Avid Technology, Inc. . v. Media Gobbler, Inc.

Filing 1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants Filing fee: $ 400, receipt number 0101-5213082 (Fee Status: Filing Fee paid), filed by AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Avid Pro Tools Session File Format SDK (2012) - Copyright Registration Details, # 2 Exhibit B - Avid Pro Tools Session File Format (2013) - Copyright Registration Details, # 3 Exhibit C - U.S. TM Reg. No. 1686100, # 4 Exhibit D - U.S. TM Reg. No. 3154131, # 5 Exhibit E - U.S. TM Reg. No. 3154132, # 6 Exhibit F - U.S. TM Reg. No. 3304280, # 7 Exhibit G - U.S. TM Reg. No. 3920040, # 8 Exhibit H - U.S. TM Reg. No. 4154274, # 9 Exhibit I - U.S. TM Reg. No. 3905003, # 10 Exhibit J - U.S. TM Reg. No. 1917664, # 11 Exhibit K - SDK Agreement Filed Under Seal, # 12 Exhibit L - Gobbler Jobs Portal Web Page, # 13 Exhibit M - Promo - Gobbler Website, # 14 Exhibit N - Features - Gobbler Website, # 15 Exhibit O - Tutorials - Gobbler Website, # 16 Exhibit P - Gobbler Dev Portal Web Page, # 17 Exhibit Q - Gobbler Dev Portal Web Page, # 18 Exhibit R - About Gobbler - Gobbler Website, # 19 Exhibit S - Progress - Gobbler Jobs Portal Web Page, # 20 Civil Cover Sheet, # 21 Exhibit Category Form)(Morrison, Christopher)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS
AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC.,
Plaintiff,

Civil Action No. 14-13746

v.
MEDIA GOBBLER, INC.,
Defendant.

COMPLAINT
Plaintiff Avid Technology, Inc. (“Avid”), by and through its undersigned attorneys, for
its Complaint against Defendant Media Gobbler, Inc. (“Gobbler”), states and alleges as follows:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
1.

This is an action to cease Gobbler’s unlawful use and misappropriation of Avid’s

valuable intellectual property rights. Avid seeks damages and injunctive relief against Gobbler
for copyright infringement, trademark infringement, false designation of origin, false advertising,
and unfair competition in violation of federal law, as well as state and common law claims for
breach of contract, trade secret misappropriation, and tortious interference with the contractual
obligations of four former Avid employees who are now employed by Gobbler.
PARTIES, JURISDICTION, AND VENUE
2.

Avid is a Delaware corporation, with its principal place of business at 75 Network

Drive, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803. Avid is the company behind Pro Tools®, the industryleading audio production platform.
3.

Upon information and belief, Gobbler is a Delaware corporation, with its

principal place of business at 6427 West Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, California 90028.

4.

This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this action pursuant to 15 U.S.C. §

1121 and 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1338, and 1367.
5.

This Court has personal jurisdiction over Gobbler because Gobbler: (1) transacts

business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; (2) contracts to supply services or things in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and (3) has caused tortious injury in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. Gobbler is further subject to this Court’s personal jurisdiction because Gobbler
has agreed to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in and of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the subject matter of this action.
6.

Venue is proper in this District under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b) because a substantial

part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claims occurred, and is occurring, in this
District.
FACTS COMMON TO ALL COUNTS
Avid, Its Pro Tools® Digital Audio Workstation, and Its Valuable Intellectual Property
7.

Avid is the world’s leading provider of audio and video technology for media

organizations and independent professionals. Avid’s products and services are used to create,
distribute, and monetize the most prestigious and award-winning films, videos, music recordings,
TV shows, live concerts, and news broadcasts. Avid’s industry-leading solutions include its Pro
Tools®, Media Composer®, ISIS®, Interplay®, and Sibelius® products.
8.

Avid’s contributions to the state of the art have resulted in extensive accolades

and recognition, including the most prestigious awards in the media industry. For example, Avid
has received two Oscar statuettes, a Grammy award, and fourteen Emmy awards, including the
Philo T. Farnsworth Corporate Achievement Award.
9.

Avid’s Pro Tools hardware and software goods are used extensively by

professionals throughout the audio industry for recording and editing in music production, film

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scoring, film and television post production, musical notation, and MIDI sequencing. Avid’s Pro
Tools software product can run either as standalone software or can be used with a range of Pro
Tools-branded hardware components.
10.

The Pro Tools software program was initially released in 1991. Over the past 23

years, Avid has continued to improve its Pro Tools software and hardware to make it the leading
music recording and audio production platform it is today.
11.

Like Avid’s other products, the Pro Tools platform has received extensive

industry recognition, including an Oscar statuette and a Grammy award. Avid’s solutions also
are used to create the most recognized and loved media in the world. For example, Avid’s audio
solutions were used to create numerous Grammy award winning and nominated projects,
including the 2014 winners for Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and
Best Engineered Album. The impact of the Pro Tools platform in the film world is similarly
acclaimed. For example, the Pro Tools platform was used to create the 2014 Oscar winners in
the categories of Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Original Song.
12.

When a user records or imports audio using Pro Tools software, Pro Tools

generates a file containing the audio track and other data, referred to as a “Pro Tools Session
File.” Pro Tools Session Files are saved in a proprietary format called “.ptf”. The .ptf file
format supports many options for session compatibility and transfer.
13.

Because the Pro Tools platform is the audio production industry standard, third

parties in the industry want their products and services to function seamlessly with the Pro Tools
platform. Avid developed a Pro Tools Session File Format Software Development Kit (“SDK”)
to provide an interface to create, open, and manipulate Pro Tools Session Files. Avid licenses

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the Pro Tools Session File Format SDK to its development partners to enable them to integrate
their technology, tools, and services with Pro Tools software.
14.

