Shell v. Henderson et al

Filing 861

OPINION AND ORDER GRANTING AND DENYING MOTIONS TO DISMISS AND RELATED MOTIONS AND ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE: IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED: (1) Defendant American Family Rights Association's ("AFRA") Motion to Dismiss 485 is GRANTE D. The claims against AFRA are dismissed without prejudice for lack of personal jurisdiction and the caption of the case is amended to omit reference to AFRA. (2) Ms. Shell's Motion to Strike Defendant AFRA's Motion to Dismiss 535 is DENIED. (3) Ms. Shell's Motion for Sanctions Pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 11 536 is DENIED. (4) Defendant Brenda Swallow's Motion to Dismiss 506 is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART. The Plaintiff's claims o f contributory and vicarious copyright infringement, tortious interference with contract, false advertising, unfair trade practices, civil conspiracy, and anti-trust violations are dismissed as to Ms. Swallow for failure to state a claim. (5) Defend ant Leonard Henderson's Motion for Summary Judgment 592 , construed as a Motion to Dismiss, is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART. The Plaintiff's claims of misappropriation of trade secret, tortious interference with contract, bre ach of contract, false advertising, unfair trade practices, civil conspiracy, and anti-trust violations are dismissed as to Mr. Henderson for failure to state a claim. (6) For purposes of clarity, the Court repeats that the following claims, and onl y the following claims, are proceeding against Ms. Swallow and Mr. Henderson in this suit: (i) copyright infringement against Mr. Henderson and Ms. Swallow, (ii)contributory copyright infringement against Mr. Henderson; (iii) misappropriation of trad e secrets against Ms. Swallow; (iv) breach of contract against Ms. Swallow; and (v) unfair trade practices against Mr. Henderson. (7) Ms. Shell shall file a statement identifying all of the alleged infringing acts underlying her claim of copyright in fringement and contributory/vicarious copyright infringement, as described herein, within ten days of the issuance of this order. (8) With regard to Defendants Families At Risk Defense Alliance; Francine Renee Cygan; Mark Cygan; Illinois Family Advoc acy Coalition; Georgia Family Rights, Inc; and National Association of Family Advocates, Ms. Shell shall have 30 days from the date of this Order in which to file appropriate motions for default judgment, dismiss the claims against these Defendants, or otherwise show cause why the claims against these Defendants should not be dismissed for failure to prosecute. by Judge Marcia S. Krieger on 9/28/12.(msksec, )

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLORADO
Honorable Marcia S. Krieger
Civil Action No. 09-cv-00309-MSK-KMT
SUZANNE SHELL,
Plaintiff,
v.
AMERICAN FAMILY RIGHTS ASSOCIATION;
LEONARD HENDERSON;
FAMILIES AT RISK DEFENSE ALLIANCE;
FRANCINE RENEE CYGAN;
MARK CYGAN;
ILLINOIS FAMILY ADVOCACY COALITION;
GEORGIA FAMILY RIGHTS, INC.;
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FAMILY ADVOCATES;
CONNECTICUT DCF WATCH;
BRENDA SWALLOW;
RANDALL BLAIR;
UNKNOWN DEFENDANTS DOE 1-15,
Defendants.

OPINION AND ORDER GRANTING AND DENYING MOTIONS TO DISMISS AND
RELATED MOTIONS AND ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

THIS MATTER comes before the Court on a number of motions:
(1)

Defendant American Family Rights Association’s (“AFRA”) Motion to Dismiss
(#485), to which the Plaintiff Suzanne Shell responded (#548) and AFRA replied
(#575);

(2)

Ms. Shell’s Motion to Strike (#535) Defendant AFRA’s Motion to Dismiss, to
which AFRA responded (#564) and Ms. Shell replied (#577);

(3)

Ms. Shell’s Motion for Sanctions Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 11 (#536), to which

which AFRA responded (#553) and Ms. Shell replied (#559);
(4)

Defendant Brenda Swallow’s Motion to Dismiss (#506) to which Ms. Shell
responded (#527) and Ms. Swallow replied (#549)1; and

(5)

Defendant Leonard Henderson’s Motion for Summary Judgment (#592) to which
Ms. Shell responded (#624) and Mr. Henderson replied (#649).

Having considered the same,2 the Court FINDS and CONCLUDES the following.
I.

Jurisdiction

The Court exercises jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1367.
II.

Issues Presented

In this case, Ms. Shell generally alleges that the Defendants unlawfully used or copied
her proprietary information (website contents) for their own financial benefit and in retaliation
against her for protecting such information.
After initial briefing on the pleadings, claims against a number of the Defendants, most

1

Ms. Swallow also submitted a “Supplement” to her Motion to Dismiss (#652), to which Ms.
Shell responded (#673) and Ms. Swallow replied (#678). These documents all pertain to Ms. Swallow’s
belief that Ms. Shell is not honest; however, since on a motion to dismiss, the allegations in the complaint
are treated as true, disputes regarding any party’s truthfulness are immaterial. Therefore, the Court
declines to consider Ms. Swallow’s supplemental briefing.
2

A number of parties in this action are proceeding pro se, including Ms. Shell. In construing
these parties’ pleadings, the Court is mindful of their pro se status and, therefore, the Court construes
their pleadings liberally and holds them to a “less stringent standard” than pleadings drafted by lawyers
in accordance with Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520 (1972). Such liberal construction is intended
merely to overlook technical formatting errors, poor writing style, and other defects in the party’s use of
legal terminology, citation, and theories. See Hall v. Bellmon, 935 F.2d 1106, 1110 (10th Cir. 1991). The
Court, however, cannot act as a pro se litigant’s legal advocate, and a pro se plaintiff retains the burden to
allege sufficient facts to state a viable claim. Furthermore, pro se status does not relieve a party of the
duty to comply with the various rules and procedures governing litigants and counsel or the requirements
of the substantive law, and in these regards, the Court must apply the same standard to counsel licensed to
practice law and to a pro se party. See McNeil v. United States, 508 U.S. 106, 113 (1993); Ogden v. San
Juan County, 32 F.3d 452, 455 (10th Cir. 1994).

2

of them for lack of personal jurisdiction. March 31, 2010 Order (#397). Claims against
Defendant AFRA were dismissed because it was not an independent legal entity, but rather an
alter ego of Defendant William Tower. Thereafter, however, upon a request from Ms. Shell for
reconsideration, claims against AFRA were reinstated after a showing that AFRA could be an
independent legal entity. Order (#460).
AFRA has now filed another Motion to Dismiss, arguing that personal jurisdiction is
lacking and that the Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Ms. Shell
seeks to strike AFRA’s motion and requests that sanctions be imposed against AFRA’s attorney
for filing the motion. She also responds to AFRA’s motion on the merits.
Ms. Swallow also has filed a second Motion to Dismiss.3 She contests personal
jurisdiction and, alternatively, seeks dismissal of the claims under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6) for
failure to state a claim.
Mr. Henderson’s pleading is entitled “Motion for Summary Judgment” but refers only to
the allegations in the Complaint, which he argues are insufficient to state a claim. Therefore, the
Court will treat Mr. Henderson’s Motion for Summary Judgment as a second Motion to Dismiss

3

Ms. Swallow filed an Answer (#498) to the Complaint on December 13, 2011, and so her

motion is more properly considered to be a motion for judgment on the pleadings pursuant to
Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(c) rather than a motion to dismiss under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6). This is a
distinction without a difference, however, since the same standard of review would apply.
Corder v. Lewis Palmer Sch. Dist. No. 38, 566 F.3d 1219, 1223 (10th Cir. 2009). Ms. Swallow
also previously sought dismissal of the claims against her for lack of personal jurisdiction. Her
motion was denied on the grounds that the Complaint had alleged adequate facts to show that
Ms. Swallow had contractually consented to the exercise of jurisdiction by this Court. March 31,
2010 Order (# 397).
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pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6).4 In response, Ms. Shell has filed voluminous affidavits and
exhibits (#624-39, #643), as well as relying on the allegations in her Complaint.5 Because Mr.
Henderson’s motion is most appropriately considered a motion under Rule 12, and discovery is
ongoing, the Court considers these extrinsic materials solely for the purpose of determining
whether Ms. Shell should be permitted to amend her Complaint and declines to treat Mr.
Henderson’s motion as one for summary judgment pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(d).
III.

Material Facts

In the Court’s previous order addressing various motions to dismiss (#397), the Court
found that the Complaint (#1), which is still the operative pleading, alleges the following facts.
In 1992, Ms. Shell noticed that there was a market need for services and information for
families involved with child protection services. She developed a body of intellectual property
to fill this need. In 1997, she acquired the domain name www.profanejustice.org and began
publishing on this website. She represents that each article, paper, and document published on
the website is her independent copyrighted work.
In 2001, Ms. Shell became aware that others were publishing her copyrighted works on
other websites without her consent. She attempted to limit their infringement and contends that
they have retaliated against her.

