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Case Number: CACE-17-012170 Division: 04
Filing # 58240376 E-Filed 06/26/2017 12:26:48 PM
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 17"
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR
BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.:
GOURMET SEAFOOD WORLD, LLC,
a Florida Limited Liability
Plaintiff,
vs.
DELUXE SEAFOOD GROUP, LLC,
a Florida Limited Liability Company,
DIAMOND CENTURION GROUP, LLC,
a Florida Limited Liability Company,
VADIM BULAVCHIK,
SAMANTHA KNOWLES,
DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR.
and ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR
Defendants.
VERIFIED COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND
INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
COMES NOW Plaintiff, GOURMET SEAFOOD WORLD, LLC, a Florida Limited Liability
Company (hereinafter “GSW”) by and through its undersigned attorneys and files this Complaint
against the Defendants, DELUXE SEAFOOD GROUP, LLC, a Florida Limited Liability
Company (hereinafter “DSG”), DIAMOND CENTURION GROUP, LLC, a Florida Limited
Liability Company, (hereinafter “DCG”) VADIM BULAVCHIK (hereinafter
“BULAVCHIK”), SAMANTHA KNOWLES (hereinafter “KNOWLES”), DAVID LEE
WHATLEY JR. (hereinafter “WHATLEY”), and ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR (hereinafter
“TAYLOR’), and alleges as follows:
Facts Common To All Counts:
1. This is an action seeking damages in excess of $15,000.00, exclusive of attorney’s
fees, costs and interest and for equitable and injunctive relief.
2. All conditions precedent to the bringing of this action has been fulfilled, or have
otherwise been waived.
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
*** FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL BRENDA D. FORMAN, CLERK 6/26/2017 12:26:47 PM.****3. Plaintiff, GSW is a Florida limited liability in good standing and qualified to
conduct business in the State of Florida.
4. Defendant, DSG is a Florida Limited Liability Company in good standing with its
principal place of business in Broward County, Florida. Defendant, DSG is subject to the
jurisdiction of the Courts of this state and venue is proper in Broward County, Florida as this
Defendant has its principal place of business in Broward County, Florida and as all tortious
actions of this Defendant were committed in whole or in part, in Broward County, Florida.
5. Defendant, DCG is a Florida Limited Liability Company in good standing with
its principal place of business in Broward County, Florida. Defendant, DCG is subject to the
jurisdiction of the Courts of this state and venue is proper in Broward County, Florida as this
Defendant has its principal place of business in Broward County, Florida and as all tortious
actions of this Defendant were committed in whole or in part, in Broward County, Florida.
6. Defendant, BULAVCHIK, is subject to the jurisdiction of the Courts of this State
and venue is proper in Broward County, Florida as, upon information and belief, this Defendant
resides in Broward County, Florida and as the tortious actions of this Defendant were committed,
in whole or in part, in Broward County, Florida. At all times material to this action, Defendant,
BULAVCHIK, was a member and a manager of GSW.
7. Defendant, WHATLEY is subject to the jurisdiction of the Courts of this State
and venue is proper in Broward County, Florida as, upon information and belief, this Defendant
resides in Broward County, Florida and as the tortious actions of this Defendant were committed,
in whole or in part, in Broward County, Florida. At all times material to this action, Defendant,
WHATLEY, was an employee of GSW, managing transportation and logistics for GSW,
serving as its Sales Director and sales, pricing and supply information and, in this capacity has
access to all of the confidential accounting and financial information.
8. Defendant, TAYLOR is subject to the jurisdiction of the Courts of this State and
venue is proper in Broward County, Florida as, upon information and belief, this Defendant
resides in Broward County, Florida and as the tortious actions of this Defendant were committed,
in whole or in part, in Broward County, Florida. At all times material to this action, Defendant,
TAYLOR, was an employee of GSW serving as its eCommerce Director and, in this capacity
has access to the confidential transportation, logistics, on-line sales, ecommerce and marketing,
website marketing, social media marketing.
9. Defendant, KNOWLES is subject to the jurisdiction of the Courts of this State
and venue is proper in Broward County, Florida as, upon information and belief, this Defendant
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301resides in Broward County, Florida and as the tortious actions of this Defendant were committed,
in whole or in part, in Broward County, Florida. At all times material to this action, Defendant,
KNOWLES, was an employee of GSW serving as its Office Manager and bookkeeper and, in
this capacity has access to all of the confidential accounting and financial information of GSW.
10. At all times material to this action, Defendants, KNOWLES, WHATLEY and
TAYLOR, as a condition and requirement of their employment with GSW, executed and
delivered to GSW confidentiality and noncompetition agreements (“GSW Noncompete
Agreements”) in form and substance similar to that attached to this Complaint as Exhibit A.
ll. Plaintiff, GSW, is unable to attach the actual GSW Noncompete Agreements
signed by Defendants, KNOWLES, WHATLEY and TAYLOR, due to their theft of these
documents from GSW’s premises, as is more particularly described in the balance of this
Complaint.