Pro Tools and the Pro Tools Session File Format SDK were developed by Avid,

using a team of software architects, engineers and computer scientists, all of whom promised not
to use or divulge the confidential and proprietary information Avid was developing in connection
with these proprietary programs. Among the individuals who worked on the development of the
Pro Tools platform are four former Avid employees, Bobby Lombardi, Bob Brown, Andrew
Hall, and Brian Chrisman, each of whom had access to Avid’s confidential and proprietary trade
secret information. Each of whom now work for Gobbler in a competitive role.
15.

Until recently, Gobbler licensed limited rights from Avid to use the confidential,

proprietary, trade secret and copyright-protected Pro Tools Session File Format SDK. This
allowed Gobbler users to facilitate the back up and transfer of Pro Tools files within Gobbler’s
file sharing service. Any limited rights Gobbler had to use any of Avid’s intellectual property no
longer exist.
Avid’s Pro Tools Trade Secrets and Copyrights
16.

The Pro Tools Session File Format SDK (that was licensed to Gobbler) is an

embodiment and direct result of know-how and confidential and proprietary trade secrets
belonging to Avid relating to the design, development, implementation, and operation of Pro
Tools platform, including scientific, technical, merchandising, production, and management
information, data, designs and processes, as well as procedures, formulas, inventions, and
improvements related to the Pro Tools Session File Format (“the Pro Tools Trade Secrets”).
17.

Avid takes steps to protect its confidential and proprietary trade secret

information, including access to the Pro Tools Trade Secrets. This information is not generally

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available to those outside of Avid, and the information is extremely valuable because it is not
generally known.
18.

The Pro Tools Trade Secrets are accessible only by those having a legitimate

business reason for needing such information and who agree to keep the information
confidential.
19.

Avid safeguards the Pro Tools Trade Secrets in many ways, including by

requiring employees to execute agreements that include obligations to keep such information
confidential and by restricting access to the information.
20.

In addition to being the result of knowledge about some of the Pro Tools Trade

Secrets, the Pro Tools Session File Format SDK is an original work of authorship fixed in a
tangible medium of expression protected by the copyright laws of the United States.
21.

Avid owns all rights to the Pro Tools platform and the Pro Tools Session File

Format SDK.
22.

The Pro Tools Session File Format SDK has been registered with the United

States Copyright Office under U.S. Registration Nos. TXU1909355 (2012 version) and
TXU1909353 (2013 version). A true and correct copy of the Copyright Office’s online record
for each registration is attached hereto, as Exhibits A and B, respectively, and is incorporated
herein by reference.
23.

The intellectual property associated with the Pro Tools platform and the Pro Tools

Session File Format SDK is valuable to Avid.
Avid’s Trademark Rights
24.

In addition to its trade secret and copyright intellectual property rights, Avid uses

a number of trademarks in connection with its business and the products and services it offers.

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25.

Since 1989, Avid has used the house mark “AVID” in connection with its audio

and video technology goods and services throughout the United States.
26.

Avid’s rights in and to the AVID mark are embodied, in part, in the following

United States trademark registrations:
Mark
AVID

AVID

AVID

AVID

Reg. No. Reg. Date
Goods/Services
1,686,100 May 12, 1992 Computer hardware; namely, computers,
video digitizers, audio digitizers, analog to
digital audio converters, National
Television Standard Code to Red-GreenBlue synchronization video and audio
signal converters, video and signal
converters, synchronization generators,
video local area network controllers, video
monitor controllers, monitors; computer
programs for use in video editing
3,154,131 Oct. 10, 2006 Apparatus for recording, transmission or
reproduction of sound and images; Cables
and fibres for the transmission of sounds
and images; Computer peripherals;
Computer programs for editing images,
sound and video; Computer software for
processing digital music files; Computer
software for use in relation to digital
animation and special effects of images;
Loudspeakers; Microphones; Musiccomposition software; Sound mixers
3,154,132 Oct. 10, 2006 Design, development and implementation
of software; Installation of computer
software; Technical support services,
namely, troubleshooting of computer
hardware and software problems
3,304,280 Oct. 2, 2007 Books in the field of audio, video, film,
music, and computers; manuals in the field
of audio, video, film, music, and
computers; pencils; pens; writing pads

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Mark
AVID

AVID

Reg. No. Reg. Date
Goods/Services
3,920,040 Feb. 15, 2011 Consulting services in the field of video
production services and film, audio and
video production services; entertainment
services, namely, providing a website
featuring musical performances, videos,
film clips, photographs and other
multimedia materials; online journals,
namely, blogs featuring information about
advertising media, entertainment and
information technology; providing online
training, namely, seminars, classes and
workshops in the field of editing sounds
and images, animation, and special effects
4,154,274 June 5, 2012 Business consulting and information
services in the fields of computer
hardware, computer software, computer
peripherals, entertainment, music, audio,
television, film, broadcast, video, gaming,
3D, special effects and animation; Business
research and surveys in the fields of
computer hardware, computer software,
computer peripherals, entertainment,
music, audio, television, film, broadcast,
video, gaming, 3D, special effects and
animation; On-line retail store services
featuring computer hardware, computer
software, peripherals, musical instruments,
audio equipment, and video equipment

