IHOP IP, LLC et al v. International House of Prayer et al

Filing 1

COMPLAINT against Friends of the Bridegroom, Inc., International House of Prayer, International House of Prayer East Bay, Shiloh Ministries, Inc. filed by Mark D. Hinderks on behalf of IHOP IP, LLC, International House of Pancakes, LLC. Filing fee $350, receipt number 0866-2730517. Service due by 9/29/2011. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Civil Cover Sheet)(Hinderks, Mark)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
IHOP IP, LLC and INTERNATIONAL
HOUSE OF PANCAKES, LLC
Plaintiffs,
vs.
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF
PRAYER; FRIENDS OF THE
BRIDEGROOM, INC.; SHILOH
MINISTRIES, INC.;
and INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF
PRAYER EAST BAY,
Defendants.

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Case No.: ___________________________

COMPLAINT
Plaintiffs, IHOP IP, LLC and International House of Pancakes, LLC (collectively "IHOP"),
by and through its attorneys of record, allege as follows:
Parties
1.

Plaintiff IHOP IP, LLC is a limited liability company organized and existing

under the laws of the State of Delaware, with its principal place of business at 450 North Brand
Boulevard, Glendale, California 91203.
2.

Plaintiff International House of Pancakes, LLC is a limited liability company

organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with its principal place of
business at 450 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, California 91203.
3.

Upon information and belief, defendants International House of Prayer, Friends of

the Bridegroom, Inc. (also d/b/a IHOP, IHOP Missions Base, IHOP-KC, International House of
Prayer University, and IHOPU), and Shiloh Ministries, Inc. are all non-profit corporations

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organized and existing under the laws of the State of Missouri, with their principal place of
business at 3535 East Red Bridge Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64137 (collectively "House of
Prayer Kansas City").
4.

Upon information and belief, defendant International House of Prayer East Bay,

doing business as IHOP East Bay, is a non-profit corporation, with its principal place of business
at 7485 Village Parkway, Dublin, California 94568 ("House of Prayer East Bay").
Jurisdiction and Venue
5.

This is an action arising under the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1051 et seq;

accordingly, this Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1121(a), 28 U.S.C.
§§ 1331 and 1338(a) and (b). Supplemental jurisdiction over the state law claims is conferred by
28 U.S.C. § 1367(a).
6.

This Court has personal jurisdiction over House of Prayer Kansas City because it

conducts business, has and continues to commit acts of dilution, trademark infringement, or
unfair competition, and has contributed to or induced acts of dilution, trademark infringement, or
unfair competition by others in this judicial district (and elsewhere in Missouri and in the United
States).
7.

This Court has personal jurisdiction over House of Prayer East Bay because it has

and continues to commit acts of dilution, trademark infringement, or unfair competition, and has
contributed to or induced acts of dilution, trademark infringement, or unfair competition by
others in this judicial district (or elsewhere in Missouri and in the United States).
8.

Venue is proper in this judicial district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b) because,

among other reasons, defendants are each subject to personal jurisdiction in this judicial district
and a substantial part of the events giving rise to the claims occurred here.

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Alleged Facts
9.

The first International House of Pancakes restaurant opened in Toluca Lake,

California in 1958. In 1960, the company began to expand through franchising. IHOP began
using "IHOP" as a trademark/service mark at least as early as 1973.
10.

IHOP grew and prospered. In 1992 the 500th IHOP restaurant opened, and one

year later, sales per IHOP restaurant exceeded $1 million. In 1998, IHOP's system-wide sales
reached $1 billion.

IHOP has continuously used the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF

PANCAKES, IHOP and other IHOP-based trademarks, service marks, and trade names in
commerce throughout the United States since their respective dates of first use. IHOP's use of its
marks and trade names has also been substantially exclusive.
11.

Presently there are 1,500 IHOP restaurants in the United States, including at least

one in every state. There are currently 45 IHOP restaurants in Missouri.
12.