4

Mr. Henderson previously filed a Motion to Dismiss (#168), seeking dismissal of the
claims asserted against him on collateral estoppel/res judicata grounds; the Motion to Dismiss
was denied because there was no evidence of any final determination in any other related
lawsuit. March 31, 2010 Order (# 397).
5

Ms. Shell contends in her Response brief that the allegations in her Complaint are
deemed admitted because of the failure of Mr. Henderson to file an Answer. However, Mr.
Henderson was permitted to file an untimely Answer (#650) and he disputes most of the
allegations in the Complaint. Therefore, Ms. Shell’s allegations are not deemed admitted.
4

Ms. Shell co-founded Defendant AFRA, but withdrew her membership in 2003. Upon
her withdrawal, she expressly prohibited AFRA from using her copyrighted works.
Ms. Shell developed a licensing agreement for use of her copyrighted materials. She also
created a training program based on her trade secrets and proprietary information and advertised
this program on the internet. At her training seminars, attendees are required to sign a noncompete, non-disclosure form prior to receiving the training or training materials. Ms. Swallow
and now dismissed Defendant Durand attended Ms. Shell’s training program. Ms. Shell contends
that Ms. Swallow took and now uses the non-compete/non-disclosure form and proprietary
information without permission.
As modified by the prior orders entered in the case, Ms. Shell asserts ten claims: (1)
misappropriation/theft of trade secrets by all defendants; (2) copyright infringement by all
defendants; (3) contributory copyright infringement by all defendants;6 (4) vicarious copyright
infringement by all defendants; (5) breach of contract by Brenda Swallow, Leonard Henderson,
AFRA; (6) tortious interference with business relationship and/or business contract by all
defendants; (7) false and misleading advertising by all defendants; (8) unfair or deceptive trade
practices and unfair methods of competition by all defendants; (9) civil conspiracy by all
defendants; and (9) antitrust violations under the Sherman Act by all defendants. Ms. Shell
seeks damages, compensatory and punitive, and injunctive relief enjoining further unlawful acts
and requiring the Defendants to print retractions and apologies.

6

In the absence of a specific declaration of the defendants that a particular claim is asserted
against, the Complaint is construed to assert the claim against all defendants.

5

IV.

Motion to Strike (#535); Motion for Sanctions (#536)

AFRA’s Motion to Dismiss was filed on December 6, 2011. Ms. Shell contends the
Motion to Dismiss was untimely filed, that AFRA waived its right to seek dismissal, and that the
motion violates an order issued by Magistrate Judge Kathleen M. Tafoya. As noted earlier, Ms.
Shell requests that the motion be stricken and sanctions be imposed against AFRA’s attorney.
AFRA disputes these arguments, contending that it filed its motion to dismiss at the first
appropriate opportunity after counsel was retained and the final form of Ms. Shell’s Complaint
was determined. Before addressing the specific arguments in both motions, a review of the
procedural background is needed.
A.

Procedural Background
Ms. Shell filed her Complaint (#1) on February 13, 2009. The Clerk of the Court

entered default against AFRA (#71) on April 24, 2009. However, that default was set aside on
May 21, 2009. (#159). Because the default was set aside, it is of no legal effect.
On July 8, 2009, Mr. Tower filed a Motion to Dismiss (#217) on behalf of himself and
AFRA. As noted earlier, this motion was granted as to AFRA on the representation that AFRA
was his alter-ego. Ms. Shell thereafter presented new evidence and argument regarding AFRA’s
status as an independent entity and, as a result claims against AFRA were reinstated. (#460). In
addition, AFRA was directed to obtain counsel to represent it in these proceedings.
On April 7, 2011, Ms. Shell filed a motion for leave to amend her Complaint. (#463).
After that motion was filed, counsel for AFRA entered his appearance on April 12, 2011.
(#466). Ms. Shell’s motion to amend was denied without prejudice by Magistrate Judge Tafoya;
Ms. Shell filed timely objections. On November 18, 2011, the Court affirmed the ruling of

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Magistrate Judge Tafoya and determined that since Ms. Shell had been given many opportunities
to amend, no further amendments would be authorized. (#477) Magistrate Judge Tafoya then
issued a minute order (#481) setting deadlines for service on unserved parties and ordered that
“all served defendants shall file answers no later than December 16, 2011.” AFRA, however,
did not file an answer; rather, it filed the instant Motion to Dismiss on December 6, 2011.
B.

Analysis
Fed. R. Civ. P 12 anticipates the filing of either an answer or various types of motions,

including motions to dismiss in response to a Complaint. AFRA’s time to respond to the
Complaint was governed by the order of the Magistrate Judge (#481). The Court does not
understand that order to limit AFRA to the filing of an answer. Therefore AFRA’s Motion to
Dismiss was timely filed. As a consequence, AFRA did not waive its right to seek dismissal.
Ms. Shell’s Motion to Strike is denied.
C.

Motion for Sanctions (#536)
AFRA’s Motion to Dismiss and other pleadings begin with the following statement:

“COMES NOW, Defendant William Tower d/b/a American Family Rights Association”; it also
notes in a footnote that Mr. Tower continues to assert that AFRA is not an entity separate from
him.
Ms. Shell seeks sanctions against AFRA’s counsel pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 11 on the
grounds that AFRA’s attorney has “forwarded the false position that Defendant AFRA is an
alter-ego or dba for Defendant William Tower.” Ms. Shell contends that AFRA’s status as an
independent entity is beyond dispute at this point based on the Court’s prior rulings and “judicial
admissions” made by Mr. Tower and Defendant Leonard Henderson. (#536) at 2. AFRA denies

7

that any such binding determination has been made and that no sanction is merited for
continuing to assert its argument in this regard.
The court begins with the issue of judicial admissions. Ms. Shell contends the following
are “judicial admissions” relating to AFRA’s separate legal identity: (1) Mr. Henderson, in a
pleading in this Court, asserted that AFRA is a “nonprofit association;” and (2) in an amicus
brief filed in the United States Supreme Court on behalf of AFRA and a variety of other similar
organizations, AFRA was described as an “association.” Even the name of AFRA includes the
word “association.”
Generally, judicial admissions are formal, deliberate declarations which a party or his
attorney makes in a judicial proceeding for the purpose of dispensing with proof of formal
matters or of facts about which there is no real dispute. U.S. Energy Corp. v. Nukem, Inc., 400
F.3d 822, 833 n. 4 (10th Cir. 2005) (quotation omitted). The described references to AFRA as
an “association,” alone, do not appear to be a declaration of a particular legal status. Moreover,
in the absence of a statute to the contrary, a voluntary association is not an entity separate from
its members. C.J.S. Associations § 2; see also, e.g., Loveland Camp No. 83, W.O.W. v.
Woodmen Bldg. & Benev. Ass’n, 108 Colo. 297, 116 P.2d 195 (Colo. 1941). Therefore, the mere
identification of AFRA as an association in this action or elsewhere does not establish that it is a
separate and independent entity from Mr. Tower.
Turning to the course of this case, it is clear that the parties dispute whether AFRA is a
separate legal entity. The Court has not resolved that issue - it simply has allowed for that
possibility by allowing the statement of claims against it and ordering that it must be represented
by an attorney. To the extent that clarification is needed, the Court takes this opportunity to state

8

that AFRA’s status has not been definitively determined as a matter of law. Therefore, AFRA’s
counsel’s reference to this ongoing dispute does not warrant imposition of any sanction. Ms.
Shell’s Motion for Sanctions is therefore denied.
V. AFRA’s Motion to Dismiss
AFRA seeks dismissal of all claims against it for lack of personal jurisdiction due to
insufficiency of contacts with Colorado.7 Ms. Shell contends that this Court may properly
exercise personal jurisdiction over AFRA based on either general connections (based on multiple
or extensive contacts with Colorado) or specific contact (based on specific, often limited,
contacts with Colorado such as by the monitoring or use of a website, agency relationships, a
conspiracy, and a forum selection clause in a contract).
A.

Personal Jurisdiction
The plaintiff has the burden of proving that personal jurisdiction over the defendant

exists, although at preliminary stages of the litigation that burden is light. AST Sports Science,
Inc. v. CLF Distribution Ltd., 514 F.3d 1054, 1056 (10th Cir. 2008). If the court considers a
pre-trial motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction without conducting an evidentiary
hearing, the plaintiff need only make a prima facie showing of personal jurisdiction to defeat the
motion. Id. at 1056-57. In making this determination, all factual disputes should be construed in
favor of the plaintiff. Id. at 1057. The Court must take as true “all well-pled (that is, plausible,
non-conclusory, and non-speculative) facts” alleged in Ms. Shell’s Complaint. Dudnikov v.
Chalk & Vermilion Fine Arts, Inc., 514 F.3d 1063, 1069-70 (10th Cir. 2008).

7

AFRA also moves to dismiss the claims pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6) for failure to state a
claim. However, because the jurisdictional issue is dispositive, the Court does not address these
arguments.

9

For a court to exercise personal jurisdiction over a defendant, there must both a showing
that (i) jurisdiction is proper under the laws of the forum state and (ii) the exercise of jurisdiction
does not offend the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. See Benton v. Cameco
Corp., 375 F.3d 1070, 1075 (10th Cir. 2004). Colorado’s long arm statute8 is coextensive with
the constitutional limitations imposed by the due process clause; therefore, the inquiry collapses
into a single inquiry: whether jurisdiction is consistent with the due process clause. See id. This
involves a two-step inquiry: (1) whether the nonresident defendant has “minimum contacts” with
the forum state such “that he should reasonably anticipate being haled into court there”; and (2)
if minimum contacts are found, whether the exercise of personal jurisdiction over the defendant
offends “traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice.” AST Sports Science, 514 F.3d at
1057 (citations omitted).
1.

