Apple Computer, Inc. v. Podfitness, Inc.

Filing 58

ANSWER to Amended Complaint, COUNTERCLAIM With Jury Demand against Apple Computer, Inc., filed by Podfitness, Inc.. (Veverka, Charles) (Filed on 8/31/2007) Modified on 9/4/2007 (jlm, COURT STAFF).

Apple Computer, Inc. v. Podfitness, Inc.

Doc. 58

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 1 of 35

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11

Larry R. Laycock (Admitted Pro Hac Vice) Charles 1. Veverka (Admitted Pro Hac Vice) Robert E. Aycock (Admitted Pro Hac Vice) Mark W. Ford (Admitted Pro Hac Vice) WORKMANI NYDEGGER 1000 Eagle Gate Tower 60 East South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Telephone: [phone] Facsimile: [phone] Email: [e-mail] William B. Farmer (State Bar No. 46694) Jacob Alpren (State Bar No. 235713) COLLETTE RICKSON ARMER 0 'NEILL LLP E F & 235 Pine Street, Suite 1300 San Francisco, CA 94104 Telephone: [phone] Facsimile: [phone] Email: [e-mail] Attorneys for Defendant PODFITNESS, INC. UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA SAN FRANCISCO DIVISION APPLE, INC., Plaintiff,
v.

12
13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Civil Action No. 4:06-cv-05805 SBA

PODFITNESS, INC., and DOES 1-100, inclusive Defendants.

ANSWER TO FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT AND COUNTERCLAIM DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL Hon. Saundra B. Armstrong

22
23 24 25 Defendant PODFITNESS, INC. ("Defendant" or "Podfitness") hereby answers the First Amended Complaint of Plaintiff APPLE COMPUTER, INC. ("Plaintiff' or "Apple"). For clarity, Defendant will retain use of the headings contained within Plaintiffs First Amended

26
27

Dockets.Justia.com

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 2 of 35

1 2 3
4 5

Complaint. However, Defendant denies the allegations or claims made by Plaintiff in its titles or headings within its First Amended Complaint. Defendant hereby answers as follows: NATURE OF THE ACTION
1.

Defendant denies that it has infringed, willfully or otherwise, or diluted Plaintiff s

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

trademark "IPOD" under the Lanham Act. Defendant denies that it has infringed, diluted, or committed unfair competition under any provision of the California Business & Professions Code. Defendant acknowledges that by its First Amended Complaint Plaintiff purports to seek permanent injunctive relief and damages for breach of contract and cybersquatting in violation of the Lanham Act, but Defendant denies both that Plaintiff has stated such claims upon which relief can be granted and that Defendant has breached any contract or cybersquatted in violation of the Lanham Act. Defendant also denies each and every allegation of paragraph 1 not expressly admitted herein.
2.

Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 2 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
3.

Defendant admits that it is a Nevada corporation with a business address at 235

West Sego Lily Drive, Sandy, Utah 84070.
4.

Defendant admits that it is in the business of offering goods and services that

involve the use of Apple's ITUNES to create customized digital audio files. Defendant admits that its customized audio files feature music and instructional advice, and can be played on portable media players, including the IPOD. Defendant admits that it promotes Podfitness products on the Internet at http://www.podfitness.com. and that it uses its PODFITNESS mark

and other marks containing the letters "pod" in connection with its goods and services. Defendant denies that any of Pod fitness' trade names are confusingly similar to Plaintiffs trademarks or that Defendant has sought to imply an association with Plaintiff in its marketing

2

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 3 of 35

1 2 3
4

and advertising. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 4 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.

JURISDICTION
5.

AND VENUE

5

Defendant denies that the acts and transactions complained of in paragraph 5 of

6 7 8 9 10
11

the First Amended Complaint give rise to any liability, and specifically denies that there is any merit to the claims of Plaintiff. Defendant admits that jurisdiction of this Court may be founded upon 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1338, 1367 and that the First Amended Complaint purports to plead a civil action arising under the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1114, 1125(a), (c), and (d), et seq. and under the common and statutory laws of California.
6.

Defendant admits that it owns and operates an interactive website, and solicits

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

business in California. Defendant denies that it uses or infringes Plaintiffs trademarks in this or any State. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 6 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
7.

Defendant denies that the acts and transactions complained of in paragraph 7 of

the First Amended Complaint give rise to any liability, and specifically denies that there is any merit to the claims of Plaintiff. Defendant admits the remaining allegations of paragraph 7 of the First Amended Complaint. BACKGROUND
8.

Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 8 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
9.

Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 9 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.

26
27 3 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 4 of 35

1

10.

Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or

2 3
4

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 10 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
11.

Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 11 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
12.

Defendant admits that the First Amended Complaint alleges that the IPOD player

is comprised of a portable and handheld digital electronic device and integrated software for recording, organizing, transmitting, manipulating, and reviewing text, audio, and video files, and that the IPOD player is promoted and sold for a variety of uses, including entertainment, education, and exercise; however, Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 12, and on that basis denies such allegations. 13. Defendant denies that Plaintiffs "earbuds," purportedly consisting of white

circular ear speakers with a gray rim, which are attached to a white cylinder of molded plastic covering the white wire, are distinctive or unique to Plaintiff. Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 13 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
14.

Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 14 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation. 15. Defendant admits that a copy of what appears to be a USPTO online record for

22
23 24 25 26 27

United States Trademark Registration No. 3,089,360 is attached to the First Amended Complaint as Exhibit A; however, Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 15 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.

