME STREET mark, and to deceive consumers into believing that Sesame was
involved in the creation, promotion, and/or distribution of the movie The Happytime Murders, or
that The Happytime Murders is endorsed by, sponsored by, or otherwise associated or affiliated
with Sesame.
19
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 20 of 25

59.

Unless Defendants are permanently enjoined from their wrongful conduct,

Sesame will continue to suffer damages, as well as irreparable injury for which it has no
adequate remedy at law.
FIFTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Trademark Infringement, Unfair Competition,
And False Designation Of Origin
(New York Law)
60.

Sesame repeats and re-alleges the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1

through 59 as if fully set forth herein.
Sesame owns common law rights in its trademarks (the “Common Law

e

61.

in the United States.
62.

dl
in

Marks”) through the extensive and continuous use of those marks in New York and other States

Defendants have had both actual and constructive knowledge of Sesame’s

superior rights in the Common Law Marks.

Defendants have used, are using, and have caused others to use the

ea

63.

Common Law Marks in connection with the advertising, promotion, and marketing of the movie

D

The Happytime Murders, without Sesame’s authorization.
64.

Through Defendants’ unauthorized use, Defendants unfairly appropriated

or exploited the special qualities associated with the Common Law Marks, resulting in the
misappropriation of a commercial advantage belonging to Sesame.
65.

Defendants’ unauthorized use of the Common Law Marks has caused and

is likely to cause confusion, mistake, and deception as to their affiliation, connection, or
association with, or sponsorship or approval by, Sesame, in violation of New York law.
66.

Defendants’ unauthorized use of the Common Law Marks has caused and

is likely to cause confusion, mistake, and deception as to whether Sesame was involved in the
20
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 21 of 25

creation, promotion, and/or distribution of the movie The Happytime Murders, or that The
Happytime Murders is endorsed by, sponsored by, or otherwise associated or affiliated with
Sesame, in violation of New York law.
67.

Unless Defendants are permanently enjoined from their wrongful conduct,

Sesame will continue to suffer damages as well as irreparable injury for which it has no adequate
remedy at law.
SIXTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
False Advertising And Unfair Competition
(New York Law)
Sesame repeats and re-alleges the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1

e

68.

69.

dl
in

through 67 as if fully set forth herein.

Defendants are distributing, have distributed, and have caused others to

distribute materials that misrepresent that Defendants’ uses of the Common Law Marks are
authorized, licensed, or sponsored by Sesame when in fact they are not.
Defendants’ false or misleading statements misrepresent the nature,

ea

70.

characteristics, and qualities of Defendants’ goods, services, or commercial activities and have

D

deceived and are likely to deceive the public and the trade in violation of New York law.
71.

Defendants’ unlawful conduct was and is knowing, willful, deliberate, and

in bad faith because Defendants knew at the time the statements were made that they were false
or misleading statements and made the statements in order to increase the sales of tickets to see
the movie The Happytime Murders, and the revenues therefrom.
72.

Unless Defendants are permanently enjoined from their unlawful conduct,

Sesame will continue to suffer damages as well as irreparable injury for which it has no adequate
remedy at law.

21
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 22 of 25

SEVENTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Trademark Dilution
(N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 360-l)
73.

Sesame repeats and re-alleges the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1

through 72 as if fully set forth herein.
74.

Sesame owns the SESAME STREET mark.

75.

Defendants have used, are using, and have caused others to use the

SESAME STREET mark without Sesame’s authorization.
76.

Defendants’ unauthorized uses of the SESAME STREET mark have

e

impaired and damaged and are likely to impair and damage the distinctiveness of the SESAME

dl
in

STREET mark by causing the public to no longer associate the SESAME STREET mark
exclusively with Sesame. Defendants’ uses are also likely to tarnish the reputation of Sesame
and the goodwill it has developed in the SESAME STREET mark.
77.

Defendants’ unlawful conduct was and is knowing, deliberate, willful, and

ea

in bad faith and done with the intent to trade on the goodwill and reputation of Sesame and the
SESAME STREET mark, to impair the distinctiveness of the SESAME STREET mark, and to

services.

