Home Mortgage Alliance Corporation Strengthens Legal Position with Robins Kaplan Against OCMBC

Home Mortgage Alliance Corporation Tackles Legal Challenges

Home Mortgage Alliance Corporation (HMAC), which operates under the name Jet Mortgage, has made a significant move by adding Robins Kaplan, a prominent national litigation firm, to its legal team as it presses forward with its lawsuit against OCMBC, Inc. and its former executive, Michael Turturro. This partnership with Robins Kaplan comes as a crucial step in addressing serious allegations brought forth by HMAC against Turturro and his new employer.

The Legal Battle Unfolds

In June 2024, HMAC initiated legal proceedings in the Superior Court of the State of California, specifically in Orange County. The lawsuit centers around claims of unfair business practices, including allegations of trademark infringement, fraud, misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty, and civil conspiracy committed by Turturro and OCMBC. HMAC's legal arguments assert that their former senior executive engaged in actions detrimental to the company, undermining its competitive position in the mortgage lending market.

The heart of the dispute involves the trade name 'Jet Advantage Mortgage,' which HMAC contends is strikingly similar to its own operating name 'Jet Mortgage.' Notably, both companies function as direct competitors within the same geographic area, which raises concerns about consumer confusion. HMAC's legal team stressed that the defendants acted intentionally to mislead consumers by adopting a similar name, and this claim garnered support from the court.

Court's Preliminary Ruling

On May 15, 2025, the court ruled in favor of HMAC by granting a preliminary injunction to prevent both OCMBC and Turturro from utilizing the contested trade name. The ruling reflected that the available evidence suggested a significant likelihood of confusion among consumers due to the resemblance of the two names. The judge noted, "The majority of factors support that the [OCMBC's and Turturro's] use of the trade name 'Jet Advantage Mortgage'... creates a substantial likelihood of confusion."

This ruling serves as a critical victory for HMAC and affirms their claims surrounding trademark infringement and unfair competition. Founding member Alfred Hanna expressed his approval of the court's decision, demonstrating optimism regarding the protection of HMAC's brand and reputation.

HMAC's Commitment to Justice

Following this legal triumph, HMAC expressed enthusiasm about forming a coalition with Robins Kaplan. Jason Fair, Managing Partner of Robins Kaplan's California offices, has joined forces with Alan Lindeke and his legal team at SeldenLindeke LLP. They are committed to ensuring that HMAC's rights to the 'Jet Mortgage' brand are upheld, with a focus on addressing the alleged wrongdoings that prompted this legal battle.

Alfred Hanna remarked, "We're pleased that Robins Kaplan, and Jason Fair... are joining with Alan Lindeke and his team... to protect our rights to the Jet Mortgage brand and redress the wrongdoing that has occurred." HMAC looks forward to a prompt trial to bring closure to what has been described as a troubling chapter in its corporate history.

HMAC's Operational Background

Home Mortgage Alliance Corporation has established itself as a reliable national mortgage lender, licensed across 47 states, with a robust network of 13 branches and over 175 loan officers. Introduced in 2022, the Jet Mortgage division functions as a national wholesale lender, delivering services to a vast array of over 1,900 mortgage brokers nationwide. This extensive operational footprint underscores the significance of protecting its brand integrity in a competitive marketplace.

In conclusion, as HMAC continues to navigate this legal landscape, the combined efforts of its newly fortified legal team mark a decisive strategy to safeguard its brand while seeking justice against perceived unfair practices in the industry.