12. The terms of the GSW Noncompete Agreements specifically prohibit Defendants,
KNOWLES, WHATLEY and TAYLOR from engaging in any activities, directly or indirectly
which are or may be in conflict with the interests of or in competition with GSW. The GSW
Noncompete Agreements further prohibit Defendants, KNOWLES, WHATLEY and TAYLOR
from directly or indirectly engaging in any business which is or may be directly or indirectly in
conflict with the interests of GSW during Defendants, KNOWLES, WHATLEY and
TAYLOR’s employment with GSW and for a period of two (2) years immediately thereafter.
13. In addition, the GSW Noncompete Agreements prohibit the Defendants,
KNOWLES, WHATLEY and TAYLOR from using any “Confidential Information” of GSW
during their employment with GSW and for a period of two (2) years immediately thereafter.
The GSW Noncompete Agreements define “Confidential Information” as information and other
knowledge regarding various aspects of the business of GSW, including, without limitation,
knowledge regarding GSW’s customers, accounts, referral sources, vendors, suppliers, business
methods, marketing methods, processes, operations, employment practices, intellectual property,
patents, copyrights, trade secrets, computer hardware, computer software, software sources,
codes, procedures and forms.
14. In April, 2017, Defendants, BULAVCHIK, KNOWLES, WHATLEY and
TAYLOR, entered into the business premises of Plaintiff, GSW and without the knowledge and
consent of any of the other members/owners of GSW, accessed the business computers and
physical files of GSW and stole Confidential Information of GSW (as defined in the GSW
Noncompete Agreements), including without limitation customer and client lists, advertising and
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301marketing materials, trademarks and logos, pricing information, supplier information, financial
and accounting information, social media marketing methods and processes, ecommerce
marketing methods and processes (hereinafter the “GSW Trade Secrets”), all in furtherance of
the business purposes of Defendant, DSG and to the detriment of Plaintiff, GSW.
15. The GSW Trade Secrets were stolen by Defendants, BULAVCHIK,
KNOWLES, WHATLEY and TAYLOR by making physical copies of information stored on
GSW’s computer system, as well as by taking possession of physical files of GSW. The
foregoing actions were captured on the security cameras and security recordings of Plaintiff,
GSW and memorialized in a police report filed with the Davie Police Department.
16. The GSW Trade Secrets obtained by improper means by Defendants,
BULAVCHIK, KNOWLES, WHATLEY and TAYLOR, were, at all times material to this
action “Trade Secrets” as defined by Fla.Stat.§688.002 as Plaintiff, GSW derived and derives
actual and potential independent economic value from the information and materials taken by
Defendants, BULAVCHIK, KNOWLES, WHATLEY and TAYLOR not being generally
known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by other persons who can obtain
economic value from its disclosure or use, such as Defendant, DSG and as Plaintiff, GSW used
efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain the secrecy of the information and
materials taken by Defendants, BULAVCHIK, KNOWLES, WHATLEY and TAYLOR.
17. Upon information and belief, the trade secret information and materials obtained
by improper means by Defendants, BULAVCHIK, KNOWLES, WHATLEY and TAYLOR
were subsequently misappropriated by Defendant, DSG.
18. Defendant, BULAVCHIK, formed Defendant, DSG as a Florida limited liability
company. Upon information and belief, the primary business purpose of Defendant, DSG is to
directly compete with GSW in the provision and sale of seafood items. Defendants,
BULAVCHIK, KNOWLES, WHATLEY and TAYLOR Defendant, DSG Defendant, DSG
COUNTI
KNOWLES BREACH OF GSW NONCOMPETE AGREEMENT
TEMPO YY AND PERMAN NCTIVE RELIE)
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further states as follows:
19. As set forth above, Defendant, KNOWLES has breached the GSW Noncompete
Agreements by accepting employment with Defendant, DSG and by providing the GSW Trade
Secrets to Defendant, DSG, all in violation of the terms of the GSW Noncompete Agreement.
20. Such breaches have caused and will continue to cause irreparable injury to
Plaintiff, GSW for which Plaintiff has no adequate remedy at law.
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 3330121. Plaintiff, GSW has a substantial likelihood of success on the merits as Defendant,
KNOWLES’ breach is clear and irrefutable and as the violation of an enforceable restrictive
covenant creates a presumption of irreparable injury to the person seeking enforcement pursuant
to Florida statute section 542.335(1)q).
22. Issuance of a temporary injunction prohibiting breach of Defendant, KNOWLES’
GSW Noncompete Agreement will serve the public interest as such an injunction will serve to
instill confidence in the protections afforded by such agreements and will otherwise aid the
orderly flow of commerce.
23. The GSW Noncompete Agreement and the restrictions contained therein are
reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of GSW as GSW has expended
a substantial amount of capital and effort to promote and market its services. Were the
Defendant, KNOWLES, allowed to violate the terms of such restrictions, GSW's marketing
efforts and market presence would be irreparably jeopardized.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, GOURMET SEAFOOD WORLD, LLC seeks entry of a
preliminary and permanent injunction seeking the following relief:
a. prohibiting Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES from directly soliciting
GSW’s clients and customers;
b. prohibiting Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES from interfering with or
attempting to impair the relationship between GSW and any person or firm that is a customer or
client of GSW;
c. prohibiting Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES from directly or indirectly
soliciting, enticing, hiring or otherwise inducing any customer of GSW to terminate such
customer relationship with GSW;
d. prohibiting Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES from disclosing GSW Trade
Secrets to Defendant, DSG or to any other person or entity without GSW 's prior written
authorization;
e. prohibiting Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES fiom otherwise using GSW’s
Confidential Information to the detriment of GSW;
f. prohibiting Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES from continuing in
employment in any capacity with Defendant, DSG or in any other manner, directly or indirectly
work for, own, invest in, direct, or aid any company or person engaged in competition with
GSW within the United States;
g. granting GSW an award of its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in the
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301enforcement of the restrictive covenants set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement and
h. granting such other and further relief as this honorable Court deems just and
proper.
