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Instagram star Dan Bilzerian has told a federal judge in Nevada that the state is the appropriate venue for his lawsuit against Scott Rohleder, the former chief financial officer of the vape and lifestyle brand Ignite, despite the company's headquarters being in Canada.

In a response brief filed Thursday, Bilzerian argued against Rohleder's motion to dismiss the case, asserting that both Ignite International Ltd. and its U.S. counterpart, Ignite U.S., have significant connections to Nevada. Bilzerian pointed out that the companies extensively market their products in the U.S., particularly in Nevada, using his likeness, voice, and brand, including images and videos taken in Las Vegas, where he resides.

Rohleder contends that Bilzerian should address the claims in British Columbia, Canada, where a related lawsuit is also pending. However, Bilzerian’s response emphasizes that the Canadian case does not involve Ignite U.S., a corporation registered in Wyoming, which is the focus of the U.S. lawsuit.

Bilzerian's lawsuit, filed in November 2023, alleges that after being ousted as the nominal CEO of Ignite in December 2023 by his father, Paul A. Bilzerian, and Rohleder, his likeness and name continued to be used without his permission. The suit gained further traction following the indictment of Paul Bilzerian and Rohleder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in September 2024, accused of securities and wire fraud.

Bilzerian also accused Rohleder of perjury in his motion to dismiss, claiming that the former CFO deliberately downplayed the amount of business Ignite conducts in Nevada. While Rohleder argued that Ignite lacked sufficient business in Nevada to support a U.S. case, Bilzerian countered by citing a distribution network that sells products at 124 retail locations across the state.

Ignite and Ignite U.S. have been involved in controversies prior to Bilzerian's departure, including a $1.2 million judgment in April 2023 for failing to fulfill a deal with Resorts World Las Vegas for its grand opening in 2021.

Representatives for both sides did not respond to requests for comment.

Dan Bilzerian is represented by Jakub P. Medrala of The Medrala Law Firm PLLC.

Ignite International Ltd. and Scott Rohleder are represented by Eric R. Olsen and Erika Pike Turner of German Turner Gordon LLP.

The case is Bilzerian v. Ignite International Brands Ltd. et al., case number 2:24-cv-02101, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada.