Eric B. Mays Foundation sues Eric B Mays Foundations Inc. over a nearly identical charity name

What was filed

The original complaint is Document 1 in Eric B. Mays Foundation, Inc. v. Eric B Mays Foundations Inc., Nickesha V. Reid, and Does I through X, No. 3:26-cv-02393 (M.D. Fla., Jacksonville Division), filed September 14, 2026 and running 28 pages. The docket shows the case assigned to Judge Jordan Emery Pratt and Magistrate Judge Patricia D. Barksdale. On September 22, 2026, Judge Pratt dismissed the complaint without prejudice as a shotgun pleading, because each count adopted the allegations of all preceding counts, and directed the plaintiff to file an amended complaint that omits or adequately identifies the fictitious parties. The 30-page amended complaint, Document 10, was filed October 1, 2026 against Eric B Mays Foundations Inc. and Reid, with a jury demand.

The name

The amended complaint says the plaintiff was organized as a Michigan nonprofit under the name Eric B. Mays Foundation on July 8, 2024, is based in Flint, Michigan, and has been recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt public charity. It alleges that more than a year later, on July 28, 2025, Eric B Mays Foundations Inc. was organized as a Florida nonprofit, that Florida records list Reid as its registered agent and vice president, and, on information and belief, that Reid was involved in its formation.

What the amended complaint alleges

The amended complaint alleges that the defendants have promoted events, asked for donations, and presented themselves to the public as "The Eric B. Mays Foundation," including in a poster for an Inaugural Launch Celebration scheduled for August 22, 2026 that directed the public to scan a code to donate. It alleges that this use creates a continuing risk of confusion about who is behind the defendants' fundraising and events.

Claims and relief

The six counts in the amended complaint are false designation of origin and false association under 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a), Florida common law trademark infringement, Florida common law unfair competition, violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, a declaratory judgment under 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201 and 2202, and permanent injunctive relief under 15 U.S.C. § 1116 and Rule 65.