What was filed
The complaint is Document 1 in Auto Vault Storage, Inc. v. Auto Vault Motorsports LLC, No. 2:26-cv-10526 (C.D. Cal., Western Division), filed September 16, 2026. It runs 23 pages and demands a jury trial. Both parties are described as California entities.
The marks
The complaint says the plaintiff applied on December 7, 2022 to register AUTO VAULT in standard characters and an integrated AV/AUTO VAULT design, and that both registered on August 25, 2026, as Reg. Nos. 8,413,463 and 8,413,466. USPTO TSDR lists Reg. No. 8,413,463 for AUTO VAULT and Reg. No. 8,413,466 for AV AUTO VAULT, both owned by Auto Vault Storage, Inc. and covering franchising services in Class 35, automobile detailing and maintenance in Class 37, and moving and storage of automobiles in Class 39.
What the complaint alleges
The complaint alleges that Auto Vault Motorsports LLC was organized on July 7, 2025, that it promotes its business as The Auto Vault, the_autovault, and THE_AUTOVAULT, and that its vehicle tinting, wrapping, and appearance services under those names cause consumers to believe it is the plaintiff or an affiliate, licensee, or franchise. It alleges the defendant had notice of the plaintiff's objection by January 22, 2026 and of the registrations by September 8, 2026, and, on information and belief, that the uses continue.
Claims and relief
The seven causes of action are registered service mark infringement, false designation and false affiliation, common law mark infringement, common law unfair competition, unlawful business practices, trade name infringement, and declaratory relief under 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201 and 2202. Among other relief, the complaint seeks a mandatory change of the LLC's legal name where necessary. The docket shows service of the summons and complaint returned executed on October 29, 2026.