Monsanto Company and the Nutrasweet Company v. Fausto Campuzano, Maria Campuzano, et al.

Outcome: Summary Judgement in favor of these Defendants

Description: The defendants, a mom-and-pop wholesale business and two of its officers won a three-year battle against the owners of a Goliath of sweeteners. NutraSweet sued alleging the Campuzanos and F. Garcia were part of a scheme to counterfeit and illegally distribute Equal brand sweetener. The suit sought an injunction and millions of dollars in damages for alleged trademark infringement, unjust enrichment and "participation in unconsionable, unfair and deceptive acts." After extensive discovery, Monsanto and Nutrasweet were unable to point to any direct evidence that the Campuzanos and F. Garcia knew of the repackaging or did anything other than lawfully sell Equal sweetener. Based on the complete lack of evidence to support the allegations made in the Complaint, the Court entered summary judgment in favor of Fausto Campuzano, Maria Campuzano and F. Garcia Wholesale and Export, Inc. Monsanto and Nutrasweet's Motion for Rehearing was later denied by the Court.