Many IHOP restaurants are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are

operated by independent small business owners who rely heavily on the reputation and strength of
the various IHOP-based trademarks, service marks, and trade names for their businesses.
13.

Plaintiff IHOP IP, LLC owns all the rights, including those based in common law

and conferred through registration, in a family of IHOP-related trademarks, service marks, and
trade names (collectively the "IHOP Marks"). Several of the IHOP Marks have been registered
with the United States Trademark Office, including U.S. Reg. No. 3,429,406 IHOP for restaurant
services; U.S. Reg. No. 3,514,724 INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES for restaurant
services, carry out food services; U.S. Reg. No. 3,743,560 IHOP FOR ME for restaurant
services; U.S. Reg. No. 3,731,730 IHOP CAFÉ for restaurant services, carry-out café and
restaurant services, coffee house services; U.S. Reg. No.: 3,616,420 IHOP 'N GO for restaurant

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services, take out restaurant services; and U.S. Reg. No.: 3,771,927 IHOP EXPRESS for
restaurant and food take-out restaurant services. Copies of the registration certificates for the
IHOP Marks are attached as Exhibit A.
14.

International House of Pancakes, LLC and other related entities owned and/or

controlled by IHOP's ultimate parent organization, DineEquity, Inc., have the right to use the
IHOP Marks under a license arrangement.
15.

Over the years, IHOP has expended substantial resources to extensively advertise

and publicize the IHOP Marks throughout the United States. The IHOP Marks are featured on
distinctive landmark signage and in menus and other materials available at all IHOP locations.
In addition to traditional media outlets such as print, television, and radio, IHOP uses websites,
such as www.ihop.com, and social media outlets, such as facebook, to promote and provide its
family-oriented services and goods under the IHOP Marks in advertisements, articles, interactive
web pages, videos, and the like.
16.

Each of the IHOP Marks is distinctive, strong, and widely recognized among the

general consuming public as a designation of goods and services originating with, sponsored by,
approved by, or affiliated with IHOP.
17.

The IHOP and INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES marks have been

famous since prior to House of Prayer Kansas City's and House of Prayer East Bay's first use of
"International House of Prayer," "IHOP," and variations thereof.
18.

House of Prayer Kansas City selected and adopted the names "International

House of Prayer," "IHOP," "IHOP-KC," "International House of Prayer University," and
"IHOPU" to refer to House of Prayer Kansas City's evangelical missions organization and the
goods and services it provides.

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19.

At the time House of Prayer Kansas City adopted the names "International House

of Prayer," "IHOP," and variations thereof, House of Prayer Kansas City was aware of plaintiffs
and their INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks.
20.

House of Prayer Kansas City provides goods and services at its physical locations

in this judicial district, through the internet and other social media outlets, and at various training
programs, workshops, regional camps, and leadership retreats.
21.

House of Prayer Kansas City has used the name "International House of Prayer,"

"IHOP," and variations thereof on or in, among other things, signage, literature, websites,
domain names, social media outlets, and ancillary products. Attached hereto as Exhibit B are
true and correct copies of photographs of several of House of Prayer Kansas City's signage.
22.

House of Prayer Kansas City operates International House of Prayer University

(also referred to as IHOPU).

IHOPU is an evangelical missions-based school in which

approximately 600 full time students are enrolled. IHOPU also offers an e-school and online
courses to educate persons worldwide.
23.

House of Prayer Kansas City operates a web store that offers for sale books,

teaching materials, music, DVDs, and other ancillary products (t-shirts, sweatshirts, water
bottles, a board game, etc.) under the marks "International House of Prayer," "IHOP," and
variations thereof to persons worldwide.
24.

House of Prayer Kansas City also operates at least two coffee shops/cafés that

serve food and beverages; one at its main facility in Kansas City and one on campus at IHOPU.
25.

House of Prayer Kansas City routinely uses "IHOP" or "IHOP-KC" to refer to its

services and on its products.