4

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 5 of 35

1

16.

Defendant admits that a copy of what appears to be a USPTO online record for

2 3 4 5
6

United States Trademark Registration No. 2,835,698 is attached to the First Amended Complaint as Exhibit B; however, Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 16 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
17.

Defendant admits that a copy of what appears to be a USPTO online record for

7 8 9 10
11

United States Trademark Registration No. 2,781,061 is attached to the First Amended Complaint as Exhibit C; however, Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 17 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation. 18. Defendant admits that a copy of what appears to be a USPTO online record for

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

United States Trademark Application Serial No. 78/521,891 is attached as Exhibit D; however, Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 18 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
19.

Defendant admits that a copy of what appears to be a USPTO online record for

United States Trademark Application Serial No. 78/532,252 is attached as Exhibit E; however, Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 19 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
20.

Defendant admits that a copy of what appears to be a USPTO online record for

United States Trademark Application Serial No. 78/778,627 is attached as Exhibit F; however, Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 20 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
21.

26
27

Defendant admits that a copy of what appears to be a USPTO online record for

United States Trademark Application Serial No. 78/653,661 is attached as Exhibit G; however,
5

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 6 of 35

1 2 3
4

Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 21 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
22.

Defendant admits that a copy of what appears to be a USPTO online record for

5 6 7 8
9

United States Trademark Application Serial No. 78/689,534 is attached as Exhibit H; however, Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 22 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation. 23. Defendant admits that a copy of what appears to be a USPTO online record for

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

United States Trademark Application Serial No. 78/606,357 is attached as Exhibit I; however, Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 23 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
24.

Defendant admits that a copy of what appears to be a USPTO online record for

United States Trademark Application Serial No. 78/833,929 is attached as Exhibit J; however, Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 24 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation. 25. Defendant admits that a copy of what appears to be a USPTO online record for

United States Trademark Application Serial No. 78/653,667 is attached as Exhibit K; however, Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 25 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
26.

Defendant admits that a copy of what appears to be a USPTO online record for

United States Trademark Application Serial No. 78/653,669 is attached as Exhibit L; however, Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the

6

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 7 of 35

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8

remaining allegations of paragraph 26 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
27.

Defendant admits that a copy of what appears to be a USPTO online record for

United States Trademark Application Serial No. 78/521,796 is attached as Exhibit M; however, Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 27 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation. 28. Defendant admits that a copy of what appears to be a USPTO online record for

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

United States Trademark Application Serial No. 78/459,101 is attached as Exhibit N; however, Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 28 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
29.

Defendant admits that Plaintiff is using the "IPOD" mark in commerce on and in

connection with portable media players and associated goods and services. Defendant denies, however, that Plaintiff has a valid a recognizable trademark for "POD" and on that basis denies the remaining allegations of paragraph 29 of the First Amended Complaint. 30. Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 30 of the First Amended Complaint and on that basis denies each and every such allegation. 31. Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 31 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation. 32. Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 32 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.

26
27 7 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 8 of 35

1

33.

Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or

2 3
4

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 33 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation. 34. Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 34 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
35.

Defendant admits that it launched its business in March 2006. Defendant denies

each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 35 of the First Amended Complaint, not expressly admitted herein. 36. Defendant admits that it uses its PODFITNESS mark in association with its

downloadable audio files for media players and related services, which it promotes and provides on the Internet through its website at www.podfitness.com. 37. Defendant admits that it provides a service wherein the subscribers select a

particular exercise, a particular trainer, and a particular music playlist from the subscriber's music library, and that its customers must download the Podfitness Mixer, which helps create a customized audio workout that plays the subscriber's music in conjunction with the trainer's voice instructions. Defendant admits that the Podfitness application has intelligence to cater the trainer's voice to the subscriber. The result is a customized audio workout that plays the subscriber's music as background music to the trainer's voice instruction. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 37 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
38.

22
23 24 25 26 27

Defendant admits that Plaintiff provided free downloads of iTunes software over

the Internet to the general public before Podfitness began operations. Defendant also admits that it manufactures and promotes a software application called "Podfitness Mixer." Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 38 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.

8

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 9 of 35

1

39.

Defendant admits that it generally charges its subscribers $19.95 per month to use

2 3 4
5

its service. Defendant also admits that no portion of the subscriber fees go to Apple. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 39 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
40.

Defendant admits that it uses software called "Podfitness Mixer" to create an

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

audio file that plays a trainer's voice in conjunction with music. Defendant admits that the image appearing in paragraph 40 of the First Amended Complaint appears to be a duplication of Defendant's former Internet website, which is no longer in use. Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 40 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every such remaining allegation not expressly admitted herein.
41.

Defendant admits that the document attached as Exhibit 0 to the First Amended

Complaint purports to be a copy of "The iTunes COM for Windows SDK License Agreement," which provides in part "[ n]o names, trademarks, service marks or logos of Apple Computer, Inc. may be used to endorse or promote products derived from Apple Software without specific prior written permission from Apple." Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 41 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every remaining allegation.
42.

Defendant admits that the document attached as Exhibit P to the First Amended

Complaint purports to be a copy of "Apple Developer Connection Terms and Conditions," which provides in part: "You agree to follow Apple's Guidelines for using Apple Trademarks and Copyrights as published at Apple's website at www.apple.com/legallguidlinesfor3rdparties.html and as may be modified from time to time. You agree not to use the marks' Apple' the Apple Logo, and 'Mac' or any other marks belonging to Apple in any way except as expressly authorized by Apple." Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 42 of the First Amended Complaint, and on that basis denies each and every remaining allegation.
9

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 10 of 35

1

43.

