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HOUSTON — A Washington-based immigration law firm, specializing in visas for domestic violence and sex trafficking victims, has filed a lawsuit against a Texas competitor, alleging employee poaching and trademark infringement. Alexandra Lozano Immigration Law PLLC initiated the suit in late May against former employee Juan Pablo Diaz Cuenca and Meneses Law Firm PLLC. The case was moved to federal court on Friday, according to court records.

The complaint alleges that Diaz, while employed at Alexandra Lozano Immigration Law, had access to the firm’s confidential business information. Following his termination, Diaz was hired by Meneses Law Firm, which allegedly began using the trademarked phrase "Arreglar sin salir!" — translating to "fix without leaving" — a phrase registered by Alexandra Lozano Immigration Law.

The lawsuit includes multiple claims, such as unfair competition, misappropriation of trade secrets, and false designation of origin. The latter relates to the alleged unauthorized use of "Arreglar sin salir!" by Meneses Law Firm. The complaint argues that the Texas firm’s use of the phrase has misled consumers into believing that Meneses Law’s services were affiliated with or provided by Alexandra Lozano Immigration Law.

Joseph Y. Ahmad, attorney for Meneses Law Firm, contends that the allegations are baseless. "Plaintiff seeks, for example, to claim trademark infringement of the phrase 'Arreglar sin salir,'" Ahmad said. "Those are three common words in Spanish and have been used by other immigration firms."

Ahmad also addressed the claims regarding employee poaching. "As far as hiring plaintiff's employees, it is true that many of plaintiff's employees have sought to leave," he said. "This lawsuit appears to be an attempt to prevent employees from leaving because of their pay and working conditions, and to stop a competing immigration firm from using legal principles on behalf of their clients. We look forward to vigorously defending our client against these allegations."

Counsel for the other parties did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Alexandra Lozano Immigration Law PLLC is representing itself in the lawsuit. Meneses Law Firm PLLC is represented by Joseph Y. Ahmad, Jason S. McManis, and Michael Killingsworth of Ahmad Zavitsanos & Mensing PLLC. Juan Pablo Diaz Cuenca is representing himself.

The case is Alexandra Lozano Immigration Law PLLC v. Meneses Law Firm PLLC et al., case number 4:24-cv-02190, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.