What was filed
Vampire Family Brands, LLC v. BuzzBallz, LLC, Sazerac Company, Inc., and Does 1-20, No. 2:26-cv-11110 (C.D. Cal.), was filed September 25, 2026. Vampire Family Brands says it is a Delaware limited liability company based in Los Angeles County. It alleges, on information and belief, that BuzzBallz is a Texas company that sells ball-shaped alcoholic beverages and that Sazerac is a Louisiana company, and it says it appears, according to press reports, that Sazerac acquired BuzzBallz in 2024. The complaint demands a jury trial. The docket shows an amended complaint filed October 18, 2026 (ECF No. 11). Vampire Family Brands filed a separate suit in the same court on October 20, 2026, No. 2:26-cv-12250, over its Vampire Cape packaging mark.
The marks
The complaint lists a family of registrations, including VAMPIRE, Nos. 2,263,907 and 3,290,011, and marks such as VAMPYRE, DRACULA, VAMPIRE SPIRITS, and FANGRIA, and it says many are incontestable. USPTO records show No. 2,263,907 for VAMPIRE registered July 27, 1999, for wines in Class 33, and No. 3,290,011 for VAMPIRE registered September 11, 2007, for glass beverageware in Class 21, both owned by the plaintiff and renewed.
What the complaint alleges
The complaint alleges that Sazerac introduced VAMPIRE BLOOD, a vodka-based ready-to-drink cocktail with red coloring, as a BuzzBallz line extension for the Halloween season; that it reaches consumers through distributors and retailers, including national chains; and that it competes with the plaintiff's own ready-to-drink cocktails and red VAMPYRE vodka.
The counts and relief
Count I alleges false designation of origin under 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a). Count II alleges infringement of registered marks under 15 U.S.C. § 1114 against all defendants. The prayer asks for an injunction against using VAMPIRE, DRACULA, or similar words on beverage products, treble the greater of damages or profits, including profits from other BuzzBallz products, and fees.