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26.

Several persons have either been confused by House of Prayer's use of "IHOP" or

felt the need to clarify whether the "IHOP" reference was to House of Prayer Kansas City or
plaintiffs.
27.

House of Prayer Kansas City's use of "International House of Prayer," "IHOP," or

variations thereof has confused or deceived or is likely to confuse or deceive the public and,
therefore, is infringing IHOP's federal and common law rights in the IHOP Marks.
28.

House of Prayer Kansas City's use of "International House of Prayer," "IHOP,"

and variations thereof has diluted or is likely to dilute the distinctiveness, strength, and value of
IHOP's INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks and, therefore, has
violated IHOP's federal and common law rights in those marks.
29.

Upon information and belief, House of Prayer Kansas City began using

"International House of Prayer" and "IHOP" with the intent to trade on the goodwill in and/or
fame, distinctiveness, strength, and value of the IHOP Marks.
30.

House of Prayer Kansas City does not and has never had permission to use the

IHOP Marks or any name confusingly similar to the IHOP Marks.
31.

House of Prayer Kansas City's infringing and diluting use of "International House

of Prayer," "IHOP," and variations thereof has damaged and caused irreparable harm to IHOP
and will continue to damage and cause irreparable harm to IHOP if it is not restrained by this
Court from further violating IHOP's rights in the IHOP Marks. IHOP has no adequate remedy at
law for these continuing violations.
32.

Upon information and belief, House of Prayer Kansas City is affiliated with,

sponsors, or endorses numerous other evangelical missions organizations around the world,

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including defendant House of Prayer East Bay, that use the names "International House of
Prayer," "IHOP," and variations thereof to identify themselves.
33.

House of Prayer East Bay has a physical location in Dublin, California, was

established in September of 2006, and offers and provides evangelical missions services at its
physical location and over the internet through its website at www.ihopeastbay.org and other
social media under the "International House of Prayer East Bay" and "IHOP East Bay" names. A
sample web page is attached hereto as Exhibit C.
34.

Upon information and belief, House of Prayer East Bay is affiliated with House of

Prayer Kansas City and has what its director refers to as strategic connections with those leading
24/7 prayer rooms in Kansas City.
35.

House of Prayer East Bay's website is interactive in that it invites internet

browsers, including, upon information and belief, those located in this judicial district, to
subscribe to House of Prayer East Bay's mailing list and interact with its social media outlets.
House of Prayer East Bay's website also provides information on how to submit donations and
includes "Teaching and Notes" audio files that are available to download.
36.

House of Prayer East Bay has used the name "International House of Prayer,"

"IHOP," and variations thereof on, among other things, websites and social media, but it does not
and has never had permission to use the IHOP Marks or any name confusingly similar to the
IHOP Marks.
37.

Upon information and belief, House of Prayer East Bay began using

"International House of Prayer" and "IHOP" with the intent to trade on the goodwill in and/or
fame, distinctiveness, strength, and value of the IHOP Marks.

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38.

House of Prayer East Bay's use of "International House of Prayer East Bay,"

"IHOP East Bay," or variations thereof has confused or deceived or is likely to confuse or
deceive the public and, therefore, is infringing IHOP's federal and common law rights in the
IHOP Marks.
39.

House of Prayer East Bay's use of "International House of Prayer" "IHOP," and

variations thereof has diluted or is likely to dilute the distinctiveness, strength, and value of
IHOP's INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks and, therefore, has
violated IHOP's federal and common law rights in those marks.
40.

House of Prayer East Bay's infringing and diluting use of "International House of

Prayer," "IHOP," and variations thereof has damaged and caused irreparable harm to IHOP and
will continue to damage and cause irreparable harm to IHOP if it is not restrained by this Court
from further violating IHOP's rights in the IHOP Marks. IHOP has no adequate remedy at law
for these continuing violations.
Count I
41.