COUNT I
WHATLEY BREACH OF GSW NONCOMPETE AGREEMENT
TEMPORARY AND PERMAN JUNCTIVE RELIEF
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further states as follows:
24. As set forth above, Defendant, WHATLEY has breached the GSW Noncompete
Agreements by accepting employment with Defendant, DSG and by providing the GSW Trade
Secrets to Defendant, DSG, all in violation of the terms of the GSW Noncompete Agreement.
25. Such breaches have caused and will continue to cause irreparable injury to
Plaintiff, GSW for which Plaintiff has no adequate remedy at law.
26. Plaintiff, GSW has a substantial likelihood of success on the merits as Defendant,
WHATLEY’ breach is clear and irrefutable and as the violation of an enforceable restrictive
covenant creates a presumption of irreparable injury to the person seeking enforcement pursuant
to Florida statute section 542.335(1)q).
27. Issuance of a temporary injunction prohibiting breach of Defendant,
WHATLEY’s GSW Noncompete Agreement will serve the public interest as such an injunction
will serve to instill confidence in the protections afforded by such agreements and will otherwise
aid the orderly flow of commerce.
28. The GSW Noncompete Agreement and the restrictions contained therein are
reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of GSW as GSW has expended
a substantial amount of capital and effort to promote and market its services. Were the
Defendant, WHATLEY, allowed to violate the terms of such restrictions, GSW's marketing
efforts and market presence would be irreparably jeopardized.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, GOURMET SEAFOOD WORLD, LLC seeks entry of a
preliminary and permanent injunction seeking the following relief:
a. prohibiting Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR. from directly soliciting
GSW’s clients and customers;
b. prohibiting Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR. from interfering with or
attempting to impair the relationship between GSW and any person or firm that is a customer or
client of GSW:
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301c. prohibiting Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR. from directly or indirectly
soliciting, enticing, hiring or otherwise inducing any customer of GSW to terminate such
customer relationship with GSW;
d. prohibiting Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR. from disclosing GSW
Trade Secrets to Defendant, DSG or to any other person or entity without GSW 's prior written
authorization;
e. prohibiting Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR. from otherwise using
GSW’s Confidential Information to the detriment of GSW;
f. prohibiting Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR. from continuing in
employment in any capacity with Defendant, DSG or in any other manner, directly or indirectly
work for, own, invest in, direct, or aid any company or person engaged in competition with
GSW within the United States;
g. granting GSW an award of its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in the
enforcement of the restrictive covenants set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement and
h. granting such other and further relief as this honorable Court deems just and
proper.
COUNT II
TAYLOR BREACH OF GSW NONCOMPETE AGREEMENT
(TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT INJUNCTIVE RELIEF)
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further states as follows:
29. As set forth above, Defendant, TAYLOR has breached the GSW Noncompete
Agreements by accepting employment with Defendant, DSG and by providing the GSW Trade
Secrets to Defendant, DSG, all in violation of the terms of the GSW Noncompete Agreement.
30. | Such breaches have caused and will continue to cause irreparable injury to
Plaintiff, GSW for which Plaintiff has no adequate remedy at law.
31. Plaintiff, GSW has a substantial likelihood of success on the merits as Defendant,
TAYLOR’ breach is clear and irrefutable and as the violation of an enforceable restrictive
covenant creates a presumption of irreparable injury to the person seeking enforcement pursuant
to Florida statute section 542.335(1)(j).
32. Issuance of a temporary injunction prohibiting breach of Defendant, TAYLOR’s
GSW Noncompete Agreement will serve the public interest as such an injunction will serve to
instill confidence in the protections afforded by such agreements and will otherwise aid the
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301orderly flow of commerce.
33. | The GSW Noncompete Agreement and the restrictions contained therein are
reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of GSW as GSW has expended
a substantial amount of capital and effort to promote and market its services. Were the
Defendant, TAYLOR, allowed to violate the terms of such restrictions, GSW's marketing efforts
and market presence would be irreparably jeopardized.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, GOURMET SEAFOOD WORLD, LLC seeks entry of a
preliminary and permanent injunction seeking the following relief:
a. prohibiting Defendant, ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR from directly soliciting
GSW’s clients and customers,
b. prohibiting Defendant, ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR from interfering with or
attempting to impair the relationship between GSW and any person or firm that is a customer or
client of GSW:
c. prohibiting Defendant, ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR from directly or indirectly
soliciting, enticing, hiring or otherwise inducing any customer of GSW to terminate such
customer relationship with GSW;
d. prohibiting Defendant, ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR from disclosing GSW Trade
Secrets to Defendant, DSG or to any other person or entity without GSW 's prior written
authorization;
e. prohibiting Defendant, ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR from otherwise using GSW’s
Confidential Information to the detriment of GSW;
f. prohibiting Defendant, ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR from continuing in
employment in any capacity with Defendant, DSG or in any other manner, directly or indirectly
work for, own, invest in, direct, or aid any company or person engaged in competition with
GSW within the United States;
g. granting GSW an award of its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in the
enforcement of the restrictive covenants set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement and
h. granting such other and further relief as this honorable Court deems just and proper.