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Mark

Reg. No. Reg. Date
3,905,003 Jan. 11, 2011

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Goods/Services
Apparatus for recording, transmission or
reproduction of sound and images; Cables and
fibres for the transmission of sounds and images;
Computer peripherals; Computer programs for
editing images, sound and video; Computer
software for processing digital music files;
Computer software for use in relation to digital
animation and special effects of images; Computer
storage devices, namely, computer memory
hardware and hard drives; Loudspeakers;
Microphones; Amplifiers; Headphones; Musiccomposition software; Sound mixers; Musical
Instruments; electronic musical keyboards;
Business consulting and business information
services in the fields of computer hardware,
computer software, computer peripherals,
entertainment, music, audio, television, film,
broadcast, video, gaming, 3D, special effects and
animation; Business research and surveys in the
fields of computer hardware, computer software,
computer peripherals, entertainment, music, audio,
television, film, broadcast, video, gaming, 3D,
special effects and animation; On-line retail store
services featuring computer hardware, computer
software, peripherals, musical instruments, audio
equipment, and video equipment; Operation of a
business for others, namely, operating media,
entertainment, or information technology facilities;
Outsourcing in the field of media, entertainment,
and information technology; Installation of audiovisual apparatus; Installation of computer networks;
Installation of computer systems; Computer
education training services; Training services in the
field of editing sounds and images, animation, and
special effects; Consulting services in the field of
video production services and film, audio and video
production services; entertainment services,
namely, providing a website featuring musical
performances, videos, film clips, photographs and
other multimedia materials; online journals,
namely, blogs featuring information about
advertising media, entertainment and information
technology; providing online training, namely,
seminars, classes and workshops in the field of
editing sounds and images, animation, and special
effects; Design, development and implementation
of software; Installation of computer software;
Technical support services, namely, troubleshooting
in the nature of diagnosing computer hardware and
software problems

27.

Since 1991, Avid has also used the mark “PRO TOOLS” in connection with its

audio production hardware and software goods throughout the United States
28.

Avid’s rights in and to the PRO TOOLS mark are embodied, in part, in U.S.

Registration No. 1,917,664, issued on September 12, 1995, for the mark PRO TOOLS for
“Audio production equipment; namely, computer hardware and computer programs for audio
production.”
29.

The registrations identified in Paragraphs 26 and 28 above are valid and

subsisting. A true and correct copy of the certificate for each registration is attached hereto, as
Exhibits C through J, respectively, and is incorporated herein by reference.
30.

U.S. Registration Nos. 1,686,100, 1,917,664, 3,154,131, 3,154,132, and 3,304,280

are incontestable pursuant to Section 15 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1065.
31.

Since at least as early as 2010, Avid has used the following design as a trademark

to identify its hardware and software products originating exclusively from Avid:

(the “Pro Tools Logo,” and together with the AVID mark and PRO TOOLS mark, the “AVID
Marks”).
32.

Through continuous use of the Pro Tools Logo in the United States, Avid has

developed and owns common law rights to the Pro Tools Logo as a trademark in connection with
audio production hardware and software goods.
33.

As a direct result of the considerable time and effort Avid has invested in

promoting its audio and video technology-related goods and services featuring the AVID Marks,

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Avid’s customers, its competitors, and the relevant consuming public have come to associate the
high quality goods and services offered by Avid under the AVID Marks with the AVID Marks.
34.

As a direct result of Avid’s use and promotion of the AVID Marks, the AVID

Marks have become valuable assets of Avid, one which signifies to the consuming public a
standard of high quality audio and video technology-related goods and services originating
exclusively from Avid.
35.

The AVID Marks and the goodwill associated therewith are also valuable assets

of Avid.
Gobbler’s Business & Its Relationship With Avid
36.

Gobbler was founded in March, 2010. Gobbler holds itself out as “an intelligent

cloud based digital media service” that provides “solutions and tools to enable intelligent storage,
collaboration, and project organization.”
37.

In February, 2011, Gobbler launched its cloud-based file sharing service, which

allows media creators to manage their digital media. Gobbler offers online software for backing
up, transferring, organizing, and managing audio project files. Gobbler’s file sharing service is
marketed primarily as an online collaboration tool for musicians.
38.

To further its objective as an online collaboration tool for musicians, on or about

August 10, 2012, Gobbler licensed material from Avid. Gobbler and Avid entered into a
Software Development Kit License Agreement (the “SDK Agreement”). A true and correct copy
of the SDK Agreement is being provisionally filed under seal herewith as Exhibit K, and is
incorporated herein by reference.
39.

Pursuant to the SDK Agreement, Avid granted Gobbler a limited license to use

the Avid Pro Tools Read-Only Session File Format and certain documentation to enable

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Gobbler’s file sharing service to read a Pro Tools Session File, so that a user can backup and
transfer Pro Tools Session Files.
40.

In exchange for the limited license rights, Gobbler made a number of promises to

Avid.
41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.
47.

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48.

Gobbler Poaches Four Key Avid Employees
49.

Shortly after Avid announced that it was building its own online collaboration

functionality (which would render the Gobbler platform largely irrelevant) on or about May 15,
2014, Gobbler recruited and hired four Avid employees, Bobby Lombardi, Bob Brown, Andrew
Hall, and Brian Chrisman (the “Former Avid Employees”), to join Gobbler. Each of the Former
Avid Employees had significant exposure to and development of the Pro Tools Trade Secrets and
the Pro Tools platform.
50.

The Former Avid Employees had a combined employment record with Avid of

more than 55 years and the materials and knowledge they developed for Avid is valuable, so
much so that Gobbler is looking to trade upon it in any way it can. For example, the “Team”
web page on the Job Portal of Gobbler’s website specifically touts all of the Former Avid
Employees’ lengthy experience with Avid (and its former division, Digidesign). True and
correct copies of screen shots from the Team web page on Gobbler’s Jobs Portal, as they
appeared on September 27, 2014, are attached collectively hereto as Exhibit L, and are
incorporated herein by reference.
51.

Mr. Lombardi had been with Avid more than 15 years. During his tenure, he was

involved in the design and development of many of Avid’s best-selling products, including Pro
Tools software and hardware. At the time of his resignation, he held the title of Director of
Product Design – Artist and Storage Products, and was the Design Lead for Avid’s planned

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online collaboration functionality for the Pro Tools software—functionality that would
ultimately compete with Gobbler’s file sharing service.
52.

Mr. Brown had been with Avid more than 14 years, and held the title of

Consulting Engineer – Audio Video Collaboration Architect. He also worked on the Pro Tools
software, driving integration and interchangeability of Pro Tools software and Avid’s other
products. He was instrumental in developing the Pro Tools Session File Format SDK and he was
also involved with Mr. Lombardi in developing the planned online collaboration functionality for
the Pro Tools software.
53.