Paragraphs 1 through 40 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

42.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer Kansas City has used

herein.

names that are confusingly similar to the IHOP Marks to provide, sell, offer for sale, distribute,
or advertise evangelical missions services in interstate commerce.
43.

House of Prayer Kansas City's use is likely to cause confusion, cause mistake, or

deceive consumers, prospective consumers, and the public as to whether House of Prayer Kansas
City's services are endorsed by, sponsored by, or somehow affiliated with IHOP or whether
House of Prayer Kansas City has permission from IHOP to use the infringing names.

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44.

Upon information and belief, the actions of House of Prayer Kansas City were

undertaken with an intentional, willful, or malicious intent to trade upon the goodwill associated
with the IHOP Marks.
45.

The actions of House of Prayer Kansas City constitute trademark infringement

under Section 32 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1114.
46.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation

and goodwill due to the infringing activities of House of Prayer Kansas City.
47.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, House of Prayer

Kansas City will continue to infringe IHOP's rights in the IHOP Marks.
Count II
48.

Paragraphs 1 through 47 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

49.

IHOP's INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks were

herein.

famous and distinctive prior to House of Prayer Kansas City's first use of International House of
Prayer, IHOP, or variations thereof in conjunction with evangelical missions services.
50.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer Kansas City has used

names that dilute IHOP's INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks to
provide, sell, offer for sale, distribute, or advertise evangelical missions services in interstate
commerce.
51.

House of Prayer Kansas City's use is likely to cause dilution of the

distinctiveness, strength, and value of IHOP's INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and
IHOP marks.

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52.

Upon information and belief, the actions of House of Prayer Kansas City were

undertaken with an intentional, willful, or malicious intent to trade upon IHOP's goodwill
associated with and the distinctiveness, strength, and value of the IHOP and INTERNATIONAL
HOUSE OF PANCAKES marks.
53.

The actions of House of Prayer Kansas City constitute trademark dilution under

Section 32 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(c).
54.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation,

goodwill, and the distinctiveness, strength, and value of the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF
PANCAKES and IHOP marks due to the diluting activities of House of Prayer Kansas City.
55.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, House of Prayer

Kansas City will continue to dilute IHOP's rights in the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF
PANCAKES and IHOP marks.
Count III
56.

Paragraphs 1 through 55 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

57.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer Kansas City has used

herein.

names that are confusingly similar to the IHOP Marks to provide, sell, offer for sale, distribute,
or advertise evangelical missions services in interstate commerce.
58.

House of Prayer Kansas City's use is likely to cause confusion or mistake as to the

affiliation, connection, or association of IHOP with House of Prayer Kansas City or confusion as
to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of House of Prayer Kansas City's evangelical missions
services by IHOP.

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59.

Upon information and belief, the actions of House of Prayer Kansas City were

undertaken with an intentional, willful, or malicious intent to trade upon the goodwill associated
with the IHOP Marks.
60.

The actions of House of Prayer Kansas City constitute a false designation of

origin, false or misleading description, or a false or misleading representation of fact under
Section 43 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a)(1).
61.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation

and goodwill due to the false and misleading activities of House of Prayer Kansas City.
62.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, House of Prayer

Kansas City will continue to engage in acts of false designation of origin.
Count IV
63.

Paragraphs 1 through 62 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

64.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer Kansas City has used

herein.

names that are confusingly similar to the IHOP Marks, including International House of Prayer
University and IHOPU, to provide, sell, offer for sale, distribute, or advertise educational
services in interstate commerce.
65.

House of Prayer Kansas City's use is likely to cause confusion, to cause mistake,

or to deceive consumers, prospective consumers, and the public as to whether House of Prayer
Kansas City's services are endorsed by, sponsored by, or somehow affiliated with IHOP or
whether House of Prayer Kansas City has permission from IHOP to use the infringing names.

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66.

