BKKT Obtains $45 Million Judgment Against Indicted Life Insurance Salesman, James Halstead
August, 2008 | Santa Ana, CA
Shortly after obtaining a $45 million judgment against California attorney Jeanne Rowzee for securities fraud, William Buus obtained another $45 million judgment, this time against Ms. Rowzee's partner in the securities fraud scheme, James Richard Halstead. The lawsuit, filed early last year, alleged that both Ms. Rowzee and Mr. Halstead were conducting a "Ponzi" scheme, which is a form of securities fraud where the schemers use invested money for their own personal uses and to pay returns to other investors. BKKT represented 45 plaintiffs in the action, whose net losses totaled just over $14 million. The $45 million judgment is comprised of those losses, plus punitive damages.
Within a couple of days after the judgment was entered, James Halstead was indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in the "Ponzi" scheme. The indictment included charges of wire fraud and money laundering.
Although collecting the money will be a challenge, BKKT's clients desire to pursue Mr. Halstead and keep at it until they collect their money or hit their very last dead end.
BKKT OBTAINS $45 MILLION JUDGMENT AGAINST ATTORNEY SCAMMER
July 3, 2008 | Santa Ana, CA
On July 3, 2008, William Buus of BKKT obtained a $45 Million judgment on behalf of over forty plaintiffs against California attorney, Jeanne M. Rowzee, who scammed people out of millions of dollars in a Ponzi scheme. A Ponzi scheme is a type of fraud where the perpetrator uses one investor's funds not to invest in any investment but to make payments that are due to other investors. BKKT filed suit in federal court against Rowzee, and others, in May of 2007, alleging federal and state securities fraud violations. A few months later, on October 1, 2007, the California Department of Corporations issued an order, prohibiting Rowzee from selling any securities within the State of California. This year, on May 21, 2008, Rowzee was arrested and charged in federal court with wire fraud. The criminal case against Rowzee is still pending.
The lawsuit filed by BKKT also alleges that James R. Halstead and his wife, Susan Halstead, were partners with Rowzee in the Ponzi scheme. James Halstead, who is claimed to have used investor funds to pay for a profligate lifestyle, including homes, expensive cars, jewelry and a mistress, has stated that he did not know Rowzee was conducting a Ponzi scheme and that he was simply collecting investments on Rowzee's behalf. Susan Halstead, who was an officer of James Halstead's business, GamePlan, Inc., and who is claimed to have personally received tens of thousands of dollars of investor funds, has also stated she was not aware of the scheme. Trial as to the Halsteads is presently scheduled to start September 9, 2008.
BKKT WELCOMES NICHOLAS C. VASELS AND ALEX J. CHANG TO THE FIRM
June 25, 2008 | Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to announce that Attorneys Nicholas C. Vasels and Alex J. Chang will be joining the firm as Senior and Junior Associates respectively.
Mr. Vasels brings to the firm nearly 30 years of civil litigation and trial experience and is a graduate of Loyola Law School. He will be serving clients in our business and securities litigation department.
Mr. Chang is a graduate of Boalt Law School (UC Berkeley) and will be working in the firm’s corporate and real estate departments.
BKKT Retained as Corporate Counsel
May 12, 2008 | Los Angeles, CA
In May of 2008, BKKT’s corporate department was retained by a California corporation specializing in mattresses made out of special blend of mud. The parent corporation of our client is a major Korean corporation which is widely known for its mattresses made out of mud and the many health benefits associated with such a product.
