NEW ORLEANS – A real estate development company has filed a claiming a construction firm unlawfully used and infringed upon their intellectual property and work product related to the rehabilitation and redevelopment of certain properties in New Orleans.
Redmellon, Canal Street 1 and E. Neal Morris III filed the lawsuit in federal court against Mohamed “Hammy” Halum, 1001 Canal, 1015 Canal, 934 Canal, John C. Williams and John C. Williams Architects.
According to court documents, the plaintiffs claim they were involved in extensive pre-development activities, including the creation of designs, architectural plans, and other materials related to the project. They say the defendants, despite being aware of the plaintiffs' ownership of the work product, proceeded with the development without their consent and used the materials for their own benefit. The plaintiffs also say the defendants continued to pursue various applications and amendments related to the project without their authorization.
The plaintiffs claim the defendants' alleged actions constitute copyright infringement, breach of contract, violations of the Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act, civil conspiracy and unjust enrichment.
The plaintiffs are seeking a judgement for damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, court costs, attorney fees and other relief. They are represented by the attorneys of Stanley, Reuter, Thornton, Alford in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana case number 2:23-cv-05737-JCZ-MBN