Lawsuit Filed by Matthew Larosiere Accuses Cody Wilson of Copyright Infringement and Crypto Asset Commingling
On Friday, September 6, 2024, Matthew Larosiere filed a complaint in the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida, alleging copyright infringement and other unlawful activities against defendant Cody Rutledge Wilson, along with several affiliated companies: DEFCAD, Inc., Defense Distributed, and Dioskouroi LLC. The case raises serious accusations related to the unauthorized use of Larosiere’s copyrighted materials, including images and written works associated with firearms technology and advocacy.
Larosiere, a firearms industry attorney and author based in Florida, claims to be the exclusive owner of the works in question and argues that the defendants have engaged in unfair competition and false designation of origin under the Lanham Act. He asserts that Wilson and his corporations operate as alter egos, effectively constituting a single business entity that has engaged in a “corporate shell game” to avoid legal repercussions and dissipate assets.
The complaint details various financial maneuvers by Wilson, including the alleged commingling of corporate and personal assets. Notably, Larosiere claims that Wilson used corporate resources for personal expenses and consolidated cryptocurrency accounts linked to the business entities into a single account that he accessed for personal use. Larosiere outlines specific instances where Wilson transferred substantial amounts of cryptocurrency for personal use, suggesting that these actions were intended to shield assets from potential judgments.
The filing includes allegations that Wilson has continued to distribute unauthorized reproductions of Larosiere’s works through his websites, DEFCAD and Defense Distributed. According to the complaint, these platforms host downloadable three-dimensional models of firearms and related accessories, which are accessible only through a subscription service. Larosiere asserts that this distribution constitutes a violation of his copyright and has resulted in significant financial losses.
The complaint specifies several instances of infringement, detailing how Wilson allegedly uploaded Larosiere’s copyrighted photographs and documents without permission. For example, it mentions that on March 17, 2022, Wilson caused the unauthorized upload of images related to Larosiere’s work, requiring users to purchase a subscription to access them. The complaint lists multiple other instances of infringement, citing specific dates and works involved.
Larosiere claims that these actions have led to a direct loss of revenue from his original works and have enabled Wilson to amplify his personal gain through the illicit use of Larosiere’s intellectual property. The court filing emphasizes the ongoing nature of these infringements, noting that the defendants have continued to reproduce and distribute the unauthorized works up to the present day.
The complaint also highlights the jurisdictional basis for the court’s authority, citing Florida statutes that establish personal jurisdiction over the defendants due to their activities within the state. Larosiere’s legal team argues that the defendants have engaged in substantial and continuous business activities in Florida, including advertising and selling works that infringe upon Larosiere’s copyrights.
In addition to the copyright infringement claims, the complaint raises issues of false designation of origin and unfair competition, arguing that the defendants’ actions mislead consumers about the source of the works. Larosiere contends that the defendants’ conduct not only harms his business interests but also undermines the integrity of the marketplace.
The complaint seeks various forms of relief, including damages for lost revenue, an injunction against further infringements, and the recovery of legal costs.
Please contact BlockTribune for access to a copy of this filing.