Minimum Contacts

The due process clause requires that the nonresident defendant have “minimum contacts”
with the forum state. See OMI Holdings, Inc., 149 F.3d at 1091 (quoting World-Wide
Volkswagon Corp. v. Woodson, 444 U.S. 286, 291 (1980)). The “minimum contacts” standard
may be met by showing either general or specific jurisdiction over the defendant. See OMI
Holdings, 149 F.3d at 1090-91. First, a court may exercise general jurisdiction over a defendant
for any claim, whether arising from activities in the state or not, if the defendant has sufficiently
strong business contacts with the forum state. Id. at 1091.
Alternatively, a court may exercise specific jurisdiction over a defendant if the

8

Under the statute, personal jurisdiction over a nonresident defendant may arise from, inter alia,
(1) the transaction of any business within the state or (2) the commission of a tortious act within the state.
C.R.S. §13-1-124(1).

10

defendant’s actions in or directed at the forum give rise to the litigation. Specific jurisdiction
may be asserted over a nonresident defendant “if the defendant has ‘purposefully directed’ his
activities at residents of the forum, and the litigation results from alleged injuries that ‘arise out
of or relate to’ those activities.” OMI Holdings, 149 F.3d at 1090-91 (citations omitted).
In considering the “purposeful direction” requirement personal jurisdiction, three
particular factors could indicate purposeful direction: (a) an intentional action that was (b)
expressly aimed at the forum state with (c) knowledge that the brunt of the injury would be felt
in the forum state. Dudnikov, 514 F.3d at 1072.
2.

Fair Play and Substantial Justice

In addition to examining a defendant’s minimum contacts with the forum state, a court
must also analyze whether the exercise of personal jurisdiction offends “traditional notions of
fair play and substantial justice.” ClearOne Communications, Inc. v. Bowers, 643 F.3d 735, 764
(10th Cir. 2011). This inquiry requires a determination of whether personal jurisdiction over a
defendant with minimum contacts is reasonable in light of the circumstances surrounding the
case. In assessing reasonableness, a court considers: (1) the burden on the defendant, (2) the
forum state’s interest in resolving the dispute, (3) the plaintiff’s interest in receiving convenient
and effective relief, (4) the interstate judicial system’s interest in obtaining the most efficient
resolution of controversies, and (5) the shared interest of the several states in furthering
fundamental substantive social policies. Id.
3.

Special Issues Relating to the Internet

When communications on the internet form a significant part of the asserted basis for
jurisdiction, special issues can arise. The Tenth Circuit recently addressed questions relating to

11

“whether, when, and how such peculiarly non-territorial activities as web site hosting, internet
posting, and mass emailing can constitute or give rise to contacts that properly support
jurisdiction over the host, poster, or sender.” Shrader v. Biddinger, 633 F.3d 1235, 1240 (10th
Cir. 2011). Noting that a person can place information on the internet and thereby communicate
with persons in virtually every jurisdiction, the Tenth Circuit emphasizes the importance, for the
purposes of personal jurisdiction, that the person intentionally direct the activity or operation at
the forum state, “rather than just having the activity or operation accessible there.” Id. at 1240.
The court cites with approval ALS Scan, Inc. v. Digital Serv. Consultants, Inc., 293 F.3d 707,
714 (4th Cir. 2002), which developed the following test for specific jurisdiction arising out of
internet activity: the person (1) directs electronic activity into the forum state, (2) with the
manifested intention of engaging in business or other interactions within the state, (3) that
activity creates, in a person within the state, a potential cause of action cognizable in the state’s
courts.
Drawing on the Fourth Circuit’s approach set forth in ALS Scan, as well as its previous
discussion of similar issues in Dudnikov, Shrader explains several principles that are pertinent.
First, “[t]he maintenance of a web site does not in and of itself subject the owner or operator to
personal jurisdiction, even for actions relating to the site, simply because it can be accessed by
residents of the forum state.” 633 F.3d at 1241. In addition, “posting allegedly defamatory
comments or information on an internet site does not, without more, subject the poster to
personal jurisdiction wherever the posting could be read (and the subject of the posting may
reside).” Id. Finally, in considering what more is needed to create personal jurisdiction, “courts
look to indications that a defendant deliberately directed its message at an audience in the forum

12

state and intended harm to the plaintiff occurring primarily or particularly in the forum state.”
Id.

With respect to general jurisdiction, Shrader emphasizes that before internet

contacts may give rise to personal jurisdiction, the “commercial contacts . . . must be of a sort
that approximate physical presence in the state.” 633 F.3d at 1243 (internal punctuation and
citation omitted). Although “operating a web site selling products to residents of a state can
subject the seller to general jurisdiction in that state, depending on the nature and degree of
commercial activity with the forum state,” the bar is “quite high” and the plaintiff must
demonstrate “substantial sales.” Id. In short, “[a] web site will subject a defendant to general
personal jurisdiction only when the defendant has actually and deliberately used its web site to
conduct commercial transactions on a sustained basis with a substantial number of residents of
the forum.” Id. at 1243 (citation omitted).
B.

AFRA’s contacts with Colorado
Disregarding conclusory allegations, the Complaint alleges the following with respect to

AFRA’s contacts with Colorado:
The American Family Rights Association (AFRA),
advertised as “a professional association” and is currently
headquartered in California. At some times in this complaint,
AFRA was previously headquartered in Oregon. AFRA consists of
a Board of Directors currently presided over and owned by
William O. Tower, with general membership in the 50 states,
including a significant number of members who reside in
Colorado. AFRA is not registered with any government entity.
AFRA sponsors and owns a website and a number of online groups
to offer and deliver support services and information services and
various products to the public, and for soliciting membership into
AFRA and to advertise AFRA’s business activities and to conduct
AFRA business. AFRA describes it’s [sic] leadership as, “Power
remains spread out to individual state leaders and to the
membership in the grand American tradition.”

13

Id. ¶ 2. Ms. Shell alleges that AFRA issues the following statements regarding its organization
and distribution of authority:
“When you join AFRA and agree to our conditions for
membership, if you desire to assume a leadership role, YOU
become AFRA’s official representative in your locale. You are
authorized to use our Copyrighted and Trademarked name
“American Family Rights Association©®” and our Logo’s [sic] in
your representation of AFRA. . . .
Id.
Mr. Tower, a California resident, is alleged to have registered certain domain names used
by AFRA and is alleged to be the “[o]wner and/or moderator of AFRA online groups.” Id. ¶ 3.
The Complaint alleges that Mr. Henderson, an Oregon resident, is a founder, member and
current Board member and former President and/or CEO of AFRA; Mr. Henderson is also
alleged to be an “[o]wner and/or moderator of some AFRA online groups” and is the webmaster
of the official AFRA website. Id. ¶ 6. Ms. Shell contends that AFRA represents that any online
group with “AFRA” in its name “speaks for AFRA and is subject to AFRA oversight and
control.” Id. ¶ 64.
During the relevant time period, AFRA allegedly “advertised that it sponsors/sponsored,
hosts/hosted, owns/owned, endorses/endorsed or is/was affiliated with” a number of online
groups, none of which appear to have any connection to Colorado. Id ¶ 65. In addition, AFRA
“has advertised [numerous] websites as member sites,” including two websites that the
Complaint alleges are “Colorado sites.” Id. ¶ 66.
The Complaint further alleges that “Defendants advertise and provide goods and/or
services to the public and to consumers and/or professionals involved with Child Protective
Services investigations and court cases nationwide.” Id. ¶ 42. These goods and services are

14

alleged to be “support services, advocacy services, information goods and services, advice,
paralegal services, referral services, literature, lobbying services, and any other goods and
services which help promote their expertise, qualifications and competence in the relevant
markets or which promote child welfare reform or which assist families involved with child
welfare agencies and the courts.” Id., n. 1. However, Ms. Shell does not identify precisely what
goods or services have been specifically advertised, provided, or sold in Colorado by AFRA (or
its agents), the dates, frequency or volume of such advertising or sales in Colorado, if any, or the
existence of any programs specifically targeted to Colorado.
The Complaint identifies one AFRA member residing in Colorado (Dee Contreras);
however, the Complaint alleges no specific wrongful conduct by Ms. Contreras and the claims
against Ms. Contreras were dismissed on March 31, 2010. (#397). In addition, Ms. Shell
submits evidence regarding an AFRA affiliate in Colorado and members residing in Colorado;
her evidence consists of a printout of names and addresses from an apparent internet posting
forum with dates from 2003 to 2007. (#548-4). There is no information about how the
Colorado affiliate was founded and so no evidence that it was AFRA that reached into Colorado
to create this affiliate. Ms. Shell states that when she was an AFRA member she received and
disseminated information on AFRA interactive online groups, but provides no other information
in this regard. Pl.’s Affidavit (#548-3), ¶ 7.9

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With respect to the alleged injuries here, Ms. Shell alleges that she created an
“inventory” of articles, papers, and documents that she posted on the internet under her own
domain name to offer to families involved with child protection services agencies. Complaint,
¶¶ 48-50. She contends that two AFRA members (Ms. Swallow and dismissed Defendant
Durand, neither of whom is a Colorado resident) attended one of her training seminars and,
despite signing confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, disseminated the contents of the
training seminar. Ms. Shell further alleges that at the express encouragement of AFRA
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C.

Analysis
1.