BKKT Represents Small Business Owner To Strike First In Action Against Credit Card Processing And Leasing Company In A Nationwide Scheme
April 18, 2008 | Newport Beach, CA
BKKT was retained by a small business in Orange County that was a victim of a rampant nationwide scam involving a credit card processing company and a leasing company. BKKT filed a lawsuit for breach of contract, fraud, rescission, and unfair competition against these defendants. In the complaint filed by BKKT, it is alleged that the credit card processing company conspired with the leasing company to target small minority businesses owners and inducing them to enter into unconscionable After filing suit, the defendants in the case quickly reached a confidential monetary settlement with the business owner and agreed to rectify and repair the business owner’s credit. “The egregious acts employed by these defendants to obtain a financial gain were so despicable that my client did not want to settle the case and wanted try the matter in court so that justice can prevail and the defendants could be exposed,” said BKKT’s partner Hubert Kuo. It should be noted that the defendants in this case are also being investigated by State Attorney Generals in several states.
BKKT To Form Charitable Trust For The Laguna Beach Chamber Of Commerce And Civic Association
April 16, 2008 | Newport Beach, CA
Recently, the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association agreed to retain BKKT to form a charitable trust that would serve educational, environmental, and public safety purposes. The charitable trust will apply for tax exempt status under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) as well as related state law. This will allow individuals to make tax-deductible donations to the chamber.
BKKT’s William Buus is a member of the chamber’s Board of Directors, and will spearhead the project.
The chamber is very involved in projects and events that, among other things, help beautify the City of Laguna Beach, provide scholarships for students, and reduce homelessness. The charitable trust will assist the chamber in obtaining tax-deductible donations to bolster these projects and events.
BKKT Favorably Settles Breach Of Contract Case Filed Against Its Client
April 2, 2008 | Newport Beach, CA
BKKT settled an action filed against its clients alleging that BKKT’s client defaulted on a promissory note to purchase a successful pharmacy store in Los Angeles. During the course of discovery, BKKT’s attorney strategically and efficiently uncovered facts that showed the promissory note was altered by the plaintiff, who apparently had seller’s remorse after selling the pharmacy to BKKT’s client. The plaintiff in this case accepted a nominal settlement from BKKT’s client less than a month from the scheduled trial date. BKKT’s client was elated and relieved that the matter was successfully resolved.
BKKT Defends Taiwan Company In Nevada Patent Infringement Suit
March 31, 2008 | Newport Beach, CA
BKKT recently made an appearance in a Nevada federal court on behalf of a Taiwan-based company in an action where the company has been sued for patent infringement. The suit alleges that the company, a GPS accessory manufacturer, infringed upon a patent covering a GPS mount for automobiles. BKKT’s client, however, claims that its products do not infringe upon the patent and that the patent is also unenforceable. The suit is in its beginning stages and no trial date has been set.
BKKT Case Reported In Los Angeles Times
March 28, 2008 | Irvine, CA
On March 27, 2008, the Business Section of the Los Angeles Times contained a front-page article concerning a matter BKKT is currently handling. The securities fraud action was brought on behalf of forty-five plaintiffs against Jeanne Rowzee and James Halstead, and alleged that the plaintiffs were cheated out of over thirteen million dollars in a Ponzi scheme. Click here for a copy of the article.
Trial is presently scheduled for September 9, 2008.
BKKT Retained As Buyer's Counsel In Connection With The Purchase Of A Golf Course, Resort And Spa
March 18, 2008 | Los Angeles, CA
In March of 2008, BKKT was retained as buyer’s counsel in connection with the purchase of a certain real property consisting of a golf course, resort and spa with a purchase price of approximately Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000).
BKKT Named One Of 2008’s Top Patent & Trademark Firms By IP Today Magazine
March 1, 2008 | Newport Beach, CA
BKKT, a boutique business law firm specializing in intellectual property law, corporate law, securities, real estate and business litigation, was recently named one 2008’s Top Patent and Trademark Firms in the Nation by IP Today Magazine. The annual survey based its results on the number of patent and Trademark registrations issued by a firm in 2007. “We are very honored to be recognized as one of the top patent and trademark firms in the country and look forward to continually providing excellent patent and trademark services to our domestic and international clients," states partner John D. Tran. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our attorneys and staff.”