Defendant admits that it has not obtained express permission from Plaintiff to use

2 3 4
5

its purported/alleged trademarks in connection with Defendant's services. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 43 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
44.

Defendant denies the allegations in paragraph 44 of the First Amended First

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Amended Complaint. 45. Plaintiff s use of the term "logo" is undefined and ambiguous with respect to its

legal implication. On that basis, Defendant denies that it has adopted any "logo." Defendant denies that Plaintiff owns any trade dress rights in ear phones. Defendant denies that the two images reproduced in paragraph 45 are "strikingly similar" to each other. Defendant further denies that Exhibits Q and R to the First Amended Complaint contain images that are "strikingly similar." Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 45 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
46.

Defendant admits that the following appear or have appeared on the website: "Put a Personal Trainer right on your IPOD®," "Customized

www.podfitness.com

IPOD Workouts," and "you will need to have ITUNES 6 installed in order to use the PodFitness software." Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation in paragraph 46 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
47.

Defendant denies the allegations in paragraph 47 of the First Amended

Complaint.
48.

Defendant denies that it currently uses the metatags identified in paragraph 48 of

the First Amended Complaint. Defendant admits that it used some or all of these metatags in the past. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation in paragraph 48 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
49.

Defendant denies the allegations in paragraph 49 of the First Amended Complaint

that it currently owns the keywords "IPOD Workout" and "IPOD Fitness." Defendant is without information sufficient to admit or deny whether any of its independent affiliates have purchased 10 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 11 of 35

1 2 3
4

such keywords without Defendant's authorization or knowledge. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation in paragraph 49 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein. 50. Defendant denies the allegations in paragraph 50 of the First Amended Complaint

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

that it currently incorporates the letters "IPOD" into its domain name. Defendant admits that it formerly registered and used the domain names ipodfitness.com and ipodworkout.com and that these domain names were forwarded to podfitness. com. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation in paragraph 50 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein. 51. Defendant admits that the quoted language appears on its website. Defendant

denies each and every remaining allegation in paragraph 51 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein. 52. Defendant admits that Exhibit U appears to be a copy of an advertisement that

Defendant ran in the Wall Street Journal. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation in paragraph 52 of the Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
53.

Defendant denies that the quoted language currently appears on its website at Defendant admits that the quoted language, or something

www.podfitness.com/steve.

substantially similar, appeared on its former website. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation in paragraph 53 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein. 54. Defendant admits that neither Steve Jobs nor Plaintiff authorized the use of Jobs's

name in Defendant's advertisements for the PODFITNESS product. Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations of paragraph 54 of the First Amended Complaint and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
55.

26
27

Defendant admits that Exhibit V appears to be copies of its draft or actual

marketing materials. Defendant denies that such marketing material is currently being used by
11

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 12 of 35

1 2 3 4
5

Defendant. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation in paragraph 55 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein. 56. Complaint. 57. Defendant admits that it has entered into a business relationship with the W Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 56 of the First Amended

6 7
8

Hotels. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 57 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
58.

Defendant admits that it entered into a relationship with Marware, Inc. Defendant

9 10
11

denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 58 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein. 59. Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 59 of the First Amended Complaint

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

that it currently uses the alleged "logo" reproduced on the left. Defendant admits that it used an image substantially similar to the one reproduced in paragraph 59 of the First Amended Complaint in the past. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 59 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
60.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 60 of the First Amended

Complaint.
61.

Defendant admits that there is no affiliation between it and Plaintiff. Defendant

denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 61 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
62.

Defendant admits the allegations of paragraph 62 of the First Amended

Complaint. 63. Complaint.
64.

Defendant admits the allegations of paragraph 63 of the First Amended

Defendant admits the allegations of paragraph 64 of the First Amended

Complaint.

12

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 13 of 35

1

65. Complaint.
66.

Defendant admits the allegations of paragraph 65 of the First Amended

2 3 4 5
6

Defendant admits that Plaintiff defines a naming convention it attempts to use

throughout the remaining paragraphs of its First Amended Complaint. Defendant denies all remaining inferences and allegations in paragraph 66 of the First Amended Complaint. 67. Defendant admits that Plaintiffs counsel sent a letter dated March 14, 2006, to

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Jeffrey Hays, alleging that Defendant's use of its Podfitness marks infringed Plaintiff s trademark rights. Defendant admits that in such letter, Plaintiff s counsel requested that Defendant cease its use of the marks and its plan to launch the product, and to abandon its pending trademark applications. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 67 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
68.

Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 68 of the First Amended Complaint and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
69.

Defendant admits that it launched the PODFITNESS service. Defendant denies

each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 69 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein. 70. Defendant admits that it continues to use its Podfitness marks. Defendant denies

each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 70 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
71.

Defendant admits that it is and was aware of the IPOD mark and Plaintiff s

business generally. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 71 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
72.

Defendant denies that it infringes or has infringed any of Plaintiffs

marks.

Defendant admits that the first use of the Podfitness mark was after Plaintiff s first use of the IPOD mark. Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity

13

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 14 of 35

1 2 3 4
5

of the allegations of paragraph 72 of the First Amended Complaint and on that basis denies each and every such allegation. 73. Complaint.
74.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 73 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 74 of the First Amended

6 7 8
9

Complaint. 75. Complaint. 76. Defendant admits that it uses its marks on goods and services available on its Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 75 of the First Amended

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

website. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 76 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein.
77.