Mr. Hall had been with Avid for almost 14 years, and held the title of Senior

Consulting Engineer. Specifically, he was the lead software architect for the Pro Tools software
development team and spent 12 years developing the product. Mr. Hall worked on major
features in every Pro Tools software release since 2000. He was consulted with Mr. Brown on
the development of the Pro Tools Session File Format SDK
54.

Mr. Chrisman had been with Avid for more than a decade, and held the title of

Senior Principal Software Development Engineer. He, too, was involved in the development of
the planned online collaboration functionality for the Pro Tools software
55.

In discharging their responsibilities as Avid employees, each of the Former Avid

Employees gained access to Avid’s confidential and proprietary information, trade secrets, and
know-how, including the Pro Tools Trade Secrets.
56.

As a result of the Former Avid Employees’ employment with Avid, the Former

Avid Employees were, and are, uniquely and intimately familiar with Avid’s confidential and
proprietary trade secret information including information concerning the design, development,
implementation, and operation of Pro Tools platform and the Pro Tools Session File Format

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SDK, as well as Avid’s secret scientific, technical, merchandising, production, and management
information, designs, processes, procedures, formulas, inventions, and improvements. Each had
access to and knew of the Pro Tools Trade Secrets.
57.

Each of the Former Avid Employees promised in writing not to use or divulge any

of Avid’s confidential and proprietary information, including the Pro Tools Trade Secrets. They
did so when they were hired, and did so again when they resigned from Avid to go to Gobbler.
58.

By way of example, Mr. Lombardi signed an Invention and Nondisclosure

Agreement on or about August 4, 1997, in which he agreed that all information and know-how of
a private, secret, or confidential nature concerning Avid’s business or financial affairs is the
exclusive property of Avid, and that he would not disclose such information either during or after
his employment with Avid.
59.

Mr. Lombardi confirmed those promises upon his resignation.
at that time, Mr. Lombardi signed a Release Agreement, dated June

4, 2014, in which he acknowledged that during his employment with Avid he had obtained
confidential, proprietary, and trade secret information of Avid, including information relating to
Avid’s products, plans, designs, and other valuable confidential information. He agreed not to
use or disclose any such confidential information.
60.

Mr. Lombardi is now employed by Gobbler as its Senior Vice President, Product.

61.

Mr. Brown also signed an Invention and Nondisclosure Agreement, dated April

26, 1999, in which he agreed that all information and know-how of a private, secret, or
confidential nature concerning Avid’s business or financial affairs is the exclusive property of
Avid, and that he would not disclose such information either during or after his employment with
Avid.

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62.

When Mr. Brown resigned from Avid,

He also signed an agreement, dated May 22, 2014, in which he acknowledged that during
his employment with Avid he had obtained confidential, proprietary, and trade secret information
of Avid, including information relating to Avid’s products, plans, designs, and other valuable
confidential information, and agreed not to use or disclose any such confidential information.
63.

Mr. Brown is now employed by Gobbler as its Vice President of Engineering.

64.

Mr. Hall also agreed to keep Avid’s confidential and proprietary information

confidential. He signed an Invention and Nondisclosure Agreement, dated July 5, 2000, in
which he agreed that all information and know-how of a private, secret, or confidential nature
concerning Avid’s business or financial affairs is the exclusive property of Avid, and that he
would not disclose such information either during or after his employment with Avid.
65.

When he resigned,

And, he

signed an agreement, dated May 23, 2014, in which he acknowledged that during his
employment with Avid he had obtained confidential, proprietary, and trade secret information of
Avid, including information relating to Avid’s products, plans, designs, and other valuable
confidential information, and agreed not to use or disclose any such confidential information.
66.

Mr. Hall is employed by Gobbler a Software Architect.

67.

Mr. Chrisman also signed an non disclosure agreement, dated September 26,

2010, in which he agreed that all information and know-how concerning: (i) Avid’s business or
financial affairs, (ii) Avid’s research and development or investigation activities, and (iii) the
business relations and affairs of any of Avid’s clients, customers, vendors, and suppliers, that is
not generally known to the public, industry, or trade is the exclusive property of Avid, and that
he would not disclose such information either during or after his employment with Avid.

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68.

When Mr. Chrisman resigned,

And when he resigned, Mr. Chrisman signed an agreement, dated May 23, 2014, in which he
acknowledged that during his employment with Avid he had obtained confidential, proprietary,
and trade secret information of Avid, including information relating to Avid’s products, plans,
designs, and other valuable confidential information, and agreed not to use or disclose any such
confidential information.
69.

Mr. Chrisman is employed by Gobbler as a Software Architect.

70.

The trade secrets and confidential information to which the Former Avid

Employees had access would provide an unfair advantage if improperly used for, or disclosed to,
Gobbler, or if used by a Gobbler employee in furtherance of Gobbler’s competitive interests.
71.

On June 9, 2014, Avid sent Gobbler a written notice indicating that it would not

be renewing the SDK Agreement. The letter further provided that any permission to use the
AVID Marks which may have been granted would also terminate on the same date as the SDK
Agreement.
72.

Gobbler’s Chief Executive Officer contacted Avid shortly after receiving the

June 9 letter, indicating that Gobbler had received the letter.
73.

In accordance with the June 9 notice, the SDK Agreement terminated on August

10, 2014.
Gobbler’s Unlawful Conduct
74.

Although the SDK Agreement has been terminated, and Gobbler no longer has

any rights to use any of Avid’s intellectual property, Gobbler continues to do so.
75.

Gobbler continues to suggest to members of the consuming public that it is

affiliated with Avid, when, in fact, no such affiliation exists.

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76.

