Item 1. Legal Proceedings
ITEM
1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On
April 23, 2026, Dermata was served with a complaint filed by Villani, Inc. (“Villani”) in the U.S. District Court for
the Central District of California (“Lawsuit”). The Lawsuit alleges the Company made false or misleading advertising statements
under the Lanham Act 15 USC § 1125, breach of contract, and conversion, and seeks injunctive relief. In connection with the Lawsuit,
on April 26, 2026, Villani filed a motion seeking a temporary restraining order (“TRO”), and on June 18, 2026 filed a motion
seeking a preliminary injunction.
On
May 6, 2026, the court denied the TRO in part as related to Villani’s breach of contract and conversion claims, and granted the
TRO in part as related to certain of Villani’s false or misleading advertising claims, which imposed certain temporary restrictions
on specific statements the Company could make pending further proceedings. A hearing on Villani’s motion for a preliminary injunction
was held on July 16, 2026, and at that hearing the Court extended the TRO pending its decision.
On
August 5, 2026, the Court denied Villani’s motion for a preliminary injunction in its entirety and vacated the injunctive relief
granted in the TRO. As a result, the Company is not currently subject to any injunctive restrictions. In denying the motion, the Court
found that Villani was not likely to succeed on its Lanham Act, conversion, and declaratory judgment claims and that, although questions
exist going to the merits of Villani’s breach of contract claim, Villani had not established a likelihood of immediate irreparable
harm and the balance of equities favored the Company. The Lawsuit remains pending, and Villani may continue to seek injunctive relief,
including a permanent injunction, and damages as the case proceeds.
On
June 5, 2026, Villani filed a Statement of Claims with the American Arbitration Association, commencing arbitration based on the same
conduct alleged in the Lawsuit (“Arbitration”). Villani alleges breach of contract, breach of the duty of good faith and
fair dealing, false advertising under the Lanham Act 15 USC § 1125, violation of California Business and Professions Code §§
17200, et seq., and conversion. Villani seeks money damages in the Arbitration.
At
this time, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or the amount or range of potential
loss, if any, that may result from this matter. Although the TRO has been vacated and Villani’s motion for a preliminary injunction
was denied, Villani continues to seek injunctive relief and damages in the Lawsuit and money damages in the Arbitration. Any future injunctive
relief, or an arbitration award for damages, could have an adverse impact on the Company’s operations, financial condition, and
results of operations, particularly if any such restrictions were broad in scope or remained in place for an extended period.
The
Company will continue to monitor developments in this matter and will adjust its disclosures as appropriate.
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