Defendant admits that its promotion and sales of its goods and services are

directed to all consumers of portable audio devices, including but not limited to Plaintiff s IPOD. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 77 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein. 78. Complaint.
79.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 78 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 79 of the First Amended

Complaint.
80.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 80 of the First Amended

Complaint. 81. Complaint. FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION (Trademark Infringement - 15 U.S.c. § 1114(1» 82. allegations. 14 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

22
23 24 25

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 81 of the First Amended

26
27

No responsive pleading is required for Paragraph 82 which realleges prior

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 15 of 35

1

83.

Defendant admits the allegations of paragraph 83 of the First Amended

2 3 4 5
6

Complaint.
84.

Defendant denies that any of the acts alleged in the First Amended Complaint Defendant admits each and every remaining allegation of paragraph

constitute an infringement.

84 of the First Amended Complaint.
85.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 85 of the First Amended

7
8

Complaint.
86.

Defendant admits that its Podfitness marks are used in interstate commerce,

9 10
11

including in this judicial district. Defendant denies each and every remaining allegation of paragraph 86 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein. 87. Defendant denies that any of the acts alleged in the First Amended Complaint Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

constitute an infringement.

truth or falsity of the allegations of paragraph 87 of the First Amended Complaint and on that basis denies each and every such allegation.
88.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 88 of the First Amended

Complaint.
89.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 89 of the First Amended

Complaint.
90.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 90 of the First Amended

Complaint.
91.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 91 of the First Amended

Complaint.
92.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 92 of the First Amended

Complaint. 93. Complaint. Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 93 of the First Amended

15

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 16 of 35

1

94.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 94 of the First Amended

2 3 4
5

Complaint. 95. Complaint.
96.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 95 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 96 of the First Amended

6 7 8
9

Complaint.
97.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 97 of the First Amended

Complaint.
98.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 98 of the First Amended

10
11

Complaint. SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION (Trademark Infringement, Unfair Competition, and False

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
99.

Designation of Origin - 15 U.S.c. § 1125(a» No responsive pleading is required for Paragraph 99 which realleges prior

allegations. 100. Complaint. 101. Complaint. 102. Complaint. 103. Complaint. 104. Complaint. 105. Complaint. 16 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 100 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 101 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 102 of the First Amended

22
23 24 25

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 103 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 104 of the First Amended

26
27

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 105 of the First Amended

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 17 of 35

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 106. allegations. 107. Complaint. 108. Complaint. 109. Complaint. 110. Complaint. Ill. Complaint. 112. Complaint. 113. Complaint. 114. Complaint. 115. Complaint. 116. Complaint. 117. Complaint.

THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION (Trade Dress Infringement - 15 U.S.c. § 1125(a» No responsive pleading is required for paragraph 106 which realleges prior

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 107 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 108 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 109 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 110 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph III of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 112 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 113 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 114 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 115 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 116 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 117 of the First Amended

17

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 18 of 35

1 2

FOURTH CAUSE OF ACTION (Trademark Dilution - 15 U.S.c. § 1125(c» 118. allegations. 119. Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or No responsive pleading is required for Paragraph 118 which realleges prior

3 4
5

6 7
8

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 119 of the First Amended Complaint and on that basis denies each and every such allegation. 120. Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or

9 10
11

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 120 of the First Amended Complaint and on that basis denies each and every such allegation. 121. Complaint. 122. Complaint. 123. Complaint. FIFTH CAUSE OF ACTION (Trademark Infringement - Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 14335 et seq. ) 124. allegations. 125. Complaint. 126. Complaint. 127. Complaint. Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 127 of the First Amended Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 126 of the First Amended Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 125 of the First Amended No responsive pleading is required for Paragraph 124 which realleges prior Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 123 of the First Amended Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 122 of the First Amended Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 121 of the First Amended

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

18

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 19 of 35

1

128. Complaint. 129. Complaint.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 128 of the First Amended

2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9

Defendant

denies the allegations

of paragraph

129 of the First Amended

SIXTH CAUSE OF ACTION (Trademark Dilution - Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 14330) 130. allegations. 131. Defendant is without sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth or No responsive pleading is required for Paragraph 130 which realleges prior

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

falsity of the allegations of paragraph 131 of the First Amended Complaint and on that basis denies each and every such allegation. 132. Complaint. 133. Complaint. 134. Complaint. SEVENTH CAUSE OF ACTION (U nfair Unlawful and Deceptive Business Practices - Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200 et seq. ) 135. allegations. 136. Complaint. 137. Complaint. Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 137 of the First Amended Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 136 of the First Amended No responsive pleading is required for Paragraph 135 which realleges prior Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 134 of the First Amended Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 133 of the First Amended Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 132 of the First Amended

19

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 20 of 35

1

138. Complaint. 139. Complaint.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 138 of the First Amended

2 3 4 5 6 7
8

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 139 of the First Amended

EIGHTH CAUSE OF ACTION (U ntrue and Misleading Advertising Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17500 and 17535) 140. allegations. 141. Complaint. 142. Complaint. 143. Complaint. NINTH CAUSE OF ACTION (Breach of Contract) 144. allegations. 145. Complaint. 146. Complaint. 147. Complaint. 148. Complaint. 20 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

