Michael Chow of Mr. Chow restaurants was awarded $1 million in damages Thursday after a Miami jury found that a competing restaurant chain stole menus and other intangible items, according to a representative for Mr. Chow.
The jury found that Stratis Morfogen, a famed restaurateur, and corporations that owned Philippe Chow Restaurants stole intangible items in order to support their competing restaurants.
Nothing was awarded to Morfogen's countersuit.
"I am extremely pleased with the verdict and thankful that the truth is finally emerging concerning the false advertising and unfair business tactics of Morfogen and the Philippe Chow Restaurants," Michael Chow said in a statement.
The owners of Philippe Chow Restaurants were found guilty of false advertising and unfair competition by deceptive conduct, according to the representative.
Some of the evidence presented included paid online links that advertised Mr. Chow's New York restaurant as being located at the Philippe Chow restaurant, the representative said. It also falsely stated that Mr. Philippe Chow Chau was a "mastermind" behind the Philippe Chow's dishes.
"This case was not about the money and the jury understood that despite all that he has endured, Michael Chow has and will continue to be highly successful," said Bertram Fields, an attorney for Mr. Chow.
Chow was originally seeking $20 million in damages.
Morfogen and Philippe Chow also claimed victory, with Morfogen telling The Miami Herald they celebrated the decision with champagne.
“It’s a win and we will take it and fight that small charge of false advertising,” said Morfogen, who noted that their side won all but one count brought against them, according to the newspaper. “It’s like being tried for murder and being convicted of jaywalking. We are happy that justice prevailed.”
Mr. Chow’s Miami Beach restaurant is located in the W Hotel, while Philippe by Philippe Chow is located on Ocean Drive.
