Illustrator Kim Haskins sues a Schedule A online store over eight registered illustrations

The complaint

Kim Haskins v. The Partnerships and Unincorporated Associations Identified on Schedule A, No. 1:26-cv-13521 (N.D. Ill., Eastern Division), was filed November 2, 2026, ECF No. 1 (8 pages). The complaint describes Haskins as a painter and illustrator known for images of wild-eyed, fluffy cats and colorful, kooky birds. The defendants are the partnerships and unincorporated associations identified on Schedule A. An Amended Schedule A filed November 4, 2026, ECF No. 12, lists one defendant by store name. The case was assigned to Judge Sunil R. Harjani.

The works

The complaint asserts eight United States copyright registrations for the Kim Haskins Works, with certificates attached as Exhibit 1: VA 2-236-187, VA 2-245-052, VA 2-236-190, VA 2-418-118, VA 2-120-533, VA 2-130-613, VA 2-416-919, and VA 2-130-781. It alleges, upon information and belief, that the copyrights have effective dates that predate the defendants' acts of infringement. Copyright Office public records list Kim Haskins as author and claimant for each, including titles Flash Mog Multi (VA0002236187, registered February 3, 2021), Flash Mog Mini (VA0002245052, March 30, 2021), You're Purrfect (VA0002236190, February 3, 2021), Feline Festive (VA0002418118, August 20, 2024), Purrenting (VA0002120533, September 18, 2018), Sweetheart (VA0002130613, September 18, 2018), Purrfect Christmas (VA0002416919, August 20, 2024), and Butch (VA0002130781, September 18, 2018).

What the complaint alleges

The complaint alleges that the defendants created numerous Defendant Internet Stores designed to appear to sell authorized Kim Haskins products, and that they sold and continue to sell unauthorized products based on and derived from the illustrations through online marketplace listings. It alleges that the stores offer shipping to the United States, including Illinois, and accept payment in U.S. dollars, and it alleges, on information and belief, that the defendants reside in the People's Republic of China or other foreign jurisdictions and have sold products bearing infringing versions of the works to Illinois residents. It alleges the stores share unique identifiers, such as design elements and similarities among the products offered.

Claims and relief

Count I is copyright infringement. It alleges that each defendant, without permission, violated Haskins's exclusive rights of reproduction, distribution, and public display under 17 U.S.C. §§ 106(1), (2), (3), and (5), and that she is entitled to relief under § 504, to attorneys' fees and costs under § 505, and under §§ 502 and 503 to an injunction and an order that each defendant destroy all unauthorized copies. The prayer seeks temporary, preliminary, and permanent injunctions restraining use of the works and colorable imitations in connection with unauthorized products, passing off, further infringement, shipping or disposing of unauthorized inventory, and use of or control over the Defendant Internet Stores and other marketplace accounts used to sell unauthorized products; a judgment of willful infringement under § 501 and other injury to business reputation and business; actual or statutory damages under § 504 at her election; reasonable attorneys' fees and costs; and other relief.