No responsive pleading is required for Paragraph 140 which realleges prior

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 141 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 142 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 143 of the First Amended

No responsive pleading is required for Paragraph 144 which realleges prior

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 145 of the First Amended

22
23 24 25

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 146 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 147 of the First Amended

26
27

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 148 of the First Amended

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 21 of 35

1

149. Complaint. 150. Complaint. 151. Complaint.

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 149 of the First Amended

2 3 4
5

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 150 of the First Amended

Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 151 of the First Amended

6 7 8
9

TENTH CAUSE OF ACTION (Cybersquatting 152. allegations. 153. Defendant admits that it registered the domain names "ipodfitness" and - Lanham Act § 43(d), 15 U.S.c. § 1125(d»

No responsive pleading is required for Paragraph 152 which realleges prior

10
11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

"ipodworkout" and that in the past these domain names redirected traffic to "podfitness.com." Defendant denies the remaining allegations of paragraph 153 of the First Amended Complaint not expressly admitted herein. 154. Complaint. 155. Complaint. 156. Complaint. FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE The First Amended Complaint fails to state a cause of action upon which relief can be granted. SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE There is no likelihood of confusion between Plaintiff s asserted marks and Defendant's "PODFITNESS," "PODFITNESS.COM," "PODWORKOUT," and "PODPOCKET" marks. Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 156 of the First Amended Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 155 of the First Amended Defendant denies the allegations of paragraph 154 of the First Amended

21

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 22 of 35

1

THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff has not satisfied the legal requirements that its "IPOD" trademark is famous as required or otherwise defined in 15 US.C. § 1125(c). FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Defendant's Podfitness marks are not identical or nearly identical to Plaintiff s asserted marks. FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Defendant's use of the Podfitness marks does not present a likelihood of dilution of distinctiveness of Plaintiff s asserted marks. SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff is estopped from asserting any right to the mark "POD." Plaintiff s application

2 3
4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22

for the "IPOD" trademark (U S. Trademark Application Serial No. 78/089,144) was initially rejected by a trademark examiner based on other trademark applications, including an application for the mark "POD." To overcome this rejection and obtain registration of the

"IPOD" mark, Plaintiff argued that the "POD" mark was "clearly different in appearance and sound from Apple's ['IPOD' mark]." SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff s earphones do not qualify for trade dress protection. Earphones consisting of white circular ear speakers with a gray rim, which are attached to a white cylinder of molded plastic covering the white wire are not inherently distinctive and are not uniquely associated with a specific source. EIGHTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE No likelihood of confusion exists between Plaintiff s earphones and the earphones depicted on the www.podfitness.com website.

23 24 25 26 27

NINTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff has suffered no actual damages from any use by Defendant of any mark.

22

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 23 of 35

1

TENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Some or all of the claims for relief pled by the First Amended Complaint are barred by one or more of the equitable doctrines of unclean hands, waiver, laches and/or estoppel. ELEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Any use by Defendant of any of Plaintiff s purported trademarks/trade dress is protected fair use. TWELFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff has failed to police its alleged trademarks/trade dress. THIRTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff s alleged trademarks/trade dress are generic. FOURTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiffs alleged trademarks/trade dress are invalid. FIFTHTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff s alleged trade dress is functional. SIXTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Some or all of Plaintiff s breach of contract claims are barred as a result of a failure and/or lack of consideration. SEVENTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE The purported contracts underlying Plaintiff s breach of contract claims are invalid. EIGHTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff has suffered no damages as a result of its alleged breach of contract claims.

2 3
4

5 6 7 8
9

10
11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22
23 24 25 26 27 NINETEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff is barred from recovery on some or all of its claims for failure to mitigate and lessen its alleged damages, if any. PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE Defendant prays: 23 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 24 of 35

1

A.

That the First Amended Complaint be dismissed, and that Plaintiff take nothing

2 3
4 5 6

thereby, and
B. C. D.

That the Court award Defendant its costs of suit, and That the Court award Defendant its attorneys' fees, and Such other and further relief as this Court deems just and appropriate. COUNTERCLAIM

7
8 9

Podfitness hereby counterclaims against Apple as follows: PARTIES
1.

Defendant is a Nevada corporation with a business address at 235 West Sego Lily

10
11

Drive, Sandy, Utah 84070.
2.

Defendant is in the business of providing a serVIce compnsmg

an innovative

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

exercise program wherein consumers can, on a monthly subscription basis, download exercise programs from various personal trainers to play on the individual's "MP3" players along with background music.
3. 4.

Defendant does not manufacture or sell portable handheld media players. Plaintiff is a California corporation with a business at 1 Indefinite Loop,

Cupertino, California 95014.
5.

Plaintiff manufactures

and sells various products, including portable handheld

media players known as "IPODs."
6.

Subscribers can use Podfitness's

service with various portable handheld media

players, including Apple's IPOD player and Microsoft's Zune player. JURISDICTION
7.

AND VENUE

This is a civil action with complete diversity of citizenship with the amount in

controversy exceeding $75,000. Jurisdiction of this court is founded upon Title 28 U.S.C. § 1332.
8.

26
27

This is a civil action arising under the Lanham Act, Title 15, United States Code,

§§ 1114, 1125(a), (c) and (d) et seq. and under the common and statutory laws of California. 24 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 25 of 35

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11

This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 US.C. § 1331 (federal question jurisdiction), § 1338 (trademark and unfair competition), and § 1367 (supplemental jurisdiction).
9.