COUNT IV
(TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT INJUNCTIVE RELIEF-BULAVCHIK,
PURSUANT TO F-.S.§688.001 et seg., “UNIFORM TRADE SECRETS ACT”)
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further states as follows:
34. | The GSW Trade Secrets are “Trade Secrets” as defined in F.S. §688.002(4).
35. Defendant, BULAVCHIK, has misappropriated the GSW Trade Secrets by his
unauthorized use of same for his own benefit and for the benefit of Defendant, DSG.
36. GSW is entitled to injunctive relief for Defendant, BULAVCHIK’s
misappropriation of GSW’s Trade Secrets pursuant to F.S. §688.003(1), (2) and (3).
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, GOURMET SEAFOOD WORLD, LLC seeks entry of a
preliminary and permanent injunction seeking the following relief:
a. prohibiting Defendant, VADIM BULAVCHIK from directly soliciting GSW’s
clients and customers;
b. prohibiting Defendant, VADIM BULAVCHIK from interfering with or
attempting to impair the relationship between GSW and any person or firm that is a past or
present customer or client of GSW;
c. prohibiting Defendant, VADIM BULAVCHIK from directly or indirectly
soliciting, enticing, hiring or otherwise inducing any customer of GSW to terminate such
customer relationship with GSW;
d. prohibiting Defendant, VADIM BULAVCHIK from disclosing GSW’s
Confidential Information (as defined in Section | of the Confidentiality Agreement) to DSG or to
any other person or entity without GSW 's prior written authorization;
e. prohibiting Defendant, VADIM BULAVCHIK from otherwise using GSW’s
Confidential Information to the detriment of GSW;
f granting GSW an award of its reasonable attorneys fees and costs incurred in the
enforcement of the restrictive covenants set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement; and
h. granting such other and further relief as this honorable Court deems just and
proper.
COUNT V
(TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT INJUNCTIVE RELIEF- WHATLEY,
PURSUANT TO F.S.§688.001 et seq., “UNIFORM TRADE SECRETS ACT”)
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully sct forth herein and further states as follows:
37. The GSW Trade Secrets are “Trade Secrets” as defined in F.S. §688.002(4).
38. Defendant, WHATLEY, has misappropriated the GSW Trade Secrets by his
unauthorized use of same for his own benefit and for the benefit of DSG.
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 3330139. GSW is entitled to injunctive relief for Defendant, WHATLEY’s
misappropriation of GSW’s Trade Secrets pursuant to F.S. §688.003(1), (2) and (3).
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, GOURMET SEAFOOD WORLD, LLC seeks entry of a
preliminary and permanent injunction seeking the following relief:
a. prohibiting Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR. from directly soliciting
GSW’s clients and customers;
b. prohibiting Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR. from interfering with or
attempting to impair the relationship between GSW and any person or firm that is a customer or
client of GSW;
c. prohibiting Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR. from directly or indirectly
soliciting, enticing, hiring or otherwise inducing any customer of GSW to terminate such
customer relationship with GSW;
d. prohibiting Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR. from disclosing GSW’s
Confidential Information (as defined in Section 1 of the Confidentiality Agreement) to DSG or to
any other person or entity without GSW 's prior written authorization;
e. prohibiting Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR. from otherwise using
GSW’s Confidential Information to the detriment of GSW;
f. granting GSW an award of its reasonable attorneys fees and costs incurred in the
enforcement of the restrictive covenants set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement; and
g. granting such other and further relief as this honorable Court deems just and
proper.
COUNT VI
(TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT INJUNCTIVE RELIEF- TAYLOR,
PURSUANT TO F.S.§688.001 et seg.. “UNIFORM TRADE SECRETS ACT”)
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further states as follows:
40. The GSW Trade Secrets are “Trade Secrets” as defined in F.S. §688.002(4).
Al. Defendant, TAYLOR, has misappropriated the GSW Trade Secrets by his
unauthorized use of same for his own benefit and for the benefit of Defendant, DSG.
42. GSW is entitled to injunctive relief for Defendant, TAYLOR’s misappropriation
of GSW’s Trade Secrets pursuant to F.S. §688.003(1), (2) and (3).
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, GOURMET SEAFOOD WORLD, LLC seeks entry of a
preliminary and permanent injunction seeking the following relief:
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301a. prohibiting Defendant, ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR from directly soliciting
GSW’s clients and customers;
b. prohibiting Defendant, ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR from interfering with or
attempting to impair the relationship between GSW and any person or firm that is a customer or
client of GSW;
c. prohibiting Defendant, ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR from directly or
indirectly soliciting, enticing, hiring or otherwise inducing any customer of GSW to terminate
such customer relationship with GSW;
d. prohibiting Defendant, ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR from disclosing GSW’s
Confidential Information (as defined in Section | of the Confidentiality Agreement) to DSG or to
any other person or entity without GSW 's prior written authorization;
e. prohibiting Defendant, ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR from otherwise using
GSW’s Confidential Information to the detriment of GSW;
f. granting GSW an award of its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in the
enforcement of the restrictive covenants set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement; and
g. granting such other and further relief as this honorable Court deems just and
proper.