Upon information and belief, the actions of House of Prayer Kansas City have

been undertaken with an intentional, willful, or malicious intent to trade upon the goodwill
associated with the IHOP Marks.
67.

The actions of House of Prayer Kansas City constitute trademark infringement

under Section 32 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1114.
68.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation

and goodwill due to the infringing activities of House of Prayer Kansas City.
69.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, House of Prayer

Kansas City will continue to infringe IHOP's rights in the IHOP Marks.
Count V
70.

Paragraphs 1 through 69 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

71.

IHOP's INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks were

herein.

famous and distinctive prior to House of Prayer Kansas City's first use of International House of
Prayer University, IHOPU, or variations thereof in conjunction with educational services.
72.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer Kansas City has used

names and marks that dilute IHOP's INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP
marks to provide, sell, offer for sale, distribute, or advertise educational services in interstate
commerce.
73.

House of Prayer Kansas City's use is likely to cause dilution of the

distinctiveness, strength, and value of IHOP's famous INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF
PANCAKES and IHOP marks.

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74.

Upon information and belief, the actions of House of Prayer Kansas City were

undertaken with an intentional, willful, or malicious intent to trade upon IHOP's goodwill
associated with and the distinctiveness, strength, and value of the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks.
75.

The actions of House of Prayer Kansas City constitute trademark dilution under

Section 32 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(c).
76.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation,

goodwill, and the distinctiveness, strength, and value of the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF
PANCAKES and IHOP marks due to the diluting activities of House of Prayer Kansas City.
77.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, House of Prayer

Kansas City will continue to dilute IHOP's rights in the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF
PANCAKES and IHOP marks.
Count VI
78.

Paragraphs 1 through 77 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

79.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer Kansas City has used

herein.

names that are confusingly similar to the IHOP Marks to provide, sell, offer for sale, distribute,
or advertise educational services in interstate commerce.
80.

House of Prayer Kansas City's use is likely to cause confusion or mistake as to the

affiliation, connection, or association of IHOP with House of Prayer Kansas City or confusion as
to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of House of Prayer Kansas City's educational services by
IHOP.

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81.

The actions of House of Prayer Kansas City demonstrate an intentional, willful, or

malicious intent to trade upon the goodwill associated with the IHOP Marks.
82.

The actions of House of Prayer Kansas City constitute a false designation of

origin, false or misleading description, or a false or misleading representation of fact under
Section 43 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a)(1).
83.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation

and goodwill due to the false and misleading activities of House of Prayer Kansas City.
84.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, House of Prayer

Kansas City will continue to engage in acts of false designation of origin.
Count VII
85.

Paragraphs 1 through 84 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

86.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer Kansas City has used

herein.

names that are confusingly similar to the IHOP Marks to provide, sell, offer for sale, distribute,
or advertise food and beverage services in interstate commerce.
87.

House of Prayer Kansas City's use is likely to cause confusion, to cause mistake,

or to deceive consumers, prospective consumers, and the public as to whether House of Prayer
Kansas City's services are endorsed by, sponsored by, or somehow affiliated with IHOP or
whether House of Prayer Kansas City has permission from IHOP to use the infringing names.
88.

Upon information and belief, the actions of House of Prayer Kansas City were

undertaken with an intentional, willful, or malicious intent to trade upon the goodwill associated
with the IHOP Marks.

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89.

The actions of House of Prayer Kansas City constitute trademark infringement

under Section 32 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1114.
90.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation

and goodwill due to the infringing activities of House of Prayer Kansas City.
91.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, House of Prayer

Kansas City will continue to infringe IHOP's rights in the IHOP Marks.
Count VIII
92.

Paragraphs 1 through 91 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

93.

IHOP's INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks were

herein.

famous and distinctive prior to House of Prayer Kansas City's first use of International House of
Prayer, IHOP, or variations thereof in conjunction with food and beverage services.
94.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer Kansas City has used

names that dilute IHOP's INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks to
provide, sell, offer for sale, distribute, or advertise food and beverage services in interstate
commerce.
95.

