TRO Case
Zhenbiao Zhang v. The Partnerships and Unincorporated Associations Identified on Schedule A
Trademark Infringement
Case No.
1:2026-cv-04746
Filing Date
4/27/2026
Plaintiff
Zhenbiao Zhang
Court
Northern District of Illinois
5/5/2026
Order
5/1/2026
MINUTE entry before the Honorable Georgia N. Alexakis: For the reasons set forth in Plaintiff's motion for expedited discovery, the Court grants Plaintiff's motion for expedited discovery [9]. With respect to Plaintiff's motion for electronic service of process [11], by 5/11/2026, Plaintiff is directed to file a supplement to its motion addressing Smart Study Co., Ltd v. Shenzhenshixindajixieyouxiangongsi, 164 F.4th 164 (2d Cir. 2025) (concluding that the Hague Service Convention does not permit service on defendants in signatory countries and that electronic service on such defendants is improper under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(f)). By 5/4/2026, Plaintiff is directed to submit a revised proposed order to the Court's proposed order inbox reflecting only the grant of Plaintiff's motion for expedited discovery. The Court vacates the 5/4/2026 motion hearing. Mailed notice.
4/28/2026
AMENDED complaint by Zhenbiao Zhang against The Partnerships and Unincorporated Associations Identified on Schedule A
4/28/2026
MOTION by Plaintiff Zhenbiao Zhang Electronic Service of Process Pursuant to FRCP 4(f)(3)
4/28/2026
NOTICE of Motion by Wengang He for presentment of motion for miscellaneous relief, 11, motion for leave to file 5 before Honorable Georgia N. Alexakis on 5/4/2026 at 09:30 AM.
4/28/2026
MEMORANDUM in support of Ex Parte Motion for leave to conduct expedited discovery 9
4/28/2026
MINUTE entry before the Honorable Georgia N. Alexakis: The Court grants Plaintiff's motion for leave to file certain documents under seal 5. Upon review of the complaint, the Court sua sponte raises the propriety of joining 191 defendants in a single action. By 5/12/2026, plaintiff must file a supplemental memorandum addressing the propriety of joinder in light of this Court's orders in Bug Art Limited v. The Partnerships, 24 CV 7777, Dkt. 28 (N.D. Ill. Oct. 28, 2024), and Anagram International v. The Partnerships, 24 CV 12194, Dkt. 87 (N.D. Ill. Feb. 21, 2025). In the alternative, plaintiff has leave to file an amended complaint by 5/12/2026 with a smaller subset of defendants along with a memorandum explaining why that smaller subset of defendants is properly joined. No motion for an ex parte temporary restraining order should be filed in this matter without counsel first consulting this Court's order in Wham-O Holding v. The Partnerships, 24 CV 12523, Dkt. 39 (N.D. Ill. Feb. 20, 2025). Initial status hearing is set for 6/25/2026 at 9:30 a.m. in person in Courtroom 1719. By 6/18/2026, the parties shall file a Joint Initial Status Report that complies with the Court's standing orders, which can be found on the Court's website. If the defendant(s) have not been served by the initial status hearing date, Plaintiff must contact the Courtroom Deputy to reschedule the status hearing and the date for filing the Joint Initial Status Report. Mailed notice.
4/27/2026
SEALED EXHIBIT by Plaintiff Zhenbiao Zhang Schedule A regarding complaint 1
4/27/2026
SEALED EXHIBIT by Plaintiff Zhenbiao Zhang Genuine Listing regarding complaint 1
4/27/2026
SEALED EXHIBIT by Plaintiff Zhenbiao Zhang Trademark Registration regarding complaint 1
4/27/2026
Complaint
4/27/2026
CASE ASSIGNED to the Honorable Georgia N. Alexakis. Designated as Magistrate Judge the Honorable Maria Valdez. Case assignment: Random assignment. (Civil Category 2).
4/27/2026
CIVIL Cover Sheet
4/27/2026
CLERK'S NOTICE: Pursuant to Local Rule 73.1(b), a United States Magistrate Judge of this court is available to conduct all proceedings in this civil action. If all parties consent to have the currently assigned United States Magistrate Judge conduct all proceedings in this case, including trial, the entry of final judgment, and all post-trial proceedings, all parties must sign their names on the attached Consent To form. This consent form is eligible for filing only if executed by all parties. The parties can also express their consent to jurisdiction by a magistrate judge in any joint filing, including the Joint Initial Status Report or proposed Case Management Order.
4/27/2026
ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiff Zhenbiao Zhang by Wengang He
4/27/2026