General Jurisdiction

The allegations in the Complaint with regard to AFRA’s contact with Colorado do not
demonstrate “continuous and systematic general business contacts.” At most, the Complaint
states that AFRA has members who live in Colorado and that it has “advertised” on websites
hosted or based in Colorado. However, the Complaint does not allege any particular commercial
business transacted in Colorado or with Colorado residents or identify any products or services
sold or otherwise provided in Colorado, much less the amount or frequency of such sales or other
transactions. The only activities shown to exist in Colorado is a website associated with a
Colorado affiliate of AFRA on which individuals can post information and, perhaps, an unnamed
moderator or website owner may respond. There are no allegations sufficient to demonstrate that
AFRA has contacts with Colorado that approximates a physical presence or that AFRA “has
actually and deliberately used its web site to conduct commercial transactions on a sustained
basis with a substantial number of residents of the forum.”
Therefore, the allegations are insufficient to establish general jurisdiction.
2.

Specific Jurisdiction

To establish specific jurisdiction, Ms. Shell must show both that AFRA purposefully
directed its activities to Colorado and that Ms. Shell’s injuries arose out of those activities. The
Complaint’s allegations are again insufficient. Other than conclusory allegations, as noted
above, the only specific facts tying AFRA to Colorado are that there are members in Colorado

leadership, members of AFRA have published her copyrighted materials on their own websites
and on the official AFRA website. Id. ¶¶ 95-111. It is not alleged that any infringement
occurred on a Colorado-based website or that any AFRA member in Colorado was responsible.
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and websites “advertised” by AFRA in Colorado. However, Ms. Shell offers no facts to show
that these activities are different than those conducted in all of the other 49 states in which
AFRA allegedly has members. Moreover, even if the existence of AFRA members or an
affiliate in Colorado amounted to purposeful direction, she has not alleged any connection
between those activities and her alleged injuries.
As noted in the March 31, 2010 Order (#397), the mere fact that AFRA has a website and
its affiliates, including a Colorado affiliate, have websites is not sufficient to establish specific
jurisdiction without additional facts showing purposeful direction at Colorado.10 The Court
incorporates the arguments relating to the websites11 of AFRA and the other Defendants from the
previous order. March 31, 2010 Order (# 397) at 16-19. Ms. Shell has offered no additional
evidence that would alter the Court’s analysis in this regard with respect to AFRA. In addition,
applying the principles from Shrader, above, there are no allegations or evidence which would
indicate that AFRA deliberately directed its message at an audience in Colorado and intended
harm to Ms. Shell occurring primarily or particularly in Colorado. Ms. Shell’s harm arose from
the publication of her allegedly copyrighted works on various websites, but she has not shown
that those websites specifically targeted a Colorado audience, engaged in commercial or other
significant transactions with Colorado residents, or otherwise were connected to Colorado.

10

Ms. Shell has not alleged any wrongdoing by the Colorado affiliate of AFRA or any
Colorado members, only by AFRA itself and by members who do not reside in Colorado.
Moreover, she has not demonstrated that AFRA does any business in Colorado
11

These websites are the AFRA website owned and operated by Mr. Tower, the CPSWatch
website, the Wiseman Studio website run by Mr. Wiseman, and the Connecticut DCF Watch website run
by Mr. Dutkiewicz. With respect to these websites, the Court determined in the previous order that the
facts alleged in the Complaint showed that, at most, these websites were passive or moderately
interactive, which was insufficient to show purposeful availment.

17

Ms. Shell argues that because she is a Colorado resident and the harm (presumably loss
of revenues she would have otherwise received from the sales of her copyrighted materials)
manifests in Colorado, there is a question whether jurisdiction could arise from AFRA’s internet
related activities. Shrader contemplates that personal jurisdiction may exist when the defendant
individually targets a known forum resident, such as in a defamation claim; however, the Tenth
Circuit takes a restrictive approach in this regard and requires that “the forum state itself must be
the focal point of the tort.” 633 F.3d at 1244. Shrader makes clear that a plaintiff’s “residence
in the forum state, and hence suffering harm there, does not alone establish personal jurisdiction
over a defendant who has not purposefully directed his activities at the state.” Id. at 1245. As
noted above, none of the activities purportedly giving rise to the harm alleged here was directed
at Colorado, and the mere fortuity that Ms. Shell resides in Colorado (and thus suffers harm
here) is insufficient to create personal jurisdiction.
Therefore, the Complaint’s allegations are insufficient to demonstrate that this Court has
specific jurisdiction over AFRA.
D.

Additional Theories of Jurisdiction
1.

Specific Jurisdiction Based on an Agency Relationship

In her response brief, Ms. Shell reiterates her argument, also addressed in the March 31,
2010 Order, that personal jurisdiction can be asserted over AFRA because of the activities of its
agents. The agency theory of personal jurisdiction is rooted in the concept that the principal is
responsible for the actions of the agent. See Goettman v. N. Folk Valley Rest (In re Goettman),
176 P.3d 60, 67 (Colo. 2007). An agent’s actions within the forum state may subject his
principal to the jurisdiction of the forum state. See Kuenzel v. HTM Sport-Und Freizeitgerate

18

AG, 102 F.3d 453, 458 (10th Cir. 1996). Indeed, the method by which a nonresident corporate
entity creates contacts for purposes of personal jurisdiction is through its authorized
representatives, i.e., its employees, directors, officers, and agents. Id.; see also Curtis Pub. Co.
v. Cassel, 302 F.2d 132, 137 (10th Cir. 1962).
Ms. Shell, however, has failed to allege in her Complaint any action of an agent of AFRA
occurring in or directed to Colorado. Therefore, AFRA is not subjected to personal jurisdiction
in Colorado based on an agency theory of personal jurisdiction.
2.

Jurisdiction Based on a Conspiracy

In her response brief, Ms. Shell also asserts that jurisdiction may be asserted over AFRA
because of its alleged participation in a conspiracy. The Court has already rejected Ms. Shell’s
efforts to establish jurisdiction based on a conspiracy theory because Ms. Shell has made only
conclusory allegations regarding the existence of a conspiracy. March 31, 2010 Order (# 397) at
21. In addition, Ms. Shell has not alleged any facts that would connect the alleged conspiracy to
Colorado; as noted above, she has alleged no specific wrongful conduct by any Colorado
resident or any overt act in or directed at Colorado.
3.

Forum Selection Clause

Ms. Shell also contends that AFRA consented to personal jurisdiction in this Court by
virtue of a contractual forum selection clause. This appears to be based on a forum selection
clause contained on Ms. Shell’s website which states “Anyone visiting this site consents to
jurisdiction and venue remaining in El Paso County, Colorado.” As noted in the Court’s March
31, 2010 Order, merely alleging that AFRA and/or some of its members viewed such a statement
is insufficient to establish that these persons manifested their intent to consent to this forum

19

selection clause. (#397) at 25-26. Otherwise, it is unclear what contractual forum selection
clause Ms. Shell relies upon12 and, therefore, no basis upon which the Court could determine that
AFRA consented to jurisdiction in Colorado.
Ms. Shell has failed to carry her prima facie burden to show that this Court has personal
jurisdiction over AFRA. Accordingly, all claims against AFRA are dismissed.
VI. Ms. Swallow’s Motion to Dismiss and Mr. Henderson’s Motion for Summary
Judgment, Construed as a Motion to Dismiss
Ms. Swallow also moves for dismissal based on lack of personal jurisdiction and because
the Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Ms. Shell argues in
response that jurisdiction has already been determined as to Ms. Swallow and that the allegations
in the Complaint are sufficient to state a claim against Ms. Swallow.
Similarly, Mr. Henderson seeks dismissal of Ms. Shell’s claims on the grounds that the
allegations in the Complaint are insufficient to establish the prima facie elements of each claim
for relief. In addition, as to several of the claims, Mr. Henderson contends that the statute of
limitation has expired and, therefore, the claims are barred.
To the extent Ms. Swallow and Mr. Henderson challenge the sufficiency of the
allegations as to each claim, their arguments and motions are analyzed together, as set forth
below.
A.

Ms. Swallow - Personal Jurisdiction
Unlike AFRA, the Court has already considered the merits of Ms. Swallow’s arguments

12

To the extent it is based on any contract signed by Ms. Durand or Ms. Swallow, Ms.
Shell has failed to allege that either of these Defendants executed the contract in a representative
capacity such that AFRA can be considered to be a party.
20

as to personal jurisdiction. In the March 31, 2010 Order ruling on Ms. Swallow’s first Motion to
Dismiss, the Court held that the Complaint adequately alleged the existence of personal
jurisdiction over Ms. Swallow by virtue of a forum selection clause in a contract that Ms.
Swallow allegedly signed. (#397) at 25. Although there are factual disputes regarding whether
Ms. Swallow ever signed this contract, the alleged facts are construed most favorably to Ms.
Shell and will be finally determined at trial.
In Ms. Swallow’s renewed Motion to Dismiss, Ms. Swallow continues to argue that there
is insufficient evidence regarding the alleged contractual basis for personal jurisdiction. She also
contends that even if she did sign such a contract, she had the right to rescind it. Again,
however, such factual disputes are immaterial at this time; as the Court has already determined,
Ms. Shell has made her prima facie showing regarding jurisdiction over Ms. Swallow.
Therefore, the Court declines to dismiss the claims against Ms. Swallow for lack of personal
jurisdiction.
B.