House of Prayer Kansas City's use is likely to cause dilution of the

distinctiveness, strength, and value of IHOP's famous INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF
PANCAKES or IHOP marks.
96.

Upon information and belief, the actions of House of Prayer Kansas City were

undertaken with an intentional, willful, or malicious intent to trade upon IHOP's goodwill
associated with and the distinctiveness, strength, and value of the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks.

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97.

The actions of House of Prayer Kansas City constitute trademark dilution under

Section 32 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(c).
98.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation,

goodwill, and the distinctiveness, strength, and value of the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF
PANCAKES and IHOP marks due to the diluting activities of House of Prayer Kansas City.
99.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, House of Prayer

Kansas City will continue to dilute IHOP's rights in the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF
PANCAKES and IHOP marks.
Count IX
100.

Paragraphs 1 through 99 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

101.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer Kansas City have used

herein.

names and marks that are confusingly similar to the IHOP Marks to provide, sell, offer for sale,
distribute, or advertise food and beverage services in interstate commerce.
102.

House of Prayer Kansas City's use is likely to cause confusion or mistake as to the

affiliation, connection, or association of IHOP with House of Prayer Kansas City or confusion as
to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of House of Prayer Kansas City's food and beverage
services by IHOP.
103.

Upon information and belief, the actions of House of Prayer Kansas City were

undertaken with an intentional, willful, or malicious intent to trade upon the goodwill associated
with the IHOP Marks.

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104.

The actions of House of Prayer Kansas City constitute a false designation of

origin, false or misleading description, or a false or misleading representation of fact under
Section 43 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a)(1).
105.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation

and goodwill due to the false and misleading activities of House of Prayer Kansas City.
106.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, House of Prayer

Kansas City will continue to engage in acts of false designation of origin.
Count X
107.

Paragraphs 1 through 106 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

108.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer Kansas City has used

herein.

names that are confusingly similar to the IHOP Marks to sell, offer for sale, distribute, or
advertise books, beverage containers, DVDs, and other ancillary goods in interstate commerce.
109.

House of Prayer Kansas City's use is likely to cause confusion, to cause mistake,

or to deceive consumers, prospective consumers, and the public as to whether House of Prayer
Kansas City's services are endorsed by, sponsored by, or somehow affiliated with IHOP or
whether House of Prayer Kansas City has permission from IHOP to use the infringing names.
110.

Upon information and belief, the actions of House of Prayer Kansas City were

undertaken with an intentional, willful, or malicious intent to trade upon the goodwill associated
with the IHOP Marks.
111.

The actions of House of Prayer Kansas City constitute trademark infringement

under Section 32 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1114.

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112.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation

and goodwill due to the infringing activities of House of Prayer Kansas City.
113.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, House of Prayer

Kansas City will continue to infringe IHOP's rights in the IHOP Marks.
Count XI
114.

Paragraphs 1 through 113 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

115.

IHOP's INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks were

herein.

famous and distinctive prior to House of Prayer Kansas City's first use of International House of
Prayer, IHOP, or variations thereof in conjunction with books, beverage containers, DVDs, and
other ancillary goods.
116.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer Kansas City has used

names that dilute IHOP's INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks to sell,
offer for sale, distribute, or advertise books, beverage containers, DVDs, and other ancillary
goods in interstate commerce.
117.

House of Prayer Kansas City's use is likely to cause dilution of the

distinctiveness, strength, and value of IHOP's famous INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF
PANCAKES or IHOP mark.
118.

Upon information and belief, the actions of House of Prayer Kansas City have

been undertaken with an intentional, willful, or malicious intent to trade upon IHOP's goodwill
associated with and the distinctiveness, strength, and value of the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks.

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119.