COUNT VII
(TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT INJUNCTIVE RELIEF- KNOWLES.
PURSUANT TO F-.S.§688.001 et seg., “UNIFORM TRADE SECRETS ACT”)
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further states as follows:
43. The GSW Trade Secrets are “Trade Secrets” as defined in F.S. §688.002(4).
44. Defendant, KNOWLES, has misappropriated the GSW Trade Secrets by her
unauthorized use of same for her own benefit and for the benefit of Defendant, DSG.
45. GSW is entitled to injunctive relief for Defendant, KNOWLES’
misappropriation of GSW’s Trade Secrets pursuant to F.S. §688.003(1), (2) and (3).
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, GOURMET SEAFOOD WORLD, LLC seeks entry of a
preliminary and permanent injunction seeking the following relief:
a. prohibiting Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES from directly soliciting
GSW’s clients and customers;
b. prohibiting Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES from interfering with or
attempting to impair the relationship between GSW and any person or firm that is a customer or
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301client of GSW:
c. prohibiting Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES from directly or indirectly
soliciting, enticing, hiring or otherwise inducing any customer of GSW to terminate such
customer relationship with GSW;
d. prohibiting Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES from disclosing GSW’s
Confidential Information (as defined in Section 1 of the Confidentiality Agreement) to DSG or to
any other person or entity without GSW 's prior written authorization;
e. prohibiting Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES from otherwise using GSW’s
Confidential Information to the detriment of GSW;
f. granting GSW an award of its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in the
enforcement of the restrictive covenants set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement; and
g. granting such other and further relief as this honorable Court deems just and
proper.
COUNT VII
(DAMAGES-BULAVCHIK, PURSUANT TO F.S.§688.004 )
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further states as follows:
46. The GSW Trade Secrets are “Trade Secrets” as defined in F.S. §688.002(4).
47. Defendant, BULAVCHIK, has misappropriated GSW’s Trade Secrets by his
unauthorized use of same pursuant to F.S.§688.002.
48. Pursuant to F.S.§688.004, GSW is entitled to damages stemming from such
misappropriation computed as both the actual loss caused by misappropriation and the unjust
enrichment caused by misappropriation that is not taken into account in computing actual loss.
49. As such misappropriation is willful and malicious, GSW seeks exemplary
damages pursuant to F.S.§688.004(2).
WHEREFORE, GOURMET SEAFOOD WORLD, LLC demands judgment against
Defendant, VADIM BULAVCHIK, for damages in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits
of this Honorable Court, its reasonable attorney’s fees pursuant to F.S.§688.005 and for such
other and further relief as this honorable Court deems just and proper.
COUNT IX
(DAMAGES- WHATLEY, PURSUANT TO E.S.§688.004 )
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further states as follows:
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 3330150. | The GSW Trade Secrets are “Trade Secrets” as defined in F.S. §688.002(4).
51. Defendant, WHATLEY, has misappropriated GSW’s Trade Secrets by his
unauthorized use of same pursuant to F.S.$688.002.
52. Pursuant to F.S.§688.004, GSW is entitled to damages stemming from such
misappropriation computed as both the actual loss caused by misappropriation and the unjust
enrichment caused by misappropriation that is not taken into account in computing actual loss.
53. As such misappropriation is willful and malicious, GSW seeks exemplary
damages pursuant to F.S. §688.004(2).
WHEREFORE, GOURMET SEAFOOD WORLD, LLC demands judgment against
Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR., for damages in excess of the minimum jurisdictional
limits of this Honorable Court, its reasonable attorney’s fees pursuant to F.S.§688.005 and for
such other and further relief as this honorable Court deems just and proper.
COUNT X
(DAMAGES- TAYLOR, PURSUANT TO F.S.§688.004 )
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further states as follows:
54. The GSW Trade Secrets are “Trade Secrets” as defined in F.S. §688.002(4).
55. Defendant, TAYLOR, has misappropriated GSW’s Trade Secrets by his
unauthorized use of same pursuant to F.S.§688.002.
56. Pursuant to F.S.§688.004, GSW is entitled to damages stemming from such
misappropriation computed as both the actual loss caused by misappropriation and the unjust
enrichment caused by misappropriation that is not taken into account in computing actual loss.
57. As such misappropriation is willful and malicious, GSW seeks exemplary
damages pursuant to F.S, §688.004(2).
WHEREFORE, GOURMET SEAFOOD WORLD, LLC demands judgment against
Defendant, ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR, for damages in excess of the minimum
jurisdictional limits of this Honorable Court, its reasonable attorney’s fees pursuant to
F.S.§688.005 and for such other and further relief as this honorable Court deems just and proper.
COUNT XI
(DAMAGES- KNOWLES, PURSUANT TO E.S.§688.004 )
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further states as follows:
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 3330158. | The GSW Trade Secrets are “Trade Secrets” as defined in F.S. §688.002(4).
