EarthQuaker Devices, LLC, a company renowned for its hand-built electronic effects pedals, has filed a lawsuit accusing another business of infringing on its trademarks. The complaint was lodged by EarthQuaker Devices in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on January 29, 2026, against IK Multimedia US, LLC and IK Multimedia Production SRL. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants have unlawfully used EarthQuaker’s trademarks to market their own products, causing confusion among consumers.
EarthQuaker Devices (EQD), based in Akron, Ohio, has been crafting unique musical instrument effects pedals for over two decades. They hold several exclusive trademarks and service marks for their products and services, including “EARTHQUAKER DEVICES” and “LIFE PEDAL.” EQD claims these marks are strong and distinctive due to their long-standing use since 2007 when founder Jamie Stillman launched the company’s first production pedal. Over the years, EQD has grown significantly from selling one-off builds on eBay to employing over 30 people in a 15,000 square foot facility producing more than 40 different devices.
The crux of EQD’s complaint is that IK Multimedia is allegedly using EQD’s marks without permission to sell digital tone models that mimic EQD’s LIFE PEDAL Device. These tone models are marketed as part of a “Boutiques Overdrives” bundle on IK Multimedia’s website. EQD asserts that this unauthorized use creates consumer confusion about an affiliation between the two companies. In particular, they highlight how IK Multimedia uses bolded text stating “EQD Life Pedal” alongside images of EQD’s actual device on their website—actions which EQD argues mislead customers into believing there is an association or endorsement by EarthQuaker Devices.
In response to these alleged infringements, EarthQuaker Devices sent cease-and-desist notices to IK Multimedia demanding they stop using the disputed trademarks and remove infringing content from their platforms. However, according to the complaint, IK Multimedia denied any wrongdoing and argued that a small disclaimer at the bottom of their webpage suffices to prevent confusion—a claim EQD disputes.
EarthQuaker Devices seeks several forms of relief from the court: preliminary and permanent injunctions preventing further trademark infringement; destruction of all infringing materials; accounting for damages suffered due to unfair competition; treble damages under federal law due to willful infringement; and attorneys’ fees as this case is deemed exceptional under trademark law standards.
Representing EarthQuaker Devices are attorneys Ross M. Kowalski and Carter S. Ostrowski from Tucker Ellis LLP’s Cleveland office along with Steven E. Lauridsen from their Los Angeles office who plans to file pro hac vice status for this case presided over by Judge Benita Y. Pearson under Case ID 5:26-cv-00243-BYP.
Source: 526cv00243_Earthquaker_Devices_LLC_v_IK_Multimedia_US_LLC_Complaint_Northern_District_Ohio.pdf
