BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Rumors are put to rest as the formal verdict is released on the Chow v. Chow case. Attorneys for Philippe Chow Restaurants and CEO Stratis Morfogen announced a landslide victory today in the highly visible Chow vs. Chow Miami court case stating that "Justice was served today in the Miami Beach judicial system," as the federal trademark infringement lawsuit came to a close.
"We've heard the lies now here is the jury verdict form," says CEO Stratis Morfogen. "We can squash Mr. Fields and Mr. Michael Chow's 'false advertising' and misleading comments to the media."
http://ia600404.us.archive.org/7/items/gov.uscourts.flsd.339130/gov.uscourts.flsd.339130.349.0.pdf
An 11-person Miami jury granted Philippe Chow and CEO Stratis Morfogen an impressive victory of 15 out of 16 wins, clearing the fast growing Chinese restaurant brand on all counts of trademark infringement, unfair and deceptive trade practices, and misappropriation of trade secrets. Philippe Chow was cleared on 16 out of 16 counts in California and Florida and 14 out of 16 counts in New York.
Philippe Chow Restaurants was cleared of the following charges:
- Trademark Infringement
- Unfair Competition by Trade Nam e Infringement
- Unfair Competition by Trade Dress Infringement
- Unfair or Deceptive Practices in Violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act
- Unfair Business Practices ln Violation of the California Business & Professions Code
- Conversion of Intellectual Property
- Tortious Interference
- Trade Secrets
The landslide victory, according to Philippe Chow defense attorney Anthony Accetta, "serves as testament to the American dream."
"The case of the stolen recipe has officially been put to rest. We're looking forward to business as usual at each of our seven Philippe Chow locations and invite our customers and longtime celebrity fans and supporters to a taste of victory," says CEO Stratis Morfogen. "Michael Chow cannot dispute our recipes," adds Morfogen. "They're owned by the Chinese people and have been for 3,000 years - and an 11-person jury agreed."
In the $20 million lawsuit, described by some as a classic case of teacher versus student, plaintiff Michael Chow alleged that former pupil, defendant Philippe Chow, stole his restaurant's name - one of the most common family names in China - as well as its recipes and even its ambiance.
Philippe Chow counter-sued for defamation, stating that, not only did he become a high-level chef in his 25 years at Mr. Chow, but that he, along with mentor Sik Chung Lam, helped create the restaurant's menu.
"They tried to take Philippe Chow's name, they tried to take his food, they tried to take his livelihood," says co-counsel Vincent Ancona. "You know what they got? Nothing. We'll see Michael Chow in Zagat next year - may the best chef win."
"We're very proud of the justice system and the people of Miami," says Accetta. "We're honored to have stood in front of Judge Hoeveler, who did a masterful job and was extremely fair."
SOURCEPhilippe Chow