By way of example, the AVID Marks are displayed on Gobbler’s web site,

including the AVID house and logo marks, the PRO TOOLS trademark, and the Pro Tools Logo
mark. True and correct copies of such use are attached hereto as Exhibits M-S, and are
incorporated herein by reference.
77.

One of the reasons that Gobbler is still using the AVID Marks prominently on the

site is because, upon information and belief, Gobbler is either continuing to use the Pro Tools
Session File Format SDK without a license or has used the confidential and proprietary
information it gained access to pursuant to the SDK Agreement and/or the confidential and
proprietary information, trade secrets, and know-how possessed by the Former Avid Employees
to develop an equivalent to the Pro Tools Session File Format SDK that either infringes Avid’s
intellectual property rights or misappropriates those intellectual property rights, or both.
78.

The Pro Tools Session File Format SDK enables the integration of the Pro Tools

software with Gobbler’s file sharing service. This allows Pro Tools audio files to be managed,
backed up, and distributed directly through Gobbler’s file sharing service from within the Pro
Tools software interface. Gobbler continues to market and promote its file sharing service as
being integrated with the Pro Tool platform, a functionality that is not possible without either
Gobbler’s continued unauthorized use of the Pro Tools Session File Format SDK, or the
unauthorized use of Avid’s confidential and proprietary information, trade secrets, and knowhow.
79.

There can be little doubt that Gobbler is using Avid’s intellectual property in

direct violation of Avid’s rights. Gobbler promotes its file sharing service on its website,
claiming that “Gobbler is integrated directly into Pro Tools & SONAR, and supports all major
DAWs, so you can work seamlessly without interrupting your flow.” Ex. M (a true and correct

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copy of a screen shot from a promotional web page on Gobbler’s website, as it appeared on
September 27, 2014). These statements are misleading because Gobbler is no longer authorized
to integrate its file sharing service with Avid’s Pro Tools platform.
80.

Gobbler continues to boast that its file sharing service is compatible with Pro

Tools software, prominently featuring both the Pro Tools Logo, as a “Supported DAW [digital
audio workstation],” and the AVID Logo, as a “Sample Integration,” without Avid’s permission.
Ex. N (a true and correct copy of a screen shot from the “Features” web page on Gobbler’s
website, as it appeared on September 27, 2014). These statements are also misleading because
the license granted by Avid that permitted Gobbler to make its file sharing service compatible
with the Pro Tools platform has been terminated, and any continued use of the previously
licensed software and/or the Pro Tools Trade Secrets by Gobbler is unlawful.
81.

The “Tutorials” web page on Gobbler’s website includes a “Featured Tutorial”

regarding Gobbler’s “Pro Tools Integration.” Gobbler invites website visitors to “[s]ee how
Gobbler’s integration with Avid Pro Tools(r) [sic] makes sending and backing up sessions of any
size easy, fast and foolproof!” Ex. O (a true and correct copy of a screen shot of the Tutorials
web page from Gobbler’s website, as it appears on September 27, 2014). Yet Gobbler has no
rights to do so, or make any such representation to the public.
82.

The “Technology” web page on Gobbler’s Developer Portal also promotes the

integration of the Gobbler service into Avid’s Pro Tools software, i.e., “Our REST-Based APIs
are mature, easy to implement and have been integrated into many of the top audio applications
like Avid Pro Tools . . . ,” again using the AVID Marks without authorization to create a false
association between Avid’s and Gobbler’s products and services. Ex. P (a true and correct copy

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of a printout of the Technology web page from Gobbler’s Developer Portal, dated September 27,
2014).
83.

The “Company” web page on Gobbler’s Developer Portal also attempts to trade

off of the goodwill and reputation of Avid and its products and services in stating that “Once
integrated, you’ll earn 15% of all subscription revenue from your users. There’s a reason top
DAWs like Pro Tools, SONAR and others have chose to integrate Gobbler.” Ex. Q (a true and
correct copy of a printout of the Company web page from Gobbler’s Developer Portal, dated
September 27, 2014).
84.

On both the “About Gobbler” web page of Gobbler’s website and the “Progress”

web page of Gobble’s Jobs Portal, Gobbler brags that “100,000+ music makers in over 122
countries use Gobbler across two desktop clients, a mobile app, and inside popular DAWs like
Pro Tools[.]” Exs. R and S (a true and correct copy of a screen shot of the About Gobbler web
page from Gobbler’s website and a screen shot of the Progress web page from Gobbler’s Jobs
Portal, as each appeared on September 27, 2014). Gobbler continues, “We’ve established key
partnerships with Avid . . . ,” notwithstanding the fact that Gobbler’s partnership with Avid has
been terminated.
85.

Avid has asked Gobbler to stop using its intellectual property to no avail.

86.

Despite repeated requests, Gobbler has refused to: (a) acknowledge that the SDK

Agreement and the license granted to Gobbler thereunder has terminated; (b) confirm that it has,
or that it will by a date certain, cease its use of the Pro Tools Session File Format SDK and
Avid’s intellectual property related thereto; (c) confirm that Gobbler will discontinue the use of
any AVID Marks in connection with Gobbler’s products and services; (d) confirm whether it has
instructed the four former Avid employees it now employs not to disclose Avid confidential and

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proprietary information, trade secrets, and know-how to Gobbler or to otherwise use Avid
information on Gobbler’s behalf; or (e) confirm that it will not induce any of the Former Avid
Employees to violate their confidentiality obligations and other continuing contractual duties to
Avid, leaving Avid with no choice but to seek judicial relief.
COUNT I
Copyright Infringement
(17 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq.)
87.

Avid incorporates by reference each and every allegation contained in Paragraphs

1 through 86 of this Complaint as though fully set forth herein.
88.

Avid owns all rights, title, and interest in and to the copyrights to the Pro Tools

Session File Format SDK.
89.

The registrations for the Pro Tools Session File Format SDK, identified in

Paragraph 22 above, are valid and subsisting.
90.