Plaintiff has alleged violation of federal law by Defendant including Lanham Act

violations giving the Court jurisdiction pursuant to Title 28 US.C. §§ 1331 and 1338. The claims of this Counterclaim arise from the same core of operative facts as Plaintiff s allegations so jurisdiction of this Court is also founded upon Title 28 US.C. § 1367.
10.

Upon information and belief, Plaintiff has its company headquarters in California

and it has transacted business, contracted to supply goods or services and has otherwise purposely availed itself of the privileges and benefits of the laws of the State of California including filing this action in this Court and therefore is subj ect to the jurisdiction of this Court.
11.

Venue is proper in this district pursuant to Title 28 US.C. § 1391.

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
12.

BACKGROUND
On or about September 21, 2006, Plaintiff filed the initial complaint in this action

against Defendant alleging trademark violations and various related claims. 13. on Defendant.
14.

On or about December 18, 2006, Plaintiff served its first set of written discovery

Defendant's responses to the written discovery were not due until at least thirty

days after service of the written discovery. 15. On or about December 22, 2006, just a few days after service of its written

discovery on Defendant, and long before any responses by Defendant were due, Plaintiff served an entity called "W Hotels" with a third party subpoena duces tecum dated December 22,2006.
16.

22
23 24 25

The topics of the subpoena to W Hotels were designed to intimidate W Hotels and

induce it to breach its contract and/or terminate its business relationship with Defendant.
17.

Plaintiff did not provide Defendant notice of the W Hotels' subpoena until, upon Rule 45(b).

information and belief, after it was served on W Hotels, in violation ofFed.R.Civ.P.,

26
27 25 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 26 of 35

1

18.

Defendant's counsel requested on multiple occasions a copy of the Declaration of

2 3
4

Service showing the date of actual service of the subpoena on W Hotels, and Plaintiff s counsel has on each occasion failed to provide such.
19.

W Hotels had a valid contract and or/business relationship with Podfitness' for

5
6

promotion of Defendant's service.
20.

Upon information and belief, Plaintiff had knowledge of the existence of the

7 8
9

contract and or/business relationship between Defendant and W Hotels prior to service of the W Hotels' subpoena.
21.

Upon information and belief, Plaintiff s conduct in serving the subpoena on W

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Hotels was for the wrongful purpose of inducing W Hotels' to breach the contract and/or terminate the business relationship with Defendant in order to cause economic harm to Defendant.
22.

Plaintiff served an entity called "Lifetime Entertainment Services" with a third

party subpoena duces tecum dated March 6, 2007. 23. The topics of the subpoena to Lifetime Entertainment Services were designed to

intimidate Lifetime Entertainment Services and induce it to breach its contract with Defendant.
24.

Plaintiff did not provide Defendant notice of the Lifetime Entertainment Services

subpoena until, upon information and belief, after it was served on Lifetime Entertainment Services, in violation ofFed.R.Civ.P., 25. Rule 45(b).

Lifetime Entertainment Services is a television network that had a valid contract service.

and/or business relationship with Defendant for promotion ofPodfitnesses'
26.

22
23 24 25 26 27

Upon information and belief, Plaintiff had knowledge of the existence of the

contract and/or business relationship between Defendant and Lifetime Entertainment Services prior to service of the Lifetime Entertainment Services subpoena.
27.

Upon information and belief, Plaintiff s conduct in serving the subpoena on

Lifetime Entertainment Services was for the wrongful purpose of inducing Lifetime

26

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 27 of 35

1 2 3 4 5
6

Entertainment Services to breach its contract and/or terminate its business relationship with Podfitness in order to cause economic harm to Defendant. 28. As a direct and proximate result of Plaintiffs ex parte contact with Lifetime

Entertainment Services, Lifetime Entertainment Services did in fact breach its contract and/or business relationship with Defendant.
29.

Upon information and belief, sometime before March 9,2006, Plaintiffs counsel

7 8
9

contacted an entity called "Marware" ex parte, without informing Defendant's counsel of such contact. 30. 31. Marware had a valid contract and/or business relationship with Defendant. Upon information and belief, Plaintiff had knowledge of the contract and/or

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

business relationship between Defendant and Marware. 32. Upon information and belief, Plaintiff s conduct was intentionally designed to

intimidate Marware and to induce Marware to breach its contract and/or terminate its business relationship with Defendant in order to cause Defendant economic harm.
33.

As a direct and proximate result of Plaintiffs ex parte contact with Marware,

Marware did in fact breach its contract and/or business relationship with Defendant. 34. Because of Plaintiffs conduct, Defendant has been damaged by Marware's

breach of its contract and/or business relationship with Defendant in an amount to be determined at trial.
35.

After numerous meets and confer, on April 13, 2007, Plaintiff agreed to amend

the stipulated protective order in this case to provide that it would not seek documents from any more of Defendant's business associates without first seeking the documents from Defendant. 36. malicious. 37. Defendant has continuously "Podfitness used the trademarks PODFITNESS and Upon information and belief Apple's conduct in contacting these third parties was

PODFITNESS.COM

(collectively

marks") at least as early as March, 2006 in

connection with its business.

Since its first use, Defendant has extensively advertised and 27 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 28 of 35

1 2 3 4
5

promoted its Podfitness marks and has invested substantial time, energy and resources to develop these marks. The Podfitness marks are inherently arbitrary, fanciful, distinctive or suggestive, or have otherwise acquired secondary meaning in the relevant channels of trade to refer to Podfitness and its goods and services.
38.