59. Defendant, KNOWLES, has misappropriated GSW’s Trade Secrets by her
unauthorized use of same pursuant to F.S.$688.002.
60. Pursuant to F.S.§688.004, GSW is entitled to damages stemming from such
misappropriation computed as both the actual loss caused by misappropriation and the unjust
enrichment caused by misappropriation that is not taken into account in computing actual loss.
6l. As such misappropriation is willful and malicious, GSW seeks exemplary
damages pursuant to F.S. §688.004(2).
WHEREFORE, GOURMET SEAFOOD WORLD, LLC demands judgment against
Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES, for damages in excess of the minimum jurisdictional
limits of this Honorable Court, its reasonable attorney’s fees pursuant to F.S.§688.005 and for
such other and further relief as this honorable Court deems just and proper.
COUNT XII
(DAMAGES- DSG, PURSUANT TO F.S.§688.004 )
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further states as follows:
62. The GSW Trade Secrets are “Trade Secrets” as defined in F.S. §688.002(4).
63. Defendant, DSG, has misappropriated GSW’s Trade Secrets by its unauthorized
use of same pursuant to F.S.§688.002.
64, Pursuant to F.S.§688.004, GSW is entitled to damages stemming from such
misappropriation computed as both the actual loss caused by misappropriation and the unjust
enrichment caused by misappropriation that is not taken into account in computing actual loss.
65. As such misappropriation is willful and malicious, GSW seeks exemplary
damages pursuant to F.S. §688.004(2).
WHEREFORE, GOURMET SEAFOOD WORLD, LLC demands judgment against
Defendant, DELUXE SEAFOOD GROUP, LLC, for damages in excess of the minimum
jurisdictional limits of this Honorable Court, its reasonable attorney’s fees pursuant to
F.S.$688.005 and for such other and further relief as this honorable Court deems just and proper.
COUNT XM
ACCOUNTING (BULAVCHIKk)
Plaintiffs realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further state as follows:
66. Defendant, BULAVCHIK entered into a complex business relationship with
Plaintiff involving the receipts and expenditures of Plaintiff's funds.
67. As Defendant, BULAVCHIK at all times material to this action was a Member
and Manager of Plaintiff, GSW, Defendant, BULAVCHIK owes a fiduciary duty to Plaintiff,
GSW.
68. As a result of such relationship, Defendant, BULAVCHIK owes a fiduciary duty
to Plaintiff to properly and adequately account for all funds belonging to Plaintiff, GSW.
69. Plaintiff is entitled to the equitable remedy of accounting as there is no adequate
remedy at law to account for their funds.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands entry of a judgment requiring Defendant, VADIM
BULAVCHIK to properly and adequately account for all funds of Plaintiff, as well as all
income and expenditures of Defendant, BULAVCHIK and Defendant, DSG the costs of this
action, and for such other and further relief as this Honorable Court deems just and proper.
COUNT xIVv
BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY (BULAVCHIK)
Plaintiffs realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further state as follows:
70. — Florida Statute Section 605.04091(1) provides that each manager of a manager-
managed limited liability company and member of a member-managed limited liability company
owes fiduciary duties of loyalty and care to the limited liability company and members of the
limited liability company.
71. At all times material to this action, Defendant, BULAVCHIK, served as the
Manager of Plaintiff, GSW, a manager-managed Florida limited liability company. As such,
Defendant, BULAVCHIK owed fiduciary duties of loyalty and care to Plaintiff, GSW and all
other members of Plaintiff, GSW.
72. Florida Statute Section 605.0409 1(2) provides that the duty of loyalty includes:
(a) Accounting to the limited liability company and holding as trustee for it any
property, profit, or benefit derived by the manager or member, as applicable:
2. From the use by the member or manager of the company’s property; or
3. From the appropriation of a company opportunity...
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301(c) Refraining from competing with the company in the conduct of the company’s
activities and affairs before the dissolution of the company.
73. Irrespective of the fiduciary duties of loyalty Defendant, BULAVCHIK owed to
Plaintiff, GSW and all other members of Plaintiff, Defendant, BULAVCHIK took the following
actions for his benefit and the benefit of Defendant, DSG and to the detriment of Plaintiff, GSW:
a. Forming Defendant, DSG without the knowledge and consent of the other
members of Plaintiff, GSW in order to compete directly with Plaintiff, GSW;
b. Misappropriating the GSW Trade Secrets without the knowledge and
consent of the other members of Plaintiff, GSW and to the detriment of Plaintiff, GSW in
order to compete directly with Plaintiff, GSW;
c. Taking business opportunities belonging to Plaintiff, GSW and
capitalizing on such business opportunities for his benefit and for the benefit of
Defendant, DSG;
d. Stealing inventory of Plaintiff, GSW which was later sold by Defendant,
BULAVCHIK for his benefit and the benefit of DSG;
e. Ordering inventory from suppliers of Plaintiff, GSW which was
subsequently sold by Defendant, BULAVCHIK to customers of Defendant, DSG;
74. As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing breaches, Plaintiff has been
damaged in an amount exceeding the minimum jurisdictional limits of this Honorable Court, plus
prejudgment interest.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against the Defendant, VADIM
BULAVCHIK in an amount exceeding the minimum jurisdictional limits of this Honorable
Court, plus prejudgment interest, the costs of this action and for such further and additional relief
as this Honorable Court deems just and proper, including without limitation the entry of an Order
of this Honorable Court that Defendant, VADIM BULAVCHIK be required to account to
Plaintiff, GSW and to hold as trustee for it any property, profit, or benefit derived by Defendant,
VADIM BULAVCHIK from the use by Defendant, VADIM BULAVCHIK of Plaintiff,
GSW’s property and from the appropriation of any company opportunity belonging to Plaintiff,
GSW.