Gobbler has willfully infringed Avid’s exclusive rights, in violation of 17 U.S.C.

§§ 106 and 501, by copying and using the Pro Tools Session File Format SDK without
authorization from Avid.
91.

As a direct and proximate result of Gobbler’s infringing activities, Avid has

suffered and will continue to suffer damages in an amount that is not presently ascertainable, but
will be established at trial.
92.

As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing infringing activities, Gobbler has

been unjustly enriched and Avid has been injured and damaged. Unless such activities are
enjoined by this Court, Gobbler will continue its ongoing acts of copyright infringement and
Avid will continue to suffer irreparable injury and damage.

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COUNT II
Federal Trademark Infringement
(15 U.S.C. §§ 1114 and 1125(a))
93.

Avid incorporates by reference each and every allegation contained in Paragraphs

1 through 92 of this Complaint as though fully set forth herein.
94.

Avid’s use of the AVID Marks predates any alleged use by Gobbler in the United

95.

Gobbler’s unauthorized use of the AVID Marks in connection with its file sharing

States.

service is likely to cause confusion, to cause mistake, or to deceive as to the source or
sponsorship of Gobbler’s goods and services and the sponsorship or endorsement of those goods
or services by Avid.
96.

Gobbler’s unauthorized use of the AVID Marks in connection with its file sharing

service is likely to cause confusion, to cause mistake, or to deceive as to the source or
sponsorship of Avid’s goods and services and the sponsorship or endorsement of those goods or
services by Gobbler.
97.

Gobbler’s unauthorized use of the AVID Marks is likely to cause confusion, or to

cause mistake, or to deceive as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Gobbler or
Gobbler’s goods, services, or commercial activities with Avid or Avid’s goods, services, or
commercial activities, or as to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of Gobbler’s goods, services
or commercial activities by Avid.
98.

Gobbler’s unauthorized use of the AVID Marks is likely to cause confusion, or to

cause mistake, or to deceive as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Avid or Avid’s
goods, services, or commercial activities with Gobbler or Gobbler’s goods, services, or
commercial activities, or as to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of Avid’s goods, services or
commercial activities by Gobbler.

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99.

The acts of Gobbler complained of herein constitute trademark infringement in

violation of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1114 and 1125(a).
100.

The acts of Gobbler complained of herein were committed willfully and

deliberately, in bad faith, with full knowledge of Avid’s rights, and with the intention of
deceiving and misleading the public and causing harm to Avid.
101.

As a direct and proximate result of Gobbler’s infringing activities, Avid has

suffered and will continue to suffer damages in an amount that is not presently ascertainable, but
will be established at trial.
102.

As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing infringing activities, Gobbler has

been unjustly enriched and Avid has been injured and damaged. Unless such activities are
enjoined by this Court, Gobbler will continue its ongoing acts of trademark infringement and
Avid will continue to suffer irreparable injury and damage.
COUNT III
False Designation of Origin, False Advertising, and Federal Unfair Competition
(15 U.S.C. § 1125(a))
103.

Avid incorporates by reference each and every allegation contained in Paragraphs

1 through 102 of this Complaint as though fully set forth herein.
104.

Gobbler has misappropriated and continues to misappropriate Avid’s substantial

property rights in the AVID Marks, as well as the goodwill associated therewith.
105.

Gobbler’s unauthorized use of the AVID Marks, in commercial advertising or

promotion, misrepresents the nature, characteristics, qualities, or origin of its goods, services, or
commercial activities.
106.

Gobbler’s use of the AVID Marks on its website and in connection with its file

sharing service is a false or misleading statement of fact in a commercial advertisement about a
product or service.

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107.

Gobbler’s use of the AVID Marks in interstate commerce in connection with its

file sharing service has either deceived or has the capacity to deceive a substantial segment of
potential consumers, and such deception is material, in that it is likely to influence the
consumers’ purchasing decisions.
108.

Gobbler’s use of the AVID Marks is competing unfairly with Avid.

109.

Unless restrained and enjoined by this Court, Gobbler’s conduct will permit

Gobbler to gain an unfair competitive advantage over Avid and allow Gobbler to improperly
interfere with Avid’s continued promotion and expansion of its business.
110.

Gobbler’s acts complained of herein constitute false designation of origin, false

advertising, and federal unfair competition, in violation of Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, 15
U.S.C. § 1125(a).
111.

Gobbler’s acts complained of herein were committed willfully and deliberately, in

bad faith, with full knowledge of Avid’s rights, and with the intention of deceiving and
misleading the public and causing harm to Avid.
112.

Gobbler’s acts complained of herein were committed willfully and deliberately, in

bad faith, with full knowledge of Avid’s rights, and with the intention of misappropriating and
wrongfully trading upon the valuable goodwill and reputation of Avid and the AVID Marks.
113.

As a direct and proximate result of Gobbler’s infringing and unlawful acts, Avid

has suffered and will continue to suffer damages in an amount that is not presently ascertainable,
but will be established at trial.
114.

Gobbler’s acts complained of herein have caused and, unless enjoined by this

Court, are likely to continue to cause Avid to suffer irreparable injury and damage.

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COUNT IV
Breach of Contract – SDK Agreement
115.

Avid incorporates by reference each and every allegation contained in Paragraphs

1 through 114 of this Complaint as though fully set forth herein.
116.

Avid and Gobbler knowingly and voluntarily entered into the SDK Agreement for

good and valuable consideration.
117.

The SDK Agreement is a valid, binding, and enforceable agreement.

118.

Gobbler has breached the SDK Agreement in at least the following particulars:
(a)

by continuing to use Avid’s confidential and proprietary information,

which is contained in the Pro Tools Session File Format SDK;
(b)

by using Avid’s trademarks without prior written consent;

(c)

(d)
(e)

119.

The breaches by Gobbler set forth above in Paragraph 118 are material.