On November

29, 2005, Podfitness

filed with the United States Patent and

6 7
8

Trademark Office an application for federal trademark registration for its Podfitness mark, Serial No. 78762928. 39. On December 17, 2005, Podfitness filed with the United States Patent and

9 10
11

Trademark Office an application for federal trademark registration for its PODFITNESS.COM mark, Serial No. 78775610.
40.

Podfitness registered and began using its PODFITNESS.COM

domain name at

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

least as early as January 2005.
41.

As a result of Podfitness' substantial and continuous use of the Podfitness marks,

including advertising, labeling and marketing, the Podfitness marks have become an asset of substantial value to Podfitness as a distinctive indication of the origin and quality of Podfitness' goods and services. Products and services bearing the Podfitness marks are marketed and sold throughout the United States and have acquired valuable reputation and goodwill.
42.

The Podfitness

marks have acquired common law trademark

rights due to

Podfitness' continuous use in commerce. 43. Plaintiff supplies and sells downloadable audio files on its websites, including but websites).

not limited to its "apple. com" and "store. apple. com" websites ("Plaintiffs
44.

22
23 24 25

On information and belief, Plaintiff exerts direct control and monitors the content

of the goods and services offered through Plaintiffs websites. 45. Plaintiff, through its web sites, offers downloadable audio files and other services

under the marks "fitpod" and "fitpod.com" ("fitpod marks").
46.

26
27

On information

and belief, the fitpod marks are distributed and provided to

Plaintiff by fitMuse, LLC. 28 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 29 of 35

1

47.

On information and belief, Plaintiff began offering downloadable audio files and use of the Podfitness

2 3
4

other services under the fitpod marks after it was aware of Defendant's marks.
48. 49.

The fitpod marks are confusingly similar to the Podfitness trademarks. On information and belief, Plaintiff s purpose and intent in marketing and

5

6 7
8

offering the goods and services under the confusingly similar fitpod marks were to usurp and misappropriate Defendant's goodwill. 50. On information and belief, the similarity between the Podfitness marks and the

9 10
11

fitpod marks has caused, is likely to cause, and is intended to cause confusion in the market. FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF (Tortious Intentional Interference with Contractual Relations) 51. Defendant incorporates herein by reference each and every allegation set forth in

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

paragraphs 1-51 above. 52. Podfitness had valid contracts with Lifetime Entertainment Services, and

Marware prior to these entities being contacted by Plaintiff through its counsel.
53.

Upon information and belief, Plaintiff had knowledge of the existence of the

contracts. 54. Upon information and belief, Plaintiff has intentionally acted with the wrongful

purpose and intent to disrupt and induce breach of these contractual relationships.
55.

Lifetime and Marware have breached their respective contracts with Defendant as conduct. conduct, Defendant has suffered

a direct and proximate result of Plaintiffs 56.

22
23 24 25

As a direct and proximate result of Plaintiffs

and will continue to suffer damages in an amount to be proven at trial. SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF (Tortious Negligent Interference with Contractual Relations) 57. Defendant incorporates herein by reference each and every allegation set forth in

26
27

paragraphs 1-56 above.

29

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 30 of 35

1

58.

Defendant had valid contracts with Lifetime Entertainment Services, and

2 3 4
5

Marware prior to these entities being contacted by Plaintiff through its counsel. 59. contracts.
60.

Upon information and belief, Plaintiff had knowledge of the existence of the

Plaintiff owed Defendant a duty of care based upon (1) the extent to which

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Plaintiff s conduct was intended to affect Defendant, (2) the foreseeability of harm to Defendant, (3) the degree of certainty that Defendant would suffer injury, (4) the closeness of the connection between Plaintiff s conduct and the injury suffered, (5) the moral blame attached to Plaintiff s conduct and (6) the policy of preventing future harm.
61.

Upon information and belief, Plaintiff has negligently acted in a manner that

directly and proximately disrupted these contractual relationships.
62.

Lifetime and Marware have breached their respective contracts with Defendant as conduct. conduct, Defendant has suffered

a direct and proximate result of Plaintiffs 63.

As a direct and proximate result of Plaintiffs

and will continue to suffer damages in an amount to be proven at trial. THIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF (Tortious Negligent Interference with Prospective Economic Advantage)
64.

Defendant incorporates herein by reference each and every allegation set forth in

paragraphs 1-63 above. 65. Defendant had the existence of a prospective economic relationship with the

probability of future economic rewards with Lifetime Entertainment Services, and Marware prior to these entities being contacted by Plaintiff through its counsel.
66.

Upon information and belief, Plaintiff had knowledge of the existence of the

prospective economic relationships. 67. Plaintiff owed Defendant a duty of care based upon (1) the extent to which

Plaintiff s conduct was intended to affect Defendant, (2) the foreseeability of harm to Defendant, (3) the degree of certainty that Defendant would suffer injury, (4) the closeness of the connection 30 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 31 of 35

1 2 3 4
5

between the Plaintiff s conduct and the injury suffered, (5) the moral blame attached to Plaintiff s conduct and (6) the policy of preventing future harm.
68.

Upon information and belief, Plaintiff has negligently acted in a manner that

directly and proximately disrupted these prospective economic relationships.
69.