Ms. Swallow and Mr. Henderson - Failure to State a Claim
Ms. Swallow also makes arguments regarding the merits of the claims, contending that

the allegations are insufficient to establish any specific culpable conduct by Ms. Swallow, as
opposed to conclusory allegations regarding all the defendants collectively. Similarly, Mr.
Henderson contends that disregarding conclusory allegations, Ms. Shell’s allegations are
insufficient to state a claim. These arguments, and Ms. Shell’s response, are discussed below
with respect to each asserted claim.
1.

Standard of Review

There is a strong presumption against dismissal for failure to state a claim under Rule

21

12(b)(6). See Cottrell, Ltd. v. Biotrol Int’l, Inc., 191 F.3d 1248, 1251 (10th Cir. 1999).
However, a claim must be dismissed if the complaint does not contain enough facts to make the
claim “plausible on its face.” Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 570 (2007). A
claim is plausible on its face if the complaint contains sufficient facts for a court to draw an
inference that the defendant is liable for the alleged misconduct. See Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 129 S.Ct.
1937, 1949 (2009) (citing id. at 556). Although a plaintiff is not required to include detailed
factual allegations in a complaint, the complaint must contain “more than labels and
conclusions” or “a formulaic recitation of the elements of a cause of action” and must “raise a
right to relief above the speculative level.” Twombly, 550 U.S. at 555. In reviewing a complaint
under Rule 12(b)(6), a court should accept, as true, all well-pleaded facts and construe all
reasonable allegations in the light most favorable to a plaintiff. Smith v. United States, 561 F.3d
1090, 1098 (10th Cir. 2009).
In applying the Twombly/Iqbal standard to a motion under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6), the
Tenth Circuit has held that plausibility refers “to the scope of the allegations in a complaint: if
they are so general that they encompass a wide swath of conduct, much of it innocent, then the
plaintiffs ‘have not nudged their claims across the line from conceivable to plausible.’” Robbins
v. Oklahoma, 519 F.3d 1242, 1247 (10th Cir. 2008) (quoting Twombly, 550 U.S. at 570). The
standard is “a middle ground between heightened fact pleading, which is expressly rejected, and
allowing complaints that are no more than labels and conclusions or a formulaic recitation of the
elements of a cause of action, which the Court stated will not do.” Id. (internal quotation marks
and citations omitted). The standard must be applied in a manner consistent with the notice
pleading framework set forth in Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(a)(2), which requires only that a complaint give

22

a defendant “fair notice” of the claim and grounds upon which it rests. Khalik v. United Air
Lines, 671 F.3d 1188, 1191-92 (10th Cir. 2012) (citations omitted). The nature and specificity of
the allegations required to state a claim will depend on context; moreover, while a plaintiff need
not establish a prima facie case in the complaint, the elements of each alleged cause of action
help to determine whether the plaintiff has set forth a plausible claim. Id.
2.

Claims
a.

Misappropriation/Theft of Trade Secrets

To prove misappropriation of a trade secret, a plaintiff must show: (i) that he or she
possessed a valid trade secret, (ii) that the trade secret was disclosed or used without consent,
and (iii) that the defendant knew, or should have known, that the trade secret was acquired by
improper means. Gates Rubber Co. v. Bando Chemical Industries, Ltd., 9 F.3d 823, 847 (10th
Cir. 1993) (citing Colorado Uniform Trade Secrets Act, C.R.S. § 7-74-101 et seq.).
Ms. Swallow
The Complaint alleges that the materials Ms. Shell used in her training seminars were
trade secrets. The Complaint further alleges that Ms. Swallow obtained those materials and
disseminated them in violation of a confidentiality agreement. This is sufficient to state a claim.
Therefore, the motion is denied as to the misappropriation claim.
Mr. Henderson
As noted above, the Complaint alleges that the materials Ms. Shell used in her training
seminars were trade secrets, which is sufficient to establish the first element of the claim.
However, the Complaint contains no alleged facts that would give rise to an inference that Mr.
Henderson personally ever disclosed or used any of the training materials alleged to be a trade

23

secret. In addition, the Court has reviewed Ms. Shell’s Affidavit and Exhibit on Trade Secret
(#625) to determine whether, if given the opportunity to amend, she could allege facts that would
be sufficient to plausibly state a misappropriation of trade secrets claim against Mr. Henderson.
Disregarding conclusory statements in the affidavit, Ms. Shell specifically identifies acts of use
and disclosure by other individuals, Dennis Hinger, William Wiseman, Dee Contreras, and Anne
Tower, but no use or disclosure by Mr. Henderson himself. Therefore, this claim is dismissed as
to Mr. Henderson and no amendment of the Complaint will be permitted.
b.

Copyright Infringement

To demonstrate copyright infringement, a plaintiff must demonstrate two elements: (i)
ownership of a valid copyright; and (ii) unlawful appropriation of protected portions of the
copyrighted work. See La Resolana Architects, PA v. Reno, Inc., 555 F.3d 1171, 1177 (10th Cir.
2009) (citing Feist Publ’ns, Inc. v. Rural Tel. Serv. Co., 499 U.S. 340, 361 (1991)). As to the
second element, a plaintiff must show both that the defendant actually copied the copyrighted
work and that the elements of the work that were copied were “protected expression and of such
importance to the copied work that the appropriation is actionable.” See Gates Rubber Co. v.
Bando Chem. Indus., 9 F.3d 823, 832 (10th Cir. 1993).
Ms. Swallow
Ms. Shell has identified the materials that she contends are copyrighted in the Complaint
at Paragraph 94. In addition, she asserts that certain of these documents were infringed by being
published on various websites without her permission in Paragraph 111. However, none of the

24

alleged infringing actions were committed by Ms. Swallow.13
Nonetheless, the claim will not be dismissed at this time.14 Ms. Shell’s Complaint states
that the infringing actions described in Paragraph 111 is only a partial listing of the alleged
incidents of infringements she has suffered. In the interest of clarity and notice to the remaining
Defendants, Ms. Shall is ordered to submit a more definite statement regarding her infringement
claim15. In that statement, she shall specify each and every act of infringement upon which she
relies for this claim, including: (1) the document at issue identified by title and description of
content; (2) which copyright protects the document and when that copyright was registered; and
(3) exactly how, when, and by whom (among the remaining Defendants) the alleged
infringement occurred. The statement shall be filed within ten days of this order and may only
be amended upon a showing of good cause.
Mr. Henderson
Treating the allegations as true, the Complaint adequately alleges the first element of a
copyright infringement claim - the existence of a valid copyright. The Complaint further alleges
that Mr. Henderson “had impermissibly published a discrete article and/or document from my
web site on September 24, 2006,” that Ms. Shell “discovered my copyrighted 4th amendment

13

To the extent that Ms. Shell bases this claim on Ms. Swallow obtaining and disseminating
materials from the training seminar, Ms. Shell has not alleged that these materials were copyrighted at the
time.
14

Ms. Swallow also contends that Ms. Shell’s copyright claims are time-barred by the statute of
limitation or by the equitable doctrine of laches. Since at this point it does not appear that Ms. Shell has
adequately alleged a claim against Ms. Swallow the Court declines to address this affirmative defense at
this time.
15

The Court notes that Ms. Shell has been ordered to identify her alleged trade secrets in a similar
fashion. Minute Order (#789).

25

letter from my web site published on the AFRA web site by Henderson on November 13, 2005”
and “I discovered my copyrighted Letter to Lawyer from my web site impressibly published on
the AFRA web site by Henderson on November 13, 2005.” Complaint ¶¶ 111 j, 140, 141.
Giving these allegations a liberal construction, the Court concludes this is adequate to allege the
second element of the claim - that Mr. Henderson unlawfully appropriated the copyrighted work.

Mr. Henderson, however, also challenges Ms. Shell’s copyright claim on the grounds that
it is barred by the statute of limitation. The limitation period for a copyright claim is three years.
17 U.S.C. § 507(b). Ms. Shell’s Complaint was filed on February 13, 2009, and so her claims
must have accrued no later than February 13, 2006. Mr. Henderson, however, provides no
analysis regarding when Ms. Shell’s cause of action for copyright infringement accrued.
Although some of the alleged acts of infringement may have occurred and/or should have been
discovered before February 2006, it is not apparent from the face of the Complaint that the claim
is time-barred; therefore, it will not be dismissed at this time.
c.

Contributory and Vicarious Copyright Infringement

Although the Copyright Act does not expressly cover contributory or vicarious
infringement, these doctrines of secondary liability are well established in the law and are
grounded in common law principles of secondary liability. See Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios,
Inc. v. Grokster, Ltd., 545 U.S. 913, 930–31 (2005); La Resolana, 555 F.3d at 1181.
Contributory copyright infringement occurs when a defendant induces or encourages direct
infringement and vicarious infringement occurs when a defendant profits from direct
infringement while declining to exercise a right to stop or limit it.