COUNT Xv
VIOLATION OF FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 668.803 ET. SEQ. (BULAVCHIK)
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further state as follows:
75. Florida Statute Section 668.803 (1) (Prohibited acts) provides that a person who
knowingly and with intent to cause harm or loss obtains information from a protected computer
without authorization and, as a result, causes harm or loss is liable to the extent provided in
Florida Statute Section 668.804 in a civil action to the owner, operator, or lessee of the protected
computer, or the owner of information stored in the protected computer who uses the information
in connection with the operation of a business.
76. Florida Statute Section 668.804 (1) (Remedies) provides that a person who brings
a civil action for a violation under Florida Statute Section 668.803 may recover actual damages,
including the person’s lost profits and economic damages, recover the violator’s profits that are
not included in the computation of actual damages under paragraph (a), obtain injunctive or other
equitable relief from the court to prevent a future violation of Florida Statute Section 668.803,
and recover the misappropriated information, program, or code, and all copies thereof, that are
subject to the violation.
77. Florida Statute Section 668.804 (2) provides that the court shall award reasonable
attorney fees to the prevailing party in any action arising under Florida Statute Section 668.803.
728. Defendant, VADIM BULAVCHIK, knowingly and with intent to cause harm or
loss to Plaintiff, GSW, obtained information belonging to Plaintiff, including without limitation,
the GSW Trade Secrets, from accessing Plaintiff, GSW’s protected computers without
authorization.
79. These actions, as more particularly described in the introductory paragraphs of
this Complaint, caused significant harm and loss to Plaintiff, GSW, and are continuing to cause
such loss and harm.
80. The foregoing violations of Florida Statute Section 668.803 were committed by
Defendant, VADIM BULAVCHIK for the use and benefit of Defendant, DSG.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against the Defendant, VADIM
BULAVCHIK as follows:
(a) for Plaintiff, GSW’s lost profits and economic damages caused by Defendant,
VADIM BULAVCHIK’s violation of Florida Statute Section 668.803;
(b) for entry of an Order in favor of Plaintiff to allow it to recover Defendant,
VADIM BULAVCHIK’s profits that are not included in the computation of actual damages set
forth in section (a) above;
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 SE Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301(c) for injunctive or other equitable relief from this Court to prevent a future violation
of Florida Statute Section 668.803 by Defendant, VADIM BULAVCHIK;
(d) for entry of an Order in favor of Plaintiff to allow it to recover the foregoing
misappropriated information belonging to Plaintiff, including without limitation, the GSW Trade
Secrets, and all copies thereof, that are subject to the violation;
(e) for an award of the Plaintiff's reasonable attorney as provided by Florida Statute
Section 668.804; and
(f) for such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.
COUNT XVI
VIOLATION OF FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 668.803 ET. SEQ. (KNOWLES)
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further state as follows:
81. Florida Statute Section 668.803 (1) (Prohibited acts) provides that a person who
knowingly and with intent to cause harm or loss obtains information from a protected computer
without authorization and, as a result, causes harm or loss is liable to the extent provided in
Florida Statute Section 668.804 in a civil action to the owner, operator, or lessee of the protected
computer, or the owner of information stored in the protected computer who uses the information
in connection with the operation of a business.
82. Florida Statute Section 668.804 (1) (Remedies) provides that a person who brings
a civil action for a violation under Florida Statute Section 668.803 may recover actual damages,
including the person’s lost profits and economic damages, recover the violator’s profits that are
not included in the computation of actual damages under paragraph (a), obtain injunctive or other
equitable relief from the court to prevent a future violation of Florida Statute Section 668.803,
and recover the misappropriated information, program, or code, and all copies thereof, that are
subject to the violation.
83. Florida Statute Section 668.804 (2) provides that the court shall award reasonable
attorney fees to the prevailing party in any action arising under Florida Statute Section 668.803.
84. Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES, knowingly and with intent to cause harm
or loss to Plaintiff, GSW, obtained information belonging to Plaintiff, including without
limitation, the GSW Trade Secrets, from accessing Plaintiff, GSW’s protected computers without
authorization.
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 SE Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 3330185. These actions, as more particularly described in the introductory paragraphs of
this Complaint, caused significant harm and loss to Plaintiff, GSW, and are continuing to cause
such loss and harm.
