The San Antonio-based businessman, Armando Montelongo Jr., who gained fame in 2006 as a star of the A&E show “Flip This House,” is suing his brother and co-star David Montelongo and David’s wife, Melina. One of Armando’s companies, Real Estate Training International LLC, accuses the brother and sister-in-law of trademark infringement, damage to business reputation, unfair competition, and unjust enrichment by having a business model too similar. The similar business model even has similar websites and a three-day real estate training bus tour that looks close enough to Armando’s that he says they are likely to be confused.
Real Estate Training International is asking for “three times each defendant’s profits or plaintiff’s damages, whichever is greater” and attorney fees.
Armando believes he will prevail. However, David argues that he and their father have used the family name for their businesses and have not been confused. He points out that he and brother Armando split their partnership publicly in front of 1.2 million viewers.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of unfair business practices, contact the attorneys at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by phone at (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211.