The Cigar Republic Sues The People’s Cigar Republic

The Cigar Republic is suing The People’s Cigar Republic.

In a lawsuit filed last week in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Smoking Cigars, LLC—the company behind The Cigar Republic—has sued The People’s Cigar Republic, LLC for false advertising, trademark infringement and unfair competition.

Both stores are in Elmsford, N.Y., located a half mile away from one another.

According to the complaint, Dominic Croce was once a member at The Cigar Republic in Elmsford. Sometime last year, Croce’s membership was terminated due to a violation(s) of the membership code of conduct. The lawsuit alleges that Croce then established his own entity, The People’s Cigar Republic, in the second half of 2023.

Attorneys representing The Cigar Republic claim that they sent Croce a letter demanding that he stop using any infringing trademarks. The lawsuit alleges that The People’s Cigar Republic “indicated that it would change the trademark and name, but Defendant has misled Plaintiff and its counsel regarding those changes.” There have been some changes, and the store appears to be going by The People’s Cigar in at least some instances. For example, the word “Republic” has been removed from a sign on the outside of the store.

However, The Cigar Republic claims that in other instances—especially on the internet—the newer store is still using The People’s Cigar Republic name and logo. As of March 14, 2024, the store’s Facebook page was still using the word “Republic” in various places.

In addition to monetary damages, Smoking Cigars, LLC is asking a court to transfer the ownership of thepeoplescigarrepublic.com domain name as well as to direct the New York Department of State to invalidate “The People’s Cigar Republic, LLC” corporate entity.

Smoking Cigars, LLC/The Cigar Republic declined to comment. An email sent to a public email address associated with The People’s Cigar Republic was not returned.

Disclosure: Smoking Cigars, LLC/The Cigar Republic is owned by the same family that owns Atlantic Cigar Co., a halfwheel advertiser.