Lifetime and Marware have terminated their respective business relationships conduct. conduct, Defendant has suffered

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22

with Defendant as a direct and proximate result of Plaintiffs 70. As a direct and proximate result of Plaintiffs

and will continue to suffer damages in an amount to be proven at trial. FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF (Unlawful, Unfair, and Deceptive Business Practices Act, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200 etc. seq.)
71.

Defendant incorporates herein by reference each and every allegation set forth in

paragraphs 1-70 above.
72.

Plaintiff s business practices alleged hereinabove are unlawful, unfair, and have

injured Defendant. 73. Plaintiff s business practices alleged hereinabove are in violation of the California

Business and Professions Code, § 17200 et seq.
74.

Pursuant to Professions Code, § 17203, Defendant is entitled to enjoin these

practices. 75. Defendant is entitled to restitution from Plaintiff for Plaintiff s unlawful and

unfair acts alleged hereinabove.

FIFTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
(Contributory 76. Trademark Infringement)

23 24 25

Defendant incorporates herein by reference each and every allegation set forth in

paragraphs 1-75 above.
77.

26
27

Plaintiff has engaged in contributory trademark infringement by exerting direct used by fitMuse, LLC to infringe the Podfitness 31 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

control and monitoring the instrumentality

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 32 of 35

1 2 3 4
5

marks with actual or constructive knowledge that the fitpod marks are confusingly similar and infringe the Podfitness marks. 78. On information and belief, as a proximate result of Plaintiff s above described

conduct, Defendant has been damaged in an amount to be determined at trial.
79.

Plaintiff has acted in bad faith, oppressively and maliciously toward Defendant,

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

with intent to injure Defendant, thereby entitling Defendant to treble damages against Plaintiff.
80.

The above described

acts of Plaintiff

have caused and continue to cause

irreparable harm to Defendant, for which Defendant has no adequate remedy at law, and Plaintiff will continue to do so unless preliminarily and permanently enjoined by this Court. PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE Podfitness prays:
A.

For a judgment that Plaintiff intentionally interfered with Defendant's contractual relations;

B.

F or a judgment that Plaintiff negligently interfered with Defendant's contractual relations;

C.

F or a judgment that Plaintiff negligently interfered with Defendant's prospective economic relations;

D.

F or a judgment that Plaintiff violated the California Business and Professions Code, § 17200 et seq.;

E.

For Defendant's pecuniary loss of the benefits of the contract or the prospective relation including lost profits;

22
23 24 25

F.

For Defendant's consequential losses for which the interference is a legal cause;

G. H.

For an award of restitution against Plaintiff; For injunctive relief enjoining Plaintiff from the unlawful and unfair conduct alleged herein;

26
27

32

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 33 of 35

1 2

I.

For a judgment that the Podfitness marks have been and continue to be contributorally infringed by Plaintiff;

3
4 5 6

1.

For all actual damages sustained by Defendant as the result of Plaintiffs acts of infringement, together with prejudgment interest, according to proof, pursuant to 15 US.C. § 1117;

K.

F or an accounting of the profits of Plaintiff resulting from their acts of infringement pursuant to 15 US.C. § 1117;

7
8 9 L.

F or Defendant's costs of suit, including its reasonable litigation expenses, pursuant to 15 US.C. § 1117;

10
11

M.

For enhanced damages pursuant to 15 US.C. § 1117; F or an award of attorneys' fees pursuant to 15 U. S. C. § 1117 or as otherwise permitted by law;

N.

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

o.
P.

For an award of punitive damages against Plaintiff; For an award of Defendant's costs and attorneys' fees; For all other relief in law and equity the Court deems just and proper.

Q.

DEFENDANT'S DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL Pursuant to Rule 3 8(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, DefendantlCounterclaimant DATED: August 31,2007 Podfitness requests a jury trial on all issues so triable. Respectfully submitted,
WORKMAN I NYDEGGER

22
23 24 25

26
27

Isl Charles 1. Veverka Larry R. Laycock Charles 1. Veverka Robert A. Aycock Mark W. Ford 1000 Eagle Gate Tower 60 East South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Telephone: [phone]
33 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 34 of 35

1 2

William S. Farmer Jacob Alpren
COLLETTE ERICKSON FARMER & 0 'NEILL LLP

3
4 5 6

235 Pine Street, Suite 1300 San Francisco, CA 94104 Telephone: [phone] Attorneys for Defendant and Counterc1aimant Podfitness, Inc.
J:116603301027 answer first amd comp 083007.REA.doc

7
8 9

10
11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22
23 24 25

26
27 34 Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA

Case 4:06-cv-05805-SBA

Document 58

Filed 08/31/2007

Page 35 of 35

1 2

PROOF OF SERVICE I hereby certify that on August 31, 2007, I electronically filed the foregoing with the Clerk of the Court by using the CM/ECF system which sent notification of such filing to the following: [e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail]

3
4 5 6

DATED August 31,2007.

7
8 9

WORKMANI NYDEGGER

10
11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Isl Charles 1. Veverka Larry R. Laycock Charles 1. Veverka Robert A. Aycock Mark W. Ford 1000 Eagle Gate Tower 60 East South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Telephone: [phone]
William S. Farmer Jacob Alpren COLLETTE RICKSON ARMER 0 'NEILL LLP E F & 235 Pine Street, Suite 1300 San Francisco, CA 94104 Telephone: [phone] Attorneys for Defendant and Counterc1aimant Podfitness, Inc.

22
23 24 25

26
27

35

Answer and Counterclaim
Case No. C 06-5805 SBA