86. The foregoing violations of Florida Statute Section 668.803 were committed by
Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES for the use and benefit of Defendant, DSG.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against the Defendant, SAMANTHA
KNOWLES as follows:
(a) for Plaintiff, GSW’s lost profits and economic damages caused by Defendant,
SAMANTHA KNOWLES’s violation of Florida Statute Section 668.803;
(b) for entry of an Order in favor of Plaintiff to allow it to recover Defendant,
SAMANTHA KNOWLES’s profits that are not included in the computation of actual damages
set forth in section (a) above;
(c) for injunctive or other equitable relief from this Court to prevent a future violation
of Florida Statute Section 668.803 by Defendant, SAMANTHA KNOWLES;
(d) for entry of an Order in favor of Plaintiff to allow it to recover the foregoing
misappropriated information belonging to Plaintiff, including without limitation, the GSW Trade
Secrets, and all copies thereof, that are subject to the violation;
(e) for an award of the Plaintiff's reasonable attorney as provided by Florida Statute
Section 668.804; and
(f) for such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.
COUNT xvi
VIOLATION OF FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 668.803 ET. SEQ. (WHATLEY)
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further state as follows:
87. Florida Statute Section 668.803 (1) (Prohibited acts) provides that a person who
knowingly and with intent to cause harm or loss obtains information from a protected computer
without authorization and, as a result, causes harm or loss is liable to the extent provided in
Florida Statute Section 668.804 in a civil action to the owner, operator, or lessee of the protected
computer, or the owner of information stored in the protected computer who uses the information
in connection with the operation of a business.
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 SE Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 3330188. Florida Statute Section 668.804 (1) (Remedies) provides that a person who brings
a civil action for a violation under Florida Statute Section 668.803 may recover actual damages,
including the person’s lost profits and economic damages, recover the violator’s profits that are
not included in the computation of actual damages under paragraph (a), obtain injunctive or other
equitable relief from the court to prevent a future violation of Florida Statute Section 668.803,
and recover the misappropriated information, program, or code, and all copies thereof, that are
subject to the violation.
89. Florida Statute Section 668.804 (2) provides that the court shall award reasonable
attorney fees to the prevailing party in any action arising under Florida Statute Section 668.803.
90. Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR., knowingly and with intent to cause
harm or loss to Plaintiff, GSW, obtained information belonging to Plaintiff, including without
limitation, the GSW Trade Secrets, from accessing Plaintiff, GSW’s protected computers without
authorization.
91. These actions, as more particularly described in the introductory paragraphs of
this Complaint, caused significant harm and loss to Plaintiff, GSW, and are continuing to cause
such loss and harm.
92. The foregoing violations of Florida Statute Section 668.803 were committed by
Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR. for the use and benefit of Defendant, DSG.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against the Defendant, DAVID LEE
WHATLEY JR. as follows:
(a) for Plaintiff, GSW’s lost profits and economic damages caused by Defendant,
DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR.’s violation of Florida Statute Section 668.803;
(b) for entry of an Order in favor of Plaintiff to allow it to recover Defendant,
DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR.’s profits that are not included in the computation of actual
damages set forth in section (a) above;
(c) for injunctive or other equitable relief from this Court to prevent a future violation
of Florida Statute Section 668.803 by Defendant, DAVID LEE WHATLEY JR.;
(d) for entry of an Order in favor of Plaintiff to allow it to recover the foregoing
misappropriated information belonging to Plaintiff, including without limitation, the GSW Trade
Secrets, and all copies thereof, that are subject to the violation;
(e) for an award of the Plaintiff's reasonable attorney as provided by Florida Statute
Section 668.804; and
Hartley Law Offices, PLC
12 SE Seventh Street, Suite 606, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301(f) for such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.
COUNT XVHUI
VIOLATION OF FLORIDA S' UTE SECTION 668.803 ET. SEQ.
Plaintiff realleges and reavers the allegations set forth in paragraphs one (1) through
eighteen (18) above as though fully set forth herein and further state as follows:
93. Florida Statute Section 668.803 (1) (Prohibited acts) provides that a person who
knowingly and with intent to cause harm or loss obtains information from a protected computer
without authorization and, as a result, causes harm or loss is liable to the extent provided in
Florida Statute Section 668.804 in a civil action to the owner, operator, or lessee of the protected
computer, or the owner of information stored in the protected computer who uses the information
in connection with the operation of a business.
94. Florida Statute Section 668.804 (1) (Remedies) provides that a person who brings
a civil action for a violation under Florida Statute Section 668.803 may recover actual damages,
including the person’s lost profits and economic damages, recover the violator’s profits that are
not included in the computation of actual damages under paragraph (a), obtain injunctive or other
equitable relief from the court to prevent a future violation of Florida Statute Section 668.803,
and recover the misappropriated information, program, or code, and all copies thereof, that are
subject to the violation.
95. Florida Statute Section 668.804 (2) provides that the court shall award reasonable
attorney fees to the prevailing party in any action arising under Florida Statute Section 668.803.
96. Defendant, ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR, knowingly and with intent to cause
harm or loss to Plaintiff obtained information belonging to Plaintiff, including without limitation
the GSW Trade Secrets, from accessing Plaintiff, GSW’s protected computers without
authorization.
97. These actions, as more particularly described in the introductory paragraphs of
this Complaint, caused significant harm and loss to Plaintiff, GSW, and are continuing to cause
such loss and harm.
98. The foregoing violations of Florida Statute Section 668.803 were committed by
Defendant, ZACHARY DAVID TAYLOR for the use and benefit of Defendant, DSG.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judg