Intellectual Property TodayTM, published monthly since 1994, focuses on legal issues in patent, trademark and copyright law. Features emphasize developments in cutting edge technology and their effect on intellectual property law practice
BKKT Closes Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate Purchase Transaction Of A Sonoma Country Vineyard
February 28, 2008 | Newport Beach, CA
In February of 2008, BKKT’s real estate department, representing the buyer (a publicly held company), successfully closed a purchase of a Sonoma County Vineyard with a price tag of over Fourteen Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($14,500,000). After the closing, attorneys and staff at BKKT had a chance to sample wine from the vineyard.
BKKT Closes Another Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate Finance Transaction
February 28, 2008 | Newport Beach, CA
In February of 2008, BKKT’s real estate department closed a real estate finance transaction totaling Eight Million Five Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($8,515,000).
BKKT Favorably Resolves Trade Secrets Case Filed Against Its Client
February 4, 2008 | Newport Beach, CA
Recently, BKKT settled an action filed against its clients alleging misappropriation of trade secrets, among other things. Plaintiff, a synthetic urine manufacturer, alleged that BKKT’s client, a former employee, quit and started a competing business using a proprietary synthetic urine formula she developed for plaintiff as well as plaintiff’s confidential customer list. BKKT successfully defended against an application for preliminary injunction, obtained a favorable ruling on a motion for partial summary judgment, and obtained a favorable settlement that did not require its clients to pay any money, while allowing them to continue business as usual with only some very minor limitations.
BKKT Successfully Represents Subcontractors And Distributors In Lawsuits Against Homebuilders
November, 2007 | Newport Beach, CA
Not only has the recent recession caused by the credit crunch and slumping housing market affected homeowners, many homebuilders are left with undeveloped lands and vacant lots and unsold new homes. As the buying and selling of new homes ground to a near-halt in 2007, many small to mid-sized developers and homebuilders have not been able to pay their contractors and suppliers for the services and materials that were provided by these contractors. BKKT filed suit on behalf of several contractors and suppliers for breach of contract and foreclosure of mechanic’s lien against several Southern California developers and homebuilders. In each one of these instances, BKKT partner Hubert Kuo was able to obtain favorable settlement results.
BKKT Announces Opening Of Newport Beach Office
October 25, 2007 | Irvine, CA
BKKT is pleased to announce that it will expand and relocate its main headquarters to Macarthur Court in Newport Beach in January 2008.
"Having our main headquarters being centrally located next to John Wayne airport will allow us to be easily accessible to all of our Orange County business clients including Irvine, Newport Beach and the surrounding cities," said Hubert H. Kuo, Partner. "Our Newport Beach office will anchor our Southern California presence for years to come.”
BKKT Closes Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate Finance Transactions During the Height of the Credit Crisis
September 20, 2007 | Los Angeles, CA
In August of 2007, BKKT’s real estate department closed three real estate finance transactions totaling over Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) during the height of the credit crisis. BKKT’s John Y. Kim stated “I’ve never seen anything quite like this before, we are witnessing a credit market that is in the midst of a turbulent storm. With the hard work and determination of our firm’s real estate department, along with our client’s active cooperation in these matters, we were able to close these transactions during the turbulent storm.”
BKKT Represents Former Members Of The Bay City Rollers In New York Suit Brought Against Arista Records
September 9, 2007 | Irvine, CA
BKKT represents Ian Mitchell, Gordon Clark, and Pat McGlynn – three former members of the Bay City Rollers – in a New York federal case originally brought by five other former members of the band against Arista Records for its alleged failure to pay royalties for nearly thirty years. Ian Mitchell (guitarist and vocalist), Gordon Clark (vocalist) and Pat McGlynn (guitarist) have sought an order allowing them to intervene in the action so they may recover their fair share of those royalties as well.