The actions of House of Prayer Kansas City constitute trademark dilution under

Section 32 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(c).
120.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation,

goodwill, and the distinctiveness, strength, and value of the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF
PANCAKES and IHOP marks due to the diluting activities of House of Prayer Kansas City.
121.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, House of Prayer

Kansas City will continue to dilute IHOP's rights in the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF
PANCAKES and IHOP marks.
Count XII
122.

Paragraphs 1 through 121 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

123.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer Kansas City has used

herein.

names that are confusingly similar to the IHOP Marks to sell, offer for sale, distribute, or
advertise books, beverage containers, DVDs, and other ancillary goods in interstate commerce.
124.

House of Prayer Kansas City's use is likely to cause confusion or mistake as to the

affiliation, connection, or association of IHOP with House of Prayer Kansas City or confusion as
to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of House of Prayer Kansas City's books, beverage
containers, DVDs, and other ancillary goods by IHOP.
125.

Upon information and belief, the actions of House of Prayer Kansas City were

undertaken with an intentional, willful, or malicious intent to trade upon the goodwill associated
with the IHOP Marks.

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126.

The actions of House of Prayer Kansas City constitute a false designation of

origin, false or misleading description, or a false or misleading representation of fact under
Section 43 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a)(1).
127.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation

and goodwill due to the false and misleading activities of House of Prayer Kansas City.
128.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, House of Prayer

Kansas City will continue to engage in acts of false designation of origin.
Count XIII
129.

Paragraphs 1 through 128 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

130.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer East Bay has used

herein.

names and marks that are confusingly similar to the IHOP Marks to provide, sell, offer for sale,
distribute, or advertise evangelical missions services in interstate commerce.
131.

House of Prayer East Bay's use is likely to cause confusion, cause mistake, or

deceive consumers, prospective consumers, and the public as to whether House of Prayer East
Bay's services are endorsed by, sponsored by, or somehow affiliated with IHOP or whether
House of Prayer East Bay has permission from IHOP to use the infringing names.
132.

Upon information and belief, the actions of House of Prayer East Bay were

undertaken with an intentional, willful, or malicious intent to trade upon the goodwill associated
with the IHOP Marks.
133.

The actions of House of Prayer East Bay constitute trademark infringement under

Section 32 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1114.

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134.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation

and goodwill due to the infringing activities of House of Prayer East Bay.
135.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, House of Prayer East

Bay will continue to infringe IHOP's rights in the IHOP Marks.
Count XIV
136.

Paragraphs 1 through 135 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

137.

IHOP's INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks were

herein.

famous and distinctive prior to House of Prayer East Bay's first use of International House of
Prayer, IHOP, or variations thereof in conjunction with evangelical missions services.
138.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer East Bay has used

names that dilute IHOP's INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks to
provide, sell, offer for sale, distribute, or advertise evangelical missions services in interstate
commerce.
139.

Upon information and belief, the actions of House of Prayer East Bay were

undertaken with an intentional, willful, or malicious intent to trade upon IHOP's goodwill
associated with and the distinctiveness, strength, and value of the IHOP and INTERNATIONAL
HOUSE OF PANCAKES marks.
140.

House of Prayer East Bay's use is likely to cause dilution of the distinctiveness,

strength, and value of IHOP's famous INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP
marks.
141.

The actions of House of Prayer East Bay constitute trademark dilution under

Section 32 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(c).

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142.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation,

goodwill, and the distinctiveness, strength, and value of the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF
PANCAKES and IHOP marks due to the diluting activities of House of Prayer East Bay.
143.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, House of Prayer East

Bay will continue to dilute IHOP's rights in the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES
and IHOP marks.
Count XV
144.

Paragraphs 1 through 143 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

145.

By engaging in the acts described above, House of Prayer East Bay has used

herein.

names and marks that are confusingly similar to the IHOP Marks to provide, sell, offer for sale,
distribute, or advertise evangelical missions services in interstate commerce.
146.

