J.C. Newman Sues Cuban Stock Over “The American” Trademark Infringement

Yesterday, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. filed a lawsuit against Levy Cafe, Inc.,—better known as Cuban Stock—in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida alleging trademark infringement.

The lawsuit is over J.C. Newman’s trademarks for “THE AMERICAN,” a brand whose history dates back to the 1800s. J.C. Newman owns two trademarks for “THE AMERICAN,” the first of which was filed in June 2016 and claims that the company has been using the mark since at least Aug. 1, 2016. Both of J.C. Newman’s trademarks are live and the company has been selling The American since 2019.

While J.C. Newman did not create the original The American brand, it shares a connection to the brand as it was made at the E. Regensubrg & Sons factory in Tampa’s Ybor City. J.C. Newman owns the factory—now known as El Reloj for its distinctive clocktower—and that is where it rolls The American cigars.

J.C. Newman’s lawsuit alleges this product is infringing on its trademarks.

It alleges that Cuban Stock is violating the trademark by selling the Cuban Stock Delicoso Cabinet Selection The American, which appears to be infused with bourbon.

Formally, J.C. Newman has sued Levy Cafe, Inc., which is the parent of S.J. Cigars, a Philadelphia-based retailer owned by Yaniv and Suzanne Levy. The Levys also own Tabacalera TCS International which is the parent of Cuban Stock. Cuban Stock produces cigars at its factory in the Dominican Republic.

Both J.C. Newman and Cuban Stock declined to comment.