120.

Upon information and belief, notwithstanding the termination of the SDK

Agreement and the license granted therein, Gobbler is continuing to backup and transfer Pro
Tools Session Files in the same manner that it was prior to termination of the SDK Agreement,
as it did under the terms of the license.
121.

Avid fully performed its duties and obligations under the SDK Agreement.

122.

Gobbler’s breach has and continues to damage Avid in an amount that is presently

not ascertainable, but will be established at trial.

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123.

Gobbler will continue to breach the SDK Agreement, and Avid will be irreparably

harmed thereby, unless such activities are enjoined by this Court.
COUNT V
Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
(Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 93, § 42)
124.

Avid incorporates by reference each and every allegation contained in Paragraphs

1 through 123 of this Complaint as though fully set forth herein.
125.

Massachusetts law renders unlawful the taking of trade secrets, pursuant to the

General Laws of Massachusetts Chapter 93, Section 42.
126.

Avid expends a tremendous amount of time, effort, and resources to obtain and

develop its trade secrets, including the Pro Tools Trade Secrets.
127.

Avid takes, and has taken, active steps to maintain the secrecy of its trade secrets,

including the Pro Tools Trade Secrets.
128.

The Pro Tools Trade Secrets are not generally known, nor are they a matter of

public knowledge.
129.

Avid derives independent economic value from the Pro Tools Trade Secrets

because they are not generally known, nor are they readily ascertainable by proper means by
those that could obtain economic value from the disclosure or use of the Pro Tools Trade Secrets.
130.

The Pro Tools Trade Secrets are trade secrets within the meaning of General

Laws of Massachusetts Chapter 266, Section 30 and General Laws of Massachusetts Chapter 93,
Section 42.
131.

Through the SDK Agreement, Gobbler had access to and became aware of a

significant volume of confidential and proprietary trade secret information belonging to Avid,
including, but not limited to, the Pro Tools Trade Secrets.

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132.

By entering into the SDK Agreement, Gobbler knew that its knowledge of Avid’s

trade secrets was acquired under circumstances giving rise to a duty to maintain the secrecy of
that information, both during, and subsequent to, the license term for the Pro Tools Session File
Format SDK.
133.

Upon information and belief, Gobbler has stolen, unlawfully taken, concealed, or

copied, or by fraud or deception obtained with the intent to convert to its own use, the Pro Tools
Trade Secrets and continues to do so, by using the Pro Tools Session File Format SDK without
license or permission, or by using the Pro Tools Trade Secrets it obtained pursuant to the SDK
Agreement and/or through the Former Avid Employees to develop an equivalent to the Pro Tools
Session File Format SDK that either infringes or misappropriates Avid’s intellectual property
rights.
134.

As a direct and proximate result of these acts of misappropriation of Avid’s trade

secrets, Gobbler has damaged and continues to damage Avid in an amount that is presently not
ascertainable, but will be established at trial.
135.

Gobbler will continue to misappropriate Avid’s trade secrets, and Avid will be

irreparably harmed thereby, unless such activities are enjoined by this Court.
COUNT VI
Unfair or Deceptive Trade Practices
(Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 93A, § 1 et seq.)
136.

Avid incorporates by reference each and every allegation contained in Paragraphs

1 through 135 of this Complaint as though fully set forth herein.
137.

The Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act renders unlawful unfair practices,

including unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct
of any trade or commerce, pursuant to the General Laws of Massachusetts Chapter 93A, Section
2(a).

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138.

At the time Gobbler engaged in the acts complained of herein, Gobbler was

engaged in trade or commerce as defined in the General Laws of Massachusetts Chapter 93A,
Section 1(b).
139.

Gobbler’s practices as set forth herein constitute unfair practices in violation of

the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act, as they are likely to deceive and mislead the public.
140.

As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing unlawful actions of Gobbler,

Gobbler has been unjustly enriched and Avid has been injured and damaged.
141.

Gobbler’s acts complained of herein were committed willfully, with full

knowledge of Avid’s rights, and with the intention of causing harm to Avid.
142.

As a direct and proximate result of Gobbler’s unfair practices, Avid has been

damaged in an amount to be determined at trial, and, pursuant to the General Laws of
Massachusetts Chapter 93A, Section 11, Avid is entitled to injunctive relief, multiple damages,
and recovery of its attorneys’ fees in connection with this action.
143.

Unless the foregoing actions of Gobbler are enjoined, Avid will continue to suffer

irreparable injury and damage.
COUNT VII
Tortious Interference with Contractual Relations
(Common Law of Massachusetts)
144.

Avid incorporates by reference each and every allegation contained in Paragraphs

1 through 143 of this Complaint as though fully set forth herein.
145.

As set forth in Paragraphs 57-68, above, Avid had agreements with each of the

Former Avid Employees in which the Former Avid Employees each expressly agreed not to use
or disclose the confidential, proprietary, and trade secret information he obtained during his
employment with Avid and to return such information to Avid at the end of his employment.

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146.

Gobbler knew, or should have known, of the existence of the Former Avid

Employees’ obligations in the agreements referenced in Paragraphs 57-68.
147.

Upon information and belief, despite such knowledge, Gobbler intentionally and

improperly permitted, caused, encouraged, and induced the Former Avid Employees to breach
the obligations in the agreements referenced in Paragraphs 57-68.
148.

Upon information and belief, Gobbler illegally induced the Former Avid

Employees to use Avid’s confidential, proprietary, copyrighted, and trade secret information
including the Pro Tools Trade Secrets for the benefit of Gobbler.
149.

Upon information and belief, the Former Avid Employees have disclosed or,

will inevitably disclose, Avid’s confidential, proprietary, copyrighted, and trade secret
information and know-how to Gobbler.
150.

