Attorney Ali Kamarei's Legal Cases

Arbitration

Dealer Wins Fees & Costs in Arbitration

Jul 31, 2025

OUTCOME: Dealer was awarded $21,985.39 in reasonable fees and costs, including reasonable attorney fees

In a decisive victory against Auto Fraud Legal Center (Hawk Berry, Josh Green), Auto Legal Group (ALG) proved that a buyer’s claim of verbal misrepresentation was brought in bad faith. Not only was the ... case dismissed, but the dealer was also awarded its attorney’s fees and costs — a rare and powerful outcome in arbitration. The dispute centered on allegations that a dealership employee had promised spark plugs were changed during a tune-up. Just weeks later, the buyer claimed costly repairs were needed. The arbitrator, however, found these allegations “disingenuous and self-serving” and ruled that continuing the case against the dealer was itself bad faith. This case highlights a growing trend: plaintiffs’ lawyers increasingly base claims on supposed oral promises about “prior maintenance” — not just prior damage. The takeaway is clear: credibility disputes are costly and uncertain.

Litigation

DeNike v. Mathew Enterprise, Inc.

Mar 16, 2022

OUTCOME: Appellate court clarified restitution under CLRA and upheld dealership’s remedy position

This California appellate case involved claims of misrepresentation in a vehicle sale, including causes of action under the Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA). The plaintiff sought restitution and othe ... r remedies based on alleged discrepancies in vehicle features. On appeal, the court addressed the proper interpretation of “restitution” under the CLRA, holding that restitution is effectively equivalent to damages in this context. The court further recognized that the dealership’s offered remedy was legally sufficient. This decision is significant for dealerships and defense counsel, as it provides clarity on how restitution claims are evaluated under California consumer protection law and reinforces the validity of properly structured remedies offered during disputes.

Intellectual property

Kalantari v. NITV, Inc.

Dec 12, 2003

OUTCOME: Ninth Circuit reversed federal district court and ruled in favor of client

This federal appellate case involved whether U.S. trade embargo laws prohibited the enforcement of copyright interests in Iranian films. The district court had ruled against our client, effectively lim ... iting their ability to enforce ownership and distribution rights. On appeal, we successfully argued before the Ninth Circuit that “informational materials,” including films, are exempt from embargo restrictions. The appellate court reversed the district court’s decision and held that the embargo did not invalidate copyright ownership or enforcement rights. This ruling established important precedent in cross-border intellectual property law and confirmed that U.S. sanctions do not bar enforcement of protected media rights.

Ali Kamarei's Legal Cases (3)

Dealer Wins Fees & Costs in Arbitration

DeNike v. Mathew Enterprise, Inc.

Kalantari v. NITV, Inc.