The Bay City Rollers were popular in the mid-1970s with hits such as “Dedication,” “Bye, Bye, Baby,” “Saturday Night,” and “I Only Want To Be With You.” They released a number of albums in the 1970s and 1980s, and several compilations were released both before and after they parted ways in the 1980s. Their songs may be downloaded online, and may be heard in recent movies such as “Love Actually.” The band and their songs were so popular in the 1970s, that the height of the band’s popularity was commonly known as “Rollermania.”
“When the suit was brought, the original plaintiffs apparently either forgot or downplayed the significant contributions Ian Mitchell, Gordon Clark, and Pat McGlynn made to the band and its popularity; they wanted to cut our clients out,” BKKT’s Bill Buus said. “We wanted to make sure that didn’t happen.”
As of now, BKKT’s motion to allow its clients to intervene in the case is still pending, as is Arista Records’ motion to dismiss the action for failure to state a claim. No trial date has been set yet.
BKKT Partner And Trial Lawyer, William L. Buus, Finishes Another Trial
September, 2007 | Irvine, CA
Recently, BKKT attorney William Buus finished yet another trial in Orange County Superior Court. In that case, his client was sued for breach of contract stemming from certain real estate transactions. The trial lasted seven days and, while the jury was deliberating, plaintiff’s settlement demand dropped. Plaintiff ultimately agreed to settle for a sum that BKKT’s client offered before trial began.
BKKT Named One of the Top Trademark Firms in the Nation
June 19, 2007 | Irvine, CA
BKKT has been named one of 2007's top trademark firms in the nation by IP Today Magazine, a nationally recognized publication. "We are very pleased at this recognition because it is an objective report and based upon the number of trademark registrations actually issued and not just filed," said Partner John D. Tran. "As both our trademark and patent practice continue to grow exponentially, we look forward in being considered a top patent/trademark firm for years to come."
Intellectual Property TodayTM, published monthly since 1994, focuses on legal issues in patent, trademark and copyright law. Features emphasize developments in cutting edge technology and their effect on intellectual property law practice.
BKKT Obtains Successful Result For Six Defendants In Fraudlent Conveyance Case
June, 2007 | Irvine, CA
The plaintiff in this case accused several defendants of hindering collection efforts, hiding, accepting and transferring funds for the benefit of two judgment debtors. BKKT represented six of the defendants consisting of judgment debtors’ relatives. At mediation, each and every defendant represented by BKKT was completely exonerated and absolve of any liability through a private mediation that was conducted a month before the scheduled trial date. Throughout the course of the litigation and during the mediation, BKKT was able to demonstrate that the purported transfers did not incur for the benefit of the judgment debtor. Although the Judgment Creditor was able to obtain monetary settlements from the other named defendants, BKKT’s clients did not have to pay any. The defendants in this case were represented by partner Hubert H. Kuo of BKKT.
BKKT Defends Client In Texas Federal Patent Infringement Case
June, 2007 | Irvine, CA
One of BKKT's clients, a golf product supply company, has been sued in Texas for allegedly infringing on a patent covering devices that calculate the yardage between objects on a golf course. For example, such a device would calculate the distance between a golf ball and the golf cup or a hazard. BKKT's client claims, among other things, that the patent is invalid for obviousness (in other words, it's not a protectable invention under the Patent Act, and that its GPS device does not infringe the patent nevertheless.
Partner John Y. Kim Elected as Director of OC KABA
June 7, 2007 | Irvine, CA
BKKT Partner John Y. Kim was recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors of Orange County Korean American Bar Association ("OC KABA"). OC KABA was established to promote more effective legal counsel to the local Orange County community. Among other things, OC KABA provides pro bono services to low income individuals, promotes networking among minority attorneys, and mentors current law students in helping them become the next generation leaders in the legal community.
BKKT Heads Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate Finance Transactions
May 16, 2007 | Los Angeles, CA
In May of 2007, BKKT was retained by a major Southern California real estate developer in connection with refinancing transactions totaling approximately $15 Million. The client has also retained BKKT as its general corporate and real estate counsel.