26

For contributory infringement, a plaintiff must allege (i) direct copyright infringement by
a third-party; (ii) knowledge by the defendant of the direct infringement; and (iii) material
contribution to the infringement. See Columbia Pictures Indus., Inc. v. Redd Horne, Inc., 749
F.2d 154, 160 (3d Cir. 1984); see also CoStar Group, Inc. v. LoopNet, Inc., 373 F.3d 544, 550
(4th Cir. 2004); Gershwin Pub. Corp. v. Columbia Artists Mgmt., Inc., 443 F.2d 1159, 1162 (2d
Cir. 1971) (“[O]ne who, with knowledge of the infringing activity, induces, causes or materially
contributes to the infringing conduct of another, may be held liable as a ‘contributory’
infringer.”).
For vicarious infringement, a plaintiff must allege that the defendant (i) had the right and
ability to supervise the infringing activity or infringer; and (ii) possessed a direct financial
interest in the exploited copyrighted materials. See Nelson-Salabes, Inc. v. Morningside Dev.,
284 F.3d 505, 513 (4th Cir. 2002); Softel, Inc. v. Dragon Med. & Sci. Communs., 118 F.3d 955,
971 (2d Cir. 1997) (requiring the defendant have a right and ability to supervise that coalesced
with an obvious and direct financial interest in the exploitation of copyrighted materials).
Ms. Swallow
With respect to the claim of contributory infringement, the Complaint does not include
any specific alleged facts which, if true, would demonstrate that Ms. Swallow knew or materially
contributed to the infringing conduct of any person who allegedly published Ms. Shell’s
copyrighted material without permission.
Similarly, with respect to the vicarious infringement claim, the Complaint does not allege
any facts that would show that Ms. Swallow had any right or ability to supervise the persons who
allegedly published Ms. Shell’s copyrighted materials or that Ms. Swallow benefitted financially

27

from the exploitation of Ms. Shell’s copyrighted materials. Therefore, the vicarious
infringement and contributory infringement claims are dismissed as asserted against Ms.
Swallow.
Mr. Henderson
With respect to the contributory infringement, the Complaint alleges facts that could, if
true, establish the first element –direct copyright infringement by a third-party – as instances of
infringement by others is alleged. Complaint ¶ 99. In addition, giving Ms. Shell the benefit of
all favorable inferences, the Complaint alleges that Mr. Henderson knew of the infringement and
that he had control over the websites on which the materials were published, which could
establish the second and third elements of the claim (knowledge and material contribution to the
infringement). The contributory infringement claim, therefore, will not be dismissed.
The vicarious infringement claim, however, will be dismissed. A key element of this
claim is that the defendant possess a direct financial interest in the exploited copyrighted
materials. The Complaint alleges no facts from which it could be plausibly inferred that Mr.
Henderson personally obtained any financial benefit from the infringement as there is no
evidence of sales or commercial activity involving Ms. Shell’s materials. The Court has
reviewed Ms. Shell’s Affidavit and Exhibits Regarding Copyright Infringement (#626) and finds
therein no facts that could plausibly suggest that Mr. Henderson had any personal financial
interest in the infringement. Therefore, the vicarious infringement claim is dismissed and no
amendment will be permitted.
d.

Breach of Contract

To prevail on her claim for breach of contract against Ms. Swallow and Mr. Henderson,

28

Ms. Shell’s Complaint must allege facts that would establish four elements: (i) existence of a
contract; (ii) performance by herself; (iii) failure to perform by Ms. Swallow; and (iv) resulting
damages. See Western Distrib. Co. v. Diodosio, 841 P.2d 1053, 1058 (Colo. 1992).
Ms. Swallow
The Complaint alleges that Ms. Swallow signed a nondisclosure agreement but
nonetheless disseminated confidential materials from the training seminar, thereby causing
damage to Ms. Shell. This is sufficient to state a claim for breach of contract.
However, Ms. Swallow seeks dismissal of this claim, again disputing the factual question
whether Ms. Swallow signed any contract when she attended Ms. Shell’s seminar. As noted
above, for the purposes of a motion to dismiss, Ms. Shell’s allegations are treated as true and so
Ms. Swallow’s evidentiary challenge does not justify dismissal of the claim.
In addition, Ms. Swallow contends that even if there was a contract and it was breached,
Ms. Shell’s claim is time-barred. However, it is not clear from the allegations when the contract
is alleged to have been breached or exactly when Ms. Shell’s cause of action accrued. Because a
motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6) is resolved based only on the allegations in the
Complaint, and the allegations do not clearly show that the claim is time-barred, dismissal of the
breach of contract claim is not appropriate at this time.
Mr. Henderson
As noted by Mr. Henderson, the Complaint contains no allegations regarding the
existence of a contract between Ms. Shell and Mr. Henderson. At best, the Complaint alleges
that Ms. Shell’s website contains a “Copyright notice/security agreement” which includes “an
offer to copy or distribute any content on my website profane-justice.org in exchange for pre-

29

payment of posted license fees equal to $5,000.00 per printed page per copy.” Complaint ¶ 138.
However, as the Court previously determined, this is insufficient to establish the existence of a
contract in the absence of an allegation showing acceptance of the offer - i.e., pre-payment of the
posted license fees. March 31, 2010 Order (# 397), at 34. The Complaint does not allege that
Mr. Henderson accepted the offer contained in the “Copyright notice/security agreement” and,
therefore, there are no facts alleged that plausibly suggest the existence of a contract. Ms. Shell
in her Response brief does not identify any contract entered into by Mr. Henderson and Ms.
Shell. Rather, she states conclusorily and without record citation that Mr. Henderson became
bound by some unspecified contract when he “copied content from my web site pursuant to the
terms displayed.” Response (#624) at 22. Therefore, the breach of contract claim is dismissed
as to Mr. Henderson.
In addition, the Court has reviewed Ms. Shell’s Affidavit on Tortious Interference with
Contract (#627), which appears to be the only document containing additional information
regarding a potential claim of breach of contract as asserted against Mr. Henderson. Ms. Shell
again relies only on Mr. Henderson’s alleged copying of materials from her website despite the
posting of her Copyright notice/security agreement as a basis for the contract claim.16 Because
Ms. Shell’s averments are insufficient to plausibly give rise to an inference that any agreement
existed between Ms. Shell and Mr. Henderson, no amendment of the Complaint will be
permitted as to this claim.
e.

Tortious Interference with Business Relationship and/or Business

16

Assuming the truth of the allegations, any liability and damages resulting from this alleged
wrongful conduct would be adequately covered by the copyright infringement claims.

30

Contract
Under Colorado law, a plaintiff asserting a tortious interference with a contract claim
must show that: (i) the plaintiff has a contract with another party; (ii) the defendant knew or
should have known of such contract's existence; (iii) the defendant intentionally induced the
other party to the contract not to perform the contract with the plaintiff; and (iv) the defendant’s
actions caused plaintiff to incur damages. Memorial Gardens, Inc. v. Olympian Sales &
Management Consultants, Inc., 690 P.2d 207 (Colo. 1984). Alternatively, a claim for tortious
interference with prospective business advantage does not require a showing of an underlying
contract; rather, the plaintiff must show intentional and improper interference such that a
particular contract is prevented from being formed. See Harris Group, Inc. v. Robinson, 209
P.3d 1188, 1195–96 (Colo. Ct. App. 2009).
Ms. Swallow
The contract upon which Ms. Shell relies for this claim is the contract between Ms. Shell
and Ms. Swallow or, alternatively, the contract between Ms. Shell and Ms. Durand (who is no
longer a Defendant). As noted above, a fundamental element of the claim is that the plaintiff
have a contract with another person other than the defendant. Here, the only contract involving
another person is the contract between Ms. Shell and Ms. Durand. The Complaint does not
allege any facts that would show that Ms. Swallow induced Ms. Durand to breach the contract.
In addition, there are no alleged facts that would show conduct by Ms. Swallow that prevented
some other contract from being formed. Therefore, this claim is be dismissed as to Ms.
Swallow.
Mr. Henderson

31

The Complaint contains no specific allegations that would plausibly give rise to an
inference that Mr. Henderson took any action to induce either Ms. Swallow, Ms. Durand, or
anyone else to breach any contract with Ms. Shell. Accordingly, this claim is dismissed as to
Mr. Henderson. In addition, it does not appear that Ms. Shell could amend her Complaint to
state a claim for tortious interference against Mr. Henderson. Ms. Shell’s Affidavit on Tortious
Interference with Contract (#627) lists various actions by others, primarily involving the use or
disclosure of her materials, but as to Mr. Henderson states only that he “is on the board of
AFRA, and exercises control over AFRA online properties.” Id., ¶ 54. Other than conclusory
statements, Ms. Shell identifies no specific conduct, acts, or statements by Mr. Henderson that
could plausibly give rise to an inference that he induced any person to breach an existing
contract with her.
f.

False and Misleading Advertisement

To establish a claim under the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a) for false and misleading
advertising, the plaintiff must prove the following elements: (i) that defendant made material
false or misleading representations of fact in connection with the commercial advertising or
promotion of its product; (ii) in commerce; (iii) that are either likely to cause confusion or
mistake as to (a) the origin, association or approval of the product with or by another, or (b) the
characteristics of the goods or services; and (iv) injury the plaintiff. Cottrell, Ltd. v. Biotrol Int’l,
Inc., 191 F.3d 1248, 1252 (10th Cir. 1999) (citations omitted).
The Tenth Circuit has adopted the following test to determine whether a statement
amounts to “commercial advertising or promotion,” requiring that the representation be: (1)
commercial speech; (2) by a defendant who is in commercial competition with plaintiff; (3) for

32

the purpose of influencing consumers to buy defendant’s goods or services; and (4) the
representations need not be made in a “classic advertising campaign” but must be disseminated
sufficiently to the relevant purchasing public to constitute “advertising” or “promotion” within
that industry. Proctor & Gamble Co. v. Haugen, 222 F.3d 1262, 1273-74 (10th Cir. 2000).
Ms. Swallow
The Complaint contains no allegations, other than conclusory allegations regarding all
the Defendants, sufficient to give rise to an inference that Ms. Swallow engaged in any
commercial advertising of her own product or service in interstate commerce. In an affidavit
submitted in connection with Ms. Shell’s response, Ms. Shell avers that Ms. Swallow has also
published a number of defamatory statements about Ms. Shell and that such statements are
“advertisements.” (#528). However, the facts contained in Ms. Shell's affidavit are still no more
than conclusory allegations regarding any commercial activities by Ms. Swallow. All of the
filings in this action indicate that Ms. Swallow has, at most, posted comments in the various
internet groups and online forums disparaging Ms. Shell and her work and accusing her of a
variety of criminal and/or fraudulent conduct. While this might state a claim for defamation,17 it
does not plausibly allege the advertising of a product or service sold by Ms. Swallow.
Therefore, the false advertising claim is dismissed.
Mr. Henderson
Mr. Henderson also challenges this claim on the grounds that the Complaint does not
allege any commercial activity or commercial advertising sufficient to state a claim for false

17

Ms. Shell has not alleged a claim of defamation against Ms. Swallow in this action, although
Ms. Shell apparently received a default judgment in another proceeding in which she asserted such a
claim.