D

deceive consumers into believing that Sesame is connected with Defendants’ products and

78.

Unless Defendants are permanently enjoined from their wrongful conduct,

Sesame will continue to suffer damages as well as irreparable injury for which it has no adequate
remedy at law.
EIGHTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Unjust Enrichment
(New York Law)
79.

Sesame repeats and re-alleges the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1

through 78 as if fully set forth herein.
22
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 23 of 25

80.

Defendants have used, are using, and have caused others to use the

SESAME STREET mark without Sesame’s authorization
81.

As a result of Defendants’ unlawful misappropriation of the SESAME

STREET mark, Defendants have reaped substantial benefits at the expense of Sesame that it
would be unjust for Defendants to retain.
82.

By reason of the foregoing, Sesame is entitled to a judgment against

D

ea

dl
in

e

Defendants awarding Sesame restitution in an amount to be determined at the trial of this action.

23
3354927.2

 Case 1:18-cv-04597-VSB Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 24 of 25

PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Sesame Workshop prays that judgment be awarded in its favor
and against STX as follows:
(a)

That this Court enter judgment in favor of Sesame Workshop and against
Defendants, jointly and severally, on all counts alleged herein;

(b)

That this Court issue a permanent injunction that
Enjoins Defendants from using Sesame’s protected trademarks and
intellectual property, including Defendant’s use of the phrase “NO
SESAME. ALL STREET.” in connection with their marketing of
the film The Happytime Murders, and enjoins Defendants’
employees, owners, agents, officers, directors, attorneys,
representatives, affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, and assigns, and
all those in active concert or participation with them or having
knowledge of the causes of action, from enabling or assisting
Defendants in such uses;

(ii)

Requires Defendants, their employees, owners, agents, officers,
directors, attorneys, representatives, affiliates, subsidiaries,
successors, and assigns, and all those in active concert or
participation with them or having knowledge of the causes of
action to engage in corrective advertising in a form pre-approved
by Sesame and the Court to dispel the confusion caused by
Defendants’ unlawful conduct; and

ea

dl
in

e

(i)

Requires Defendants to file with the Court and serve on Sesame,
within thirty (30) days after entry of such an injunction, a report in
writing under oath setting forth in detail the manner in which
Defendants have complied with such an injunction;

D

(iii)

(c)

That this Court grant monetary relief in the form of:
(i)

Compensatory damages and Defendants’ profits under 15 U.S.C.
§ 1117 and New York law for all injuries to Sesame caused by
Defendants’ acts alleged herein;

(ii)

An accounting of Defendants’ profits derived by Defendants’ acts
alleged herein under 15 U.S.C. § 1117 and New York law and said
accounting trebled;

(iii)

Punitive damages under New York law;

(iv)

Enhanced or treble damages under 15 U.S.C. § 1117 and New
York law;
24

3354927.2

 Case Document 1 Filed 05/24/18 Page 25 of 25

(V)

(vi)
(vii)

Attomeys? fees and costs under 15 U.S.C. 1117 and New York

Restitution, in an amount to be determined at trial;

Prejudgment and post-judgment interest;

That this Court permit the service of the Complaint, associated motion
papers, and any Court order upon Defendants and their legal
representatives by email and FedEx pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil

Procedure and

That this Court grant such other and further relief as it deems just and

proper.

JURY TRIAL DEMAND

Sesame respectfully demands a jury trial on all claims and issues so triable.

Dated: New York, New York

May 24, 2018

33549272

FRIEDMAN KAPLAN SEILER 
ADELMAN LLP

Mam/A)

AndrevaW. Goldwater 
Mary E. Mulligan 

John N. Orsini Gorsini@fklaw.com)

David J. Ranzenhofer (dranzenhofer@fklaw.com)
7 Times Square

New York, NY 1003 6-6516

(212) 833-1100

Attorneys for Plaim?i?r Sesame Workshop

25