BKKT Files Multi-Million Dollar Securities Fraud Case
May, 2007 | Irvine, CA
In May of 2007, BKKT filed a lawsuit on behalf of over thirty investors who claim they were defrauded in an alleged Ponzi scheme. A Ponzi scheme is generally one in which an investors' money is not used to purchase an investment on his or her behalf, but rather used to pay returns due to other investors. The lawsuit alleges that Jeanne Rowzee, an Orange County criminal defense attorney, James Halstead, an Orange County life insurance salesman, and others engaged in a $40 Million+ Ponzi scheme, by inducing investors to spend money in PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equities) investments that never existed. BKKT's clients are claiming in excess of $15 Million in losses resulting from the alleged scheme, and are seeking punitive damages as well. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Southern Division, styled John Pierce, et al. v. Jeanne M. Rowzee, et al., Case Number SACV07-591 CJC (RNBx). A number of other smaller lawsuits have been filed against the attorney and life insurance salesman, claiming losses stemming from the same conduct.
Partner John D. Tran Attends the Vietnamese American National Gala ("VANG") 2007 in Houston, Texas.
May 16, 2007 | Irvine, CA
BKKT Partner John D. Tran recently attended the Vietnamese American National Gala ("VANG") event in Houston, Texas. VANG is the premier Vietnamese American gathering in the nation. The black-tie dinner gala brings together nearly a thousand Vietnamese American luminaries, elected officials, corporate sponsors, and community and business leaders, to honor some of America's best and brightest. "It was an honor to be invited to attend VANG 2007, especially in my home town of Houston, TX," said John D. Tran. "Being General Counsel to such a worthy non-profit organization is a privilege and it was a great time meeting such quality people, who many are considered pioneers and leaders in their respective industries." In addition, Mr. Tran has recently been elected onto the Board of Directors for VANG. For more information about VANG, please visit www.vangusa.com
BKKT Welcomes Former USPTO Patent Examiner, Anthony S. King, to the Firm
April 12, 2007 | Irvine, CA
BKKT is pleased to welcome Anthony S. King to the firm. Mr. King brings his experience and insight as a former USPTO patent examiner and will join the firm's patent prosecution practice. "Because of the continued growth of our patent prosecution department, we deemed it necessary to add the best talent possible to meet our client's patent prosecution needs," said John D. Tran, a founding partner of BKKT. "Mr. King's experience as a former patent examiner, especially dealing with biotechnology, computer hardware/software and medical device patents, will allow us to further provide our clientele top-notch patent prosecution services. In addition, Mr. King's fluency in Mandarin Chinese is a great benefit, as we continue to grow our foreign patent practice. We are excited to have his talents and experience at our firm."
Before joining BKKT, Mr. King practiced at several nationally recognized law firms such as Williams & Connelly, LLP, and Rutan & Tucker, LLP.
IRVINE Biomedical, A Division Of St. Jude Medical, Has Retained BKKT As Patent Counsel
January 7, 2007 | Irvine, CA
Irvine Biomedical, Inc., a St. Jude Medical owned company, has retained BKKT as its Patent Prosecution Counsel in regards to its medical device catheter line of products. Established in 1995, Irvine Biomedical, a division of St. Jude Medical, develops innovative technologies to treat cardiovascular disease, with a focus on developing medical devices for Electrophysiology (“EP”) procedures. Its products consist of diagnostic and therapeutic EP catheter systems that include its proprietary radio frequency generator. The corporate office and manufacturing facility is located in Irvine, California, in the heart of one of the world’s premier locations for medical device technology. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota USA, St. Jude Medical is a $2.9 Billion Dollar Fortune 500 Medical Device Company that employs approximately 10,000 people worldwide, with products sold in more than 100 countries. For more information on Irvine Biomedical and St. Jude Medical, please visit www.sjm.com
BKKT Announces Opening Of Newport Beach Office
January 2, 2007 | Irvine, CA
BKKT is pleased to announce that it will expand and relocate its main headquarters to Macarthur Court in Newport Beach in January 2008.
