A worldwide manufacturer and distributor of products to the hospitality industry, headquartered in downtown Youngstown, filed suit last week against a Mexican competitor, claiming copyright and trademark infringements.

Steelite International U.S.A. Inc. is suing Anfora International, based in Hidalgo, Mexico, according to paperwork filed Dec. 8 in U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Youngstown. The company, which is seeking a jury trial, wants more than $75,000 in damages and other concessions.

The dispute involves Steelite’s Paloma design, court paperwork said. With the project’s artwork finished July 18, Paloma’s design and trademark were released internally and confidentially to Steelite’s staff on Oct. 23.

Four days later, Steelite publicly presented the Paloma design and trademark to its independent sales representatives. Not long after, Anfora was selling plates with Steelite’s artwork, the company charges.

Steelite said its relationship with Anfora dates to 2004, when the company first distributed the Mexican company’s products. Steelite said it sought to extend the relationship between the pair, but Anfora declined. Their current contract ends in April 2026.

Steelite said it is no longer an exclusive distributor of Anfora products, and the two have become competitors.

“As negotiations between the parties stalled, and in anticipation of the possible expiration of the parties’ agreement, Steelite began developing original and distinct dinnerware products that would supplement Steelite’s wide-ranging, existing portfolio,” the lawsuit states.

“The Paloma design has substantial commercial value, as it was developed to supplement Steelite’s portfolio with a product that could compete with the Anfora products that Steelite would no longer distribute in the event the parties’ relationship ended.”

Steelite filed a copyright application for the Paloma plate design Dec. 3 and a trademark application for the word “Paloma” Dec. 8, which reflects its first use on Oct. 27.

Anfora filed its trademark application for its Paloma design Nov. 21.

The lawsuit accuses Anfora of copyright infringement; false designation of origin, trademark infringement and unfair competition; deceptive trade practices; unfair competition; and unjust enrichment.

Steelite moved its headquarters from New Castle, Pa., to downtown Youngstown in early 2024. Its distribution center and warehouse are in Neshannock Township, Lawrence County, Pa. Manufacturing takes place in the United Kingdom and New York, while sourcing products from 17 countries, according to its website.

The company said its products reach 140 countries and its core brands include Steelite Distinction & Performance, William Edwards, D.W. Haber, Creations, Folio, Varick, Homer Laughlin, Hall China, Hollowick and Aspen Drinkware.