---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0001493152-25-002670"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "BNAI"
cik: "0001838163"
company_name: "Brand Engagement Network Inc."
filed_at: "2025-01-17T23:59:59+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-05-27T23:26:05.395541+00:00"
event_type: "litigation"
sentiment: "negative"
materiality_score: 0.75
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.75
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# BEN terminates AFG reseller agreement, files lawsuit alleging fraud and ransomware concealment

## Summary
- Terminated Exclusive Reseller Agreement with AFG Companies; filed lawsuit against AFG and CEO Ralph Wright Brewer III.
- Lawsuit filed Jan 16, 2025 in N.D. Texas alleging fraudulent misrepresentation, breach of contract, and concealment of ransomware attack.
- AFG's failure to provide operational-ready data platform hindered BEN's ability to deliver AI solutions to dealerships.
- Company proceeding with Automotive AI Agent launch supporting over 13,000 dealerships; secured automotive pilots.
- Plans to expand through Midwest pilots, Mexican reseller partnerships, and Canadian dealer groups.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0001493152-25-002670
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: BNAI
- cik: 0001838163
- company_name: Brand Engagement Network Inc.
- filed_at: 2025-01-17T23:59:59+00:00
- event_type: litigation
- sentiment: negative
- materiality_score: 0.75
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.75
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 1.02, 7.01, 8.01, 9.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1838163/000149315225002670/0001493152-25-002670-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1838163/000149315225002670/form8-k.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001493152-25-002670
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001493152-25-002670.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001493152-25-002670.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.