33

advertising. Other than conclusory allegations, the Complaint does not demonstrate that Mr.
Henderson himself advertised any product or service for sale, that he was in commercial
competition with Ms. Shell, or that he made any statement with the intent of influencing
consumers to purchase his goods or services. Simply put, there is no allegation that Mr.
Henderson either personally or on behalf of AFRA has offered any goods or services for sale.
Indeed, the crux of Ms. Shell’s lawsuit is that she herself offered her materials and training
programs in exchange for a fee but the Defendants wrongfully obtained and then disseminated
her materials for free on online discussion groups and the AFRA website. While these activities
may have caused Ms. Shell herself financial harm, they do not amount to commercial activity by
Mr. Henderson.
In her Response brief, Ms. Shell notes that AFRA has in the past promoted/advertised her
materials (when she was a member of the AFRA board), offers brochures for anyone to print,
“publicizes” its positions on child welfare issues, and promotes itself as an organization. Again,
however, none of this shows the sale of any product or service. Moreover, what Ms. Shell
considers to be “advertisements” are again merely disparaging statements about her, apparently
posted online or communicated person to person. Complaint ¶¶ 235-274; Response (#624) at p.
25. None of these statements are specifically attributed to Mr. Henderson, nor were they made
in connection with any effort by him to sell a product or service in competition with Ms. Shell.
Therefore, the false advertising claim is dismissed as against Mr. Henderson.
The Court has also reviewed Ms. Shell’s Affidavit and Exhibits on False and Misleading
Advertisements (#629) to determine whether she should be permitted to amend her Complaint in
this regard. Aside from conclusory averments, the only conduct specifically attributed to Mr.

34

Henderson is his creation of AFRA interactive online groups, which in turn are used to exchange
information, “offer AFRA fund raising items,” and to promote AFRA as an organization. Id. ¶
3. Otherwise, Ms. Shell identifies only insulting and allegedly false comments posted on these
discussion groups and elsewhere by others18 and her disagreement with advice Mr. Henderson
offered on the AFRA website or discussion groups with respect to child welfare issues. Again,
while these facts might support a claim for defamation against the persons who made the
statements, they do not plausibly suggest that Mr. Henderson made any false statements in
connection with the commercial advertising of a product or service for sale in competition with
Ms. Shell. Therefore, this claim is dismissed and amendment will not be permitted.
g.

Unfair Trade Practices

The next claim in the Complaint is for unfair trade practices.19 To prevail on an unfair
trade practices claim under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act, C.R.S. § 6-1-101 et seq., a
plaintiff must prove the following elements: (1) that the defendant engaged in an unfair or
deceptive trade practice; (2) that the challenged practice occurred in the course of defendant’s
business, vocation, or occupation; (3) that it significantly impacts the public as actual or

18

Wading through Ms. Shell’s voluminous documents revealed only the following statements
allegedly made by Mr. Henderson, apparently in communications to other AFRA directors: (1) that he
thought Ms. Shell had “Alzheimer’s or what . . .” (#629, ¶ 96); and (2) that Ms. Shell “even went so far
as offering to fabricate a sexual harassment case against me because I used to end my phone
conversations with the Christian ‘I love you.’” (id., ¶ 117).
19

The Complaint also purports to assert a federal unfair trade practices claim but it is
unclear what federal cause of action is alleged. The Complaint cites 15 U.S.C. § 1127, which
concerns trademarks, but the Complaint does not allege that Ms. Shell possessed any valid
trademarks that were misused by any Defendant; therefore, to the extent the claim is based on
trademark infringement it is dismissed. Ms. Shell did not in any of her response briefs clarify
the basis of a federal cause of action and does not identify any other federal statute upon which
she relies. Therefore, only the state unfair practices claim is analyzed.
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potential consumers of the defendant’s goods, services, or property; (4) that the plaintiff suffered
injury in fact to a legally protected interest; and (5) that the challenged practice caused the
plaintiff's injury. Hall v. Walter, 969 P.2d 224, 235 (Colo. 1998).
Ms. Swallow
As noted by the Court in its March 31, 2010 Order (#397), the Complaint, as to this and
the remaining claims, contains only conclusory assertions setting forth the elements of a cause of
action but no specific factual averments sufficient to state a plausible claim against Ms. Swallow.
Even giving Ms. Shell the benefit of all favorable inferences from the specific facts asserted, the
Complaint alleges no more than that Ms. Swallow improperly obtained and disseminated
materials from Ms. Shell’s training seminar and published unfavorable comments about Ms.
Shell on the Internet. There are no specific facts regarding Ms. Swallow that would show that
she engaged in any unfair trade practice in connection with her “business, vocation, or
occupation” (indeed, there are no allegations at all with respect to Ms. Swallow’s line of work)
or that her conduct has had a significant impact on the public as consumers of Ms. Shell’s goods
or services. Therefore, this claim is dismissed as to Ms. Swallow.
Mr. Henderson
As to Mr. Henderson, disregarding conclusory allegations, the Complaint alleges
essentially that Mr. Henderson was a founder, board member and former president of AFRA,
that he maintained the AFRA website and set up interactive discussion groups, and that he and
other persons have posted Ms. Shell’s materials without consent and made nasty comments
about her on these sites. Giving Ms. Shell the benefit of all favorable inferences, because of Mr.
Henderson’s leadership role in AFRA, the allegations could plausibly suggest that his conduct

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was in the course of his business, vocation or occupation. In addition, the conduct described
(publishing Ms. Shell’s materials without consent or attribution and disparaging her professional
reputation) could plausibly be considered an unfair trade practice. See, e.g., C.R.S. § 6-1105(1)(b) and (h) (unfair trade practice includes knowingly making “a false representation as to
the source, sponsorship, approval, or certification of goods, services, or property” and
“[d]isparag[ing] the goods, services, property, or business of another by false or misleading
representation of fact.”). The Complaint alleges that there is a consumer market for Ms. Shell’s
services and materials that was impacted by this conduct and that Ms. Shell was injured
financially. These allegations are sufficient to state a claim against Mr. Henderson and so the
claim will not be dismissed.
h.

Conspiracy

The Complaint also contains a claim of civil conspiracy, asserted against all of the
Defendants, again based on conclusory allegations. To establish a claim of civil conspiracy
under Colorado law, “there must be: (1) two or more persons, and for this purpose a corporation
is a person; (2) an object to be accomplished; (3) a meeting of the minds on the object or course
of action; (4) one or more unlawful overt acts; and (5) damages as the proximate result thereof.”
Jet Courier Serv., Inc. v. Mulei, 771 P.2d 486, 502 (Colo.1989).
Civil conspiracy is a derivative cause of action that is not independently actionable.
Double Oak Constr., L.L.C. v. Cornerstone Development Int’l, L.L.C., 97 P.3d 140, 146
(Colo.App.2003). “[T]he essence of a civil conspiracy claim is not the conspiracy itself, but the
actual damages resulting from the acts done in furtherance of the conspiracy.” Id. Therefore, the
purpose of the conspiracy claim is to hold the named Defendants liable for the unlawful acts

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allegedly committed by their purported co-conspirators. Sterenbuch v. Goss, 266 P.3d 428, 435
(Colo.App. 2011) (“it is wrongful acts, not the mere existence or continuation of a conspiracy,
that injure the plaintiff.”); see also Farmland Indus. v. Frazier–Parrott Commodities, Inc., 871
F.2d 1402, 1409 (8th Cir.1989) (“[T]he ‘doctrine of civil conspiracy extends liability for tort ...
to persons other than the actual wrongdoer ... but it is the acts causing damage to the plaintiff
that give rise to liability for damages, not the conspiracy itself.’ ”).
Ms. Swallow
Aside from conclusory allegations, the Complaint alleges that Ms. Swallow attended a
seminar at which she obtained Ms. Shell’s training materials. Ms. Swallow thereafter
transmitted them to dismissed Defendant William Wiseman, who published them on his website.
Complaint, ¶ 83. Assuming that this publication is itself wrongful, these minimal allegations
may be sufficient to plausibly suggest that Ms. Swallow and Mr. Wiseman entered into an
agreement to disclose and disseminate Ms. Swallow’s protected intellectual property, thereby
causing Ms. Shell financial harm. However, this claim is entirely redundant of the
misappropriation of trade secrets claim already asserted against Ms. Swallow and does not need
to be pled as a duplicative derivative claim. In the absence of any other allegations that could
plausibly give rise to an inference that Ms. Swallow entered into a conspiracy with any other
individual to commit an unlawful act such that Ms. Swallow should be liable for that other
person’s actions, the claim is dismissed.
Mr. Henderson
As noted above, the Complaint alleges that Mr. Henderson had a principal role at AFRA,
maintained its website, and set up or moderated some of the affiliated online groups. The

