SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the third time in four months, Play Beverages LLC, CirTran Beverage Corporation and CirTran Corporation (OTC BB: CIRC) have won in court in what has proven to be a one-sided legal battle with Playboy Enterprises International, Inc. (“Playboy”).
On March 15, 2013, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, the Hon. Kathleen M. Pantle denied Playboy's motion to dismiss Play Beverages’ and CirTran Beverage Corporation's lawsuit against Playboy. Playboy claimed the lawsuit should be dismissed “with prejudice” based upon a stipulation Playboy had reached with Play Beverages in action in Utah (see, “U.S. Judge Takes Play Beverages LLC, Debtor to CirTran Beverage Corporation, Out of Bankruptcy, Free to Take Action to Protect Playboy Energy Drink Licenses,” BusinessWire, December 7, 2012). Judge Pantle disagreed with Playboy's strained interpretation of the stipulation, opting instead to accept Play Beverages’ contention that the stipulation was merely “a standstill agreement.”
Judge Pantle’s ruling allows Play Beverages and CirTran Beverage to pursue their claims, including unlawful conduct against Playboy.
Earlier this year (see “Play Beverages/CirTran Beverage/CirTran Corporation Win over Playboy Corporation in California District Court, BusinessWire, January 31, 2013,) they won yet again.
“The courts have been unanimous in dismissing suits brought by Playboy in futile attempts to enjoin our companies from manufacturing and selling Playboy Energy Drink,” said Iehab J. Hawatmeh, CirTran’s chairman and president.
“We believed from the outset that Playboy’s claims were frivolous and without merit, and once again are very happy the courts agree,” he said.
“Further,” said Mr. Hawatmeh,” we understand that in all lawsuits there are highs and lows. However, it is comforting to see the courts recognize our rights -- and those of our distributors – so that we may continue our business of selling an amazing energy drink throughout the world.”
Introduced in 2008, Playboy Energy Drink is manufactured and distributed exclusively by CirTran Beverage Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of CirTran Corporation under a product license from Playboy Enterprises to Play Beverages, and is currently available in more than 20 countries around the world.
About CirTran Corporation
Marking its 20th year in business in 2013, CirTran Corporation (www.cirtran.com) has evolved from its roots as an international, full-service contract manufacturer. From its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, where it operates, along with its Racore Technology (www.racore.com) electronics manufacturing subsidiary, from an ISO 9001:2000-certified facility, CirTran has grown in scope and geography. Today, CirTran’s operations include: CirTran-Asia, a subsidiary with principal offices in ShenZhen, China, which manufactures high-volume electronics, fitness equipment, and household products for the multi-billion-dollar direct response industry; CirTran Online, which offers products directly to consumers through major retail web sites; and CirTran Beverage, which has partnered with Play Beverages, LLC, to introduce and distribute the Playboy Energy Drink.
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