Upon information and belief, Gobbler unlawfully and knowingly caused and

induced the Former Avid Employees to violate their contractual obligations to Avid, including
their obligations with respect to Avid’s property, privacy, and security, and their obligations with
respect to Avid’s intellectual property, including inventions, trade secrets, copyrights, and
confidential information.
151.

The acts of Gobbler complained of herein constitute tortious interference with

Avid’s rights under the agreements with the Former Avid Employees, in violation of the
common law of Massachusetts.
152.

Gobbler’s interference with the Former Avid Employees’ contracts with Avid and

the obligations contained therein, in addition to being intentional, was improper in motive or
means in that Gobbler sought to injure Avid, to gain an unfair competitive advantage, and to

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unfairly reap the benefits of Avid’s efforts in developing and maintaining its confidential,
proprietary, and trade secret information.
153.

As a direct and proximate result of these acts of tortious interference, Gobbler has

damaged and continues to damage Avid in an amount that is presently not ascertainable, but will
be established at trial.
154.

Upon information and belief, Gobbler will continue to tortiously interfere with

Avid’s contractual relations, and Avid will be irreparably harmed thereby, unless such activities
are enjoined by this Court.
COUNT VIII
Trademark Infringement and Unfair Competition
(Common Law of Massachusetts)
155.

Avid incorporates by reference each and every allegation contained in Paragraphs

1 through 154 of this Complaint as though fully set forth herein.
156.

The acts of Gobbler complained of herein constitute trademark infringement and

unfair competition in violation of the common law of Massachusetts.
157.

Gobbler’s unauthorized use of the AVID Marks as described above has caused, is

causing and, unless enjoined by this Court, will continue to cause confusion and mistake in the
marketplace and deception of the trade and public as to the relationship or affiliation of the
Gobbler with Avid and the source, origin, or sponsorship of their respective products and
services.
158.

Gobbler’s unauthorized use of the AVID Marks as described above has impaired,

is impairing, and, unless enjoined by this Court, will continue to impair Avid’s reputation, and
has caused, is causing, and, unless enjoined by this Court, will continue to cause injury and
damage to Avid for which Avid is entitled to relief under the common law.

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159.

The acts of Gobbler complained of herein were committed willfully and

deliberately, in bad faith, with full knowledge of Avid’s rights, and with the intention of
deceiving and misleading the public and causing harm to Avid.
160.

As a direct and proximate result of Gobbler’s unlawful activities complained of

herein, Avid has suffered and will continue to suffer damages in an amount that is not presently
ascertainable, but will be established at trial.
161.

As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing unlawful activities of Gobbler,

Gobbler has been unjustly enriched and Avid has been injured and damaged. Unless such
activities are enjoined by this Court, Gobbler will continue its ongoing acts of trademark
infringement and unfair competition, and Avid will continue to suffer irreparable injury and
damage.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Avid respectfully prays that this Court:
A.

Enter judgment for Avid on all of its claims;

B.

Enjoin and restrain Gobbler, its agents, servants, employees, attorneys,

and all others in active concert or participation with Gobbler, during the pendency of this action,
and permanently thereafter, from:
(1)

using, copying, and distributing the Pro Tools Session File Format

(2)

using the AVID Marks, or any other name or mark that is

SDK;

confusingly similar to the AVID Marks, or any other mark or designation of Avid
or its affiliates, including, but not limited to, use of the AVID Marks in or on
signs, banners, advertisements, coupons, websites, photographs posted on internet

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websites, videos posted on internet websites, metatags, marketing materials, or
anywhere else in connection with Gobbler’s business;
(3)

doing any other act or thing likely to confuse, mislead, or deceive

others into believing that Gobbler, or its products or services, emanate from, or
are connected with, sponsored by or approved by Avid; and
(4)

using any Avid trade secret or confidential or proprietary

information or know-how, including the Pro Tools Trade Secrets;
C.

Order that all Internet web sites, online advertising, marketing,

promotions, or other online materials bearing the AVID Marks which are owned or controlled by
Gobbler be removed permanently;
D.

Order that all property of Avid retained by Gobbler in violation of Section

12.3 of the SDK Agreement be returned immediately to Avid;
E.

Order Gobbler, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1116(a), to file with the Court and

serve on Avid’s counsel within 30 days after service of the injunction, a written report, sworn
under oath, setting forth in detail the manner and form in which Gobbler has complied with the
injunction;
F.

Declare that Gobbler’s unauthorized use of the Pro Tools Session File

Format SDK infringes Avid’s copyrights in and to the Pro Tools Session File Format SDK;
G.

Declare that Gobbler’s unauthorized use of the AVID Marks infringes

Avid’s rights in and to the AVID Marks;
H.

Declare that Gobbler’s copyright and trademark infringement was

knowing, intentional, deliberate, and willful;

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I.

Award Avid compensation for any and all damages, injury, or harm

incurred as a result of Gobbler’s unlawful conduct;
J.

Order full restitution and/or disgorgement of all profits and benefits that

may have been obtained by Gobbler as a result of its wrongful conduct;
K.

Award Avid treble damages resulting from Gobbler’s willful and

intentional conduct;
L.

Award Avid punitive and exemplary damages;

M.

Assess the costs and attorneys’ fees incurred by Avid in this action against

N.

Enter any and all other relief as this Court deems just and proper.

Gobbler; and

JURY DEMAND
Pursuant to Civil Rule 38(b), Avid hereby requests a trial by jury.

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Dated: September 30, 2014

By: /s/ Christopher M. Morrison
Christopher M. Morrison
BBO #651335
[e-mail]
JONES DAY
100 High Street, 21st Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: +1.617.449.6999
Meredith M. Wilkes (pro hac vice to be
filed)
[e-mail]
David B. Cochran (pro hac vice to be
filed)
[e-mail]
Angela R. Gott (pro hac vice to be filed)
[e-mail]
JONES DAY
North Point
901 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114.1190
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: +1.216.579.0212
Counsel for Plaintiff
AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC.

CLI-202259506

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