What was filed
Chrome Hearts LLC v. Money Dept. Inc., Mario Morales, and Does 1-10, No. 2:26-cv-11390 (C.D. Cal.), was filed October 1, 2026. Chrome Hearts says it is a Delaware limited liability company based in Los Angeles. It alleges, on information and belief, that Money Dept. is a Wyoming corporation registered to do business in California, and that Mario Morales is its chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and secretary and a moving force behind the alleged infringement. Chrome Hearts demands a jury trial.
The marks
The complaint lists U.S. Reg. Nos. 2,216,575; 2,408,082; 3,542,742; 3,388,911; and 3,385,416. USPTO records show all five registered to Chrome Hearts in Class 25 for clothing between January 5, 1999 and December 9, 2008, and each has been renewed. The complaint alleges that the registrations are incontestable.
What the complaint alleges
The complaint alleges, on information and belief, that the defendants promote and sell the accused clothing through their website and Instagram account and in an appointment-only showroom in Montebello, California, and that the products bear marks that are counterfeit or confusingly similar to the Chrome Hearts marks. It alleges that Chrome Hearts never licensed or authorized that use.
The counts and relief
The first cause of action is trademark infringement and counterfeiting under 15 U.S.C. § 1114. The second is false designation of origin and false description under 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a). The third is unfair competition under California Business and Professions Code § 17200, and the fourth is common law trademark infringement and unfair competition. The prayer asks for an injunction, an accounting, profits, damages including statutory damages for counterfeiting under 15 U.S.C. § 1117, and fees.