House of Prayer East Bay's use is likely to cause confusion or mistake as to the

affiliation, connection, or association of IHOP with House of Prayer East Bay or confusion as to
the origin, sponsorship, or approval of House of Prayer East Bay's evangelical missions services
by IHOP.
147.

Upon information and belief, the actions of House of Prayer East Bay were

undertaken with an intentional, willful, or malicious intent to trade upon the goodwill associated
with the IHOP Marks.
148.

The actions of House of Prayer East Bay constitute a false designation of origin,

false or misleading description, or a false or misleading representation of fact under Section 43
of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a)(1).

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149.

IHOP has suffered and will continue to suffer damage to its business reputation

and goodwill due to the false and misleading activities of House of Prayer East Bay.
Count XVI
150.

Paragraphs 1 through 149 are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set

forth herein.
151.

The use by defendants of marks confusingly similar to the IHOP Marks in

connection with evangelical missions services, educational services, food and beverage services,
or books, beverage containers, DVDs, and other ancillary items constitutes common law
infringement of IHOP's rights in the IHOP Marks and has damaged IHOP.
152.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, defendants will

continue to engage in this infringing activity.
Count XVII
153.

Paragraphs 1 through 152 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

154.

The use by defendants of International House of Prayer, IHOP, and variations

herein.

thereof is likely to dilute or has diluted the distinctiveness, strength, and value of IHOP's
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks in violation of Mo. Rev. Stat.
§ 417.061(1).
155.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, defendants will

continue to engage in activity that dilutes the distinctiveness, strength, and value of IHOP's
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP marks.

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Count XVIII
156.

Paragraphs 1 through 155 are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth

157.

The acts of defendants described herein constitute common law unfair

herein.

competition with IHOP, which has and will continue to damage IHOP.
158.

Upon information and belief, unless enjoined by this Court, defendants will

continue to engage in acts of unlawful competition.
Relief Sought
WHEREFORE, IHOP prays for judgment and relief as follows:
a.

judgment that IHOP IP, LLC owns enforceable rights in the IHOP Marks and the

registrations for the IHOP Marks are valid;
b.

judgment that IHOP's INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and IHOP

marks are famous and distinctive and have been since at least prior to defendants first use of
"International House of Prayer," "IHOP," and variations thereof;
c.

judgment that each of the defendants have been and are directly or indirectly infringing

the IHOP Marks;
d.

judgment that each of the defendants have been and are directly or indirectly diluting

the distinctiveness, strength, and value of the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and
IHOP marks;
e.

judgment that defendants acted deliberately, willfully, intentionally, or with malicious

intent;

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f.

judgment that each of the defendants, its directors, officers, agents, servants,

employees, successors, attorneys, and assigns, and all those acting in active concert or in participation
with them, be enjoined from further acts that dilute or infringe the IHOP Marks directly or indirectly;
g.

judgment that all domain names owned by the defendants that incorporate "ihop,"

including but not limited to ihop.org, be transferred to IHOP;
h.

judgment that each of the defendants shall file with the court and serve on IHOP a

written report stating what actions they have taken to comply with the Court's injunction within thirty
(30) days after entry of the injunction;
i.

judgment that this case is exceptional, and that the defendants be ordered to pay all of

IHOP's attorney fees associated with this action pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117;
j.

judgment that the defendants individually and collectively be ordered to pay all costs

and expenses incurred by IHOP in this action; and
k.

judgment that IHOP be granted such other and additional relief as this Court may

deem just and proper.
Respectfully submitted,

/s/Mark D. Hinderks
Mark D. Hinderks (MO Bar No. 58124)
Mark M. Iba (MO Bar No. 45452)
Elizabeth A. Tassi (MO Bar No. 59621)
STINSON MORRISON HECKER LLP
1201 Walnut Street, Suite 2900
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
[phone] (telephone)
[phone] (facsimile)
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES and
IHOP IP, LLC

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