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Complaint further alleges that several of Ms. Shell’s copyrighted documents were published on
the AFRA website and related sites. The only other specific allegation relating to Mr.
Henderson is that “[o]n July 31, 2004, Henderson published and advertised on AFRA Directors
that I had left AFRA, and that my efforts to protect my intellectual property was a ‘problem’ for
AFRA.” Complaint, ¶ 103. The Complaint also alleges that “AFRA has an express and implied
policy, and a long running practice to engage in wholesale copyright infringement and other
misappropriation of intellectual property belonging to a plethora of authors” and that “AFRA has
provided instruction to its members on it’s groups how to copy entire web sites without seeking
prior permission.” Complaint, ¶¶ 95, 98. These allegations are conclusory and do not allege
specific facts sufficient to plausibly suggest that Mr. Henderson personally entered into any
agreement with any of the other persons to engage in copyright infringement such that he can be
held liable for their infringement, as opposed to his own conduct. To the extent Mr. Henderson
played a role in the alleged infringement by allowing it to be published on the AFRA sites he
allegedly controlled, Ms. Shell’s concerns are adequately addressed by her claim for contributory
infringement, which remains pending.
Moreover, the Court has reviewed Ms. Shell’s Affidavit on the Conspiracy (#631) to
determine whether, if given the opportunity to amend, Ms. Shell could allege facts sufficient to
state a claim for conspiracy against Mr. Henderson. Disregarding conclusory assertions, Ms.
Shell lists various communications from Mr. Henderson to or about her, his publication of her
work without attribution, Ms. Shell’s myriad disputes with other persons, Mr. Henderson’s
expressions of doubts regarding the validity of Ms. Shell’s claim to ownership of the materials at
issue, details of tit-for-tat online exchanges among AFRA members going back to 2004 and

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earlier, Mr. Henderson’s role in revoking AFRA memberships, disagreements among AFRA
members regarding a “consumer advisory” (apparently a listing of “bad family advocates”)
developed by Ms. Shell, sexist and insulting comments made by Mr. Henderson, disagreements
involving Mr. Henderson as to whether to allow Ms. Shell to offer her training to AFRA
members and discussions regarding AFRA developing its own training, Mr. Henderson’s nonspecific statements that he could “destroy” her, alleged acts of infringement by other AFRA
members (not on AFRA websites), derogatory statements allegedly posted by dismissed
Defendant Wiseman and others (but not Mr. Henderson) on non-AFRA websites, various
contributions to a discussion group called “bashing_shell” (none of which are attributed to Mr.
Henderson), efforts by Mr. Henderson to ban discussion of Ms. Shell on the AFRA site, and
numerous communications to or about Ms. Shell by others, and discussions by others on nonAFRA websites about the validity of claiming intellectual property rights in materials intended
to further the cause of family advocacy. At most, Ms. Shell avers only inactivity, in that
“Henderson never attempted to control the content of any other AFRA member’s or anyone
else’s web site” (¶ 405) and that he did not remove allegedly infringing content from AFRA
group files (¶ 409).
This cascade of minutia shows at best a long and rancorous relationship between Ms.
Shell and AFRA members (or other persons involved in family advocacy), including Mr.
Henderson. These persons may have had shared hostility towards Ms. Shell, and she towards
them, but this is insufficient, even giving Ms. Shell the benefit of all favorable inferences, to
plausibly suggest that Mr. Henderson entered into an agreement with another person to commit
an unlawful act such that he can be liable for that person’s conduct. Salehpoor v. Shahinpoor,

40

358 F.3d 782, 789 (10th Cir. 2004) (“Parallel action-or inaction in our case-does not necessarily
indicate an agreement to act in concert.”). Therefore, no amendment of the Complaint shall be
permitted in this regard.
i.

Sherman Anti-Trust Act

The Complaint alleges an anti-trust claim with wholly conclusory allegations, setting
forth only the elements of a cause of action with no specific facts. The relevant statute, 15
U.S.C. § 2 provides penalties for any person “who shall monopolize, or attempt to monopolize,
or combine or conspire with any other person or persons, to monopolize any part of the trade or
commerce among the several States.” As established above, there are no facts alleged in the
Complaint that plausibly suggest that Ms. Swallow or Mr. Henderson engages in any trade or
commerce or is in any kind of commercial competition with Ms. Shell. In addition, no facts are
averred in Ms. Shell’s Affidavit and Exhibits on Anti-Trust (#634) that if pled in an amended
pleading would save the claim; in fact, all of the information contained in the affidavit
definitively establishes that the conduct at issue involves no business, trade, or commercial
activities but rather discussions and exchange of information without payment. To the extent
Ms. Shell suffered any harm from the disclosure and dissemination of her intellectual property
and disparagement of her professional credentials in this regard, it is adequately addressed by her
remaining claims.
VII. Order to Show Cause as to Remaining Defendants
The Court notes that the caption refers to several Defendants against whom there have
been no material recent proceedings: Families At Risk Defense Alliance; Francine Renee Cygan;
Mark Cygan; Illinois Family Advocacy Coalition; Georgia Family Rights, Inc; and National

41

Association of Family Advocates.
The last meaningful docket activity involving Families and Risk Defense Alliance;
Illinois Family Advocacy Coalition Georgia Family Rights, Inc., and Mark Cygan was the
Clerk’s entry of default (# 519) against them on January 19, 2012. Entry of default against
Francine Renee Cygan was also entered at that time, and on June 22, 2012, the Magistrate Judge
denied # 722) Ms. Cygan’s motion to set aside that default.
The last docket activity involving the National Association of Family Advocates was an
April 16, 2009 Order (# 45) striking its Answer and directing it to obtain counsel, and
proceedings a few days later in which the Court declined to reconsider (# 47, 49) that Order.
Ms. Shell is obligated to pursue her claims against all named Defendants in this matter
with reasonable diligence. Within 30 days of the date of this Order, Ms. Shell shall either: (i)
file motions for default judgments against these Defendants; (ii) dismiss the claims against these
Defendants; or (iii) otherwise show cause as to why the Court should not dismiss the claims
against these Defendants sua sponte for failure to prosecute pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(b).
Ms. Shell is reminded that, should she choose to seek default judgments against these
Defendants, such motions must recite facts sufficient to demonstrate the basis for this Court’s
exercise of personal jurisdiction over these Defendants as discussed above. Motions for default
judgment that fail to make such a showing shall result in dismissal of the claims against the
affected Defendant(s) for lack of personal jurisdiction.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED:
(1)

Defendant American Family Rights Association’s (“AFRA”) Motion to Dismiss
is GRANTED. The claims against AFRA are dismissed without prejudice for

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lack of personal jurisdiction and the caption of the case is amended to omit
reference to AFRA.
(2)

Ms. Shell’s Motion to Strike Defendant AFRA’s Motion to Dismiss (#535) is
DENIED.

(3)

Ms. Shell’s Motion for Sanctions Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 11 (#536) is
DENIED.

(4)

Defendant Brenda Swallow’s Motion to Dismiss (#506) is GRANTED IN PART
AND DENIED IN PART. The Plaintiff’s claims of contributory and vicarious
copyright infringement, tortious interference with contract, false advertising,
unfair trade practices, civil conspiracy, and anti-trust violations are dismissed as
to Ms. Swallow for failure to state a claim.

(5)

Defendant Leonard Henderson’s Motion for Summary Judgment (#592),
construed as a Motion to Dismiss, is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN
PART. The Plaintiff’s claims of misappropriation of trade secret, tortious
interference with contract, breach of contract, false advertising, unfair trade
practices, civil conspiracy, and anti-trust violations are dismissed as to Mr.
Henderson for failure to state a claim.

(6)

For purposes of clarity, the Court repeats that the following claims, and only the
following claims, are proceeding against Ms. Swallow and Mr. Henderson in this
suit: (i) copyright infringement against Mr. Henderson and Ms. Swallow, (ii)
contributory copyright infringement against Mr. Henderson; (iii) misappropriation
of trade secrets against Ms. Swallow; (iv) breach of contract against Ms.

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Swallow; and (v) unfair trade practices against Mr. Henderson.
(7)

Ms. Shell shall file a statement identifying all of the alleged infringing acts
underlying her claim of copyright infringement and contributory/vicarious
copyright infringement, as described herein, within ten days of the issuance of
this order.

(8)

With regard to Defendants Families At Risk Defense Alliance; Francine Renee
Cygan; Mark Cygan; Illinois Family Advocacy Coalition; Georgia Family Rights,
Inc; and National Association of Family Advocates, Ms. Shell shall have 30 days
from the date of this Order in which to file appropriate motions for default
judgment, dismiss the claims against these Defendants, or otherwise show cause
why the claims against these Defendants should not be dismissed for failure to
prosecute.

Dated this 28th day of September, 2012
BY THE COURT:

Marcia S. Krieger
United States District Judge

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