"Having our main headquarters being centrally located next to John Wayne airport will allow us to be easily accessible to all of our Orange County business clients including Irvine, Newport Beach and the surrounding cities," said Hubert H. Kuo, Partner. "Our Newport Beach office will anchor our Southern California presence for years to come.”
Greenlight Financial Services Retains BKKT as corporate counsel and intellectual property counsel.
December 4, 2006 | Irvine, CA
Greenlight Financial retains BKKT as corporate and intellectual property counsel. BKKT will handle the company's corporate business transactional needs; corporate compliance and intellectual property prosecution and registration related matters. Greenlight Financial Services has become one of the fastest growing direct-to-consumer mortgage lenders in the industry; providing a combination of advanced technology, competitive interest rates, and outstanding customer service. Greenlight originates first and second mortgages, as well as equity lines of credit. Founded in 2001, Greenlight Financial Services is headquartered in Irvine, California. For more information on Greenlight financial, please visit www.greenlightloans.com
BKKT provides Pro-Bono services to the Vietnamese American National Gala, (VANG), Inc.
November 29, 2006 | Irvine, CA
BKKT has been retained as General Counsel to the Vietnamese American National Gala (VANG), Inc. and will provide such legal services on a pro-bono basis. "We are very pleased and honored to be able to assist and counsel VANG in its non-profit purposes. We believe in VANG's vision and purpose and look forward to continually find ways to give back to the community in which we serve." — John D. Tran, Partner. The Vietnamese American National Gala (VANG) is a national annual celebration of Vietnamese heritage and pride, which is held in conjunction with the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a month-long celebration in May of each year, which honors the achievement of Asian Pacific Americans and recognizes their contributions to America. The annual Gala event is the premier Vietnamese American gathering in the nation. This Oscar®-like festivity exhibits the Vietnamese American Community's celebration of professional achievements and community contributions. The formal black-tie dinner gala brings together thousands of elected officials, corporate sponsors, community and business leaders, and Vietnamese American luminaries — all who come together to share one common vision: To honor America's best and brightest.
VIZIO retains BKKT as corporate counsel
November 24, 2006 | Irvine, CA
BKKT has been retained by V, Inc. owner of the VIZIO brand Plasma TV's to be its corporate counsel. VIZIO, headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, is a leading edge digital technology company. VIZIO products offer customers the most advanced technologies at the most affordable value. Initial products will include plasma, LCD, DLP, LCoS displays, DVD and HDTV output solutions. For more information on VIZIO, please visit www.vizio.com
BKKT partner William L. Buus has been named a 2006 "Rising Star" by Los Angeles Magazine
October 2006 | Los Angeles, CA
Because of his litigation successes, Mr. Buus has been invited to join the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a register of attorneys who have obtained multi-million dollar verdicts, and has been named as one of Los Angeles Magazine's 2006 "Rising Stars," having been chosen by his peers as being among the top up-and-coming lawyers in Southern California. Mr. Buus is the head of the trial litigation department at BKKT.
BKKT Successfully Obtains Trade Dress Protection on Interior Decor of Lee's Sandwiches Restaurants
BKKT partner John D. Tran, successfully represented Lee's Sandwiches International, Inc. before the United States Patent & Trademark Office and procured federal Trade Dress protection (Reg. No. 3106012) on the unique and distinctive interior decor of the Lee's Sandwiches Restaurants. Lee's Sandwiches is a full service made-to-order gourmet deli and bakery with currently 32 stores in California, Arizona, and Texas. In 2005, Lee's Sandwiches was ranked as one of the top 50 largest foodservice bakery operations on the West Coast. In 2003, the Small Business Administration awarded Lee's Sandwiches its "Regional Entrepreneur Success Award" For more information on Lee's Sandwiches, please visit www.leesandwiches.com
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