Reed et al v. Freebird Film Productions, Inc. et al

Filing 40

Amended Answer , Affirmative Defenses, and, Counterclaim against Craig Reed, Survivor Films, Inc. filed by Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions,Inc.. Related document(s) #1 . (Attachments: #1 Exhibit A, U.S. Reg. No. 2271355, #2 Exhibit B, '355 Sec. 15 Acknowledgement, #3 Exhibit C, Reg. No. 2240157, #4 Exhibit D, '157 Sec. 15 Acknowledgement, #5 Exhibit E, Reg. No. 2268065, #6 Exhibit F, '065 Sec. 15 Acknowledgement, #7 Exhibit G, Letter to Craig Reed, #8 Exhibit H, skynyrdsurvivor.com web site, #9 Exhibit I, skynyrdsurvivor.com site source code) (Avsec, Mark)

Reed et al v. Freebird Film Productions, Inc. et al

Doc. 40

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO EASTERN DIVISION REED, et al., Plaintiffs, vs. FREEBIRD FILM PRODUCTIONS, INC., et al., Defendants. ) ) CASE NO. 1:08CV1761 ) ) JUDGE CHRISTOPHER A. BOYKO ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

AMENDED ANSWER, AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES, AND COUNTERCLAIMS OF LYNYRD SKYNYRD PRODUCTIONS, INC. Defendant Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions, Inc. ("Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions"), through its counsel, responds to the Complaint of Plaintiffs Craig Reed ("Reed") and Survivor Films, Inc. ("Survivor" and, together with Reed, "Plaintiffs"), as follows: 1. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Reed for a time worked as a production

and general assistant for the bands "Lynyrd Skynyrd," "The Rossington-Collins Band," and "The Allen Collins Band." Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information

sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 1 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 2. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 2 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions further avers that Survivor appears to be a Florida corporation and not a Tennessee corporation, as alleged in the Complaint.

Dockets.Justia.com

3.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that: Freebird Film Productions, Inc.

("Freebird Film Productions") is organized under the laws of the State of Florida with its principal place of business in Orange Park, Florida; Defendant Rossington is the president and director of Freebird Film Productions; Defendant Jenness is the treasurer and statutory agent for Freebird Film Productions; and Freebird Film Productions was formerly known as Freebird Video Productions, Inc. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Freebird Film Productions produced a film entitled "Freebird the Movie." Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the

remaining allegations contained in paragraph 3 of the Complaint. 4. the Complaint. 5. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Defendant Cabin Fever Entertainment, Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits the allegations contained in paragraph 4 of

Inc. has produced and/or distributed a Lynyrd Skynyrd-related film product. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 5 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 6. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Vector Management, Inc. is a Tennessee

corporation with its principal place of business in the Nashville, Tennessee metropolitan area. 7. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Defendant Jenness is the treasurer and

statutory agent for Freebird Film Productions and was married to Ronnie Van Zant (Lynyrd Skynyrd's original lead singer). Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or

information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 7 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations.

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8.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies that Defendant Rossington resides within the

State of California, but admits the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 8 of the Complaint. 9. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Defendant Schilling is a Tennessee

resident, is employed by Vector, and presently serves as part of the management team for the band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 9 of the Complaint. 10. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 10 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 11. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 11 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 12. the Complaint. 13. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Plaintiffs purport to base jurisdiction on Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits the allegations contained in paragraph 12 of

28 U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1338(a) and (b) and 1367, avers that these allegations constitute legal conclusions that are not properly admitted nor denied, but for the purposes of answering only, denies the allegations made in paragraph 13 of the Complaint. 14. the Complaint. 15. the Complaint. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 15 of Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 14 of

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16.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Reed has worked as a production and

general assistant for Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rossington-Collins Band, and The Allen Collins Band, and also toured with those bands. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 16 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 17. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Reed worked as a production and

general assistant and in various capacities for Lynyrd Skynyrd commencing in or around 1974 through October 20, 1977, and commencing in or around 1987 until 2005. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Lynyrd Skynyrd performed in Cleveland, Ohio in April 2008. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 17 of the Complaint, including that Reed rendered services for Lynyrd Skynyrd in April 2008 when the band performed in Cleveland, Ohio. 18. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Reed shot concert and "behind the

scenes" film footage containing various members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and its crew, but denies that Reed did so "as a personal project and hobby." Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 18 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 19. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that: on October 20, 1977, while on tour

with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Reed was a passenger on an airplane that crashed in Mississippi; the crash claimed the lives of the pilot, co-pilot, and four passengers (including Lynyrd Skynyrd's lead singer, Ronnie Van Zant); and the crash left the surviving passengers injured. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the

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remaining allegations contained in paragraph 19 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 20. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Lynyrd Skynyrd temporarily disbanded Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Lynyrd

after the October 20, 1977 plane crash.

Skynyrd reformed in or around 1987 with Johnny Van Zant, the younger brother of the late Ronnie Van Zant, as lead singer. 21. the Complaint. 22. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Reed worked for Lynyrd Skynyrd in Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits the allegations contained in paragraph 21 of

various capacities after Lynyrd Skynyrd's reformation in 1987. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Reed was the longest-standing member of Lynyrd Skynyrd's crew, and was one of the few crew members to have worked with the original band's lineup, but denies that Reed still works for Lynyrd Skynyrd. 23. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Lynyrd Skynyrd is a popular musical

group, but denies that Lynyrd Skynyrd sells upwards of one million records each year and generates in excess of $10 million in touring revenue each year from performances throughout the United States. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Lynyrd Skynyrd occasionally plays shows in Ohio. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that, in 2006, Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 23 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations.

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24.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 24 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 25. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 25 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 26. the Complaint. 27. the Complaint. 28. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 27 of Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 26 of

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 28 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 29. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 29 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 30. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 30 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 31. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 31 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations.

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32.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 32 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 33. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that, on or about July 31, 1995, Reed and

Freebird Film Productions, formerly known as Freebird Video Productions, Inc., entered into a written agreement concerning Freebird Film Productions' possible use of Reed's film footage in a documentary film and certain other uses of the footage, avers that this written agreement speaks for itself, and denies the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 33 of the Complaint. 34. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 34 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 35. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that a documentary film about the original

Lynyrd Skynyrd band entitled "Freebird the Movie" was produced by Freebird Film Productions, formerly Freebird Video Productions, Inc., and Defendant Cabin Fever Entertainment, Inc. 36. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 36 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 37. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Freebird Film Productions, formerly

known as Freebird Video Productions, Inc., served as one of the production companies for the documentary film "Freebird the Movie."

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38.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 38 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 39. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 39 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 40. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 40 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 41. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Defendant Rossington, inasmuch as he

was a member of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd band, appeared in "Freebird the Movie," but denies that Mr. Rossington "was an actor" in the film. 42. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 42 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 43. the Complaint. 44. Paragraph 44 of the Complaint attempts to interpret a written agreement or states Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 43 of

a legal conclusion for which no response is required. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions avers, however, that the written agreement referred to in paragraph 44 of the Complaint speaks for itself. 45. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies that Freebird Film Productions failed to pay

Reed under the Documentary Agreement (as that term is defined in paragraph 33 of the

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Complaint). Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions avers that it lacks knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 45 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 46. Plaintiffs alleged in paragraph 34 of the Complaint that Reed provided a copy of

Reel 1 to Defendant Cabin Fever Entertainment, Inc. ­ not to "Defendants" (as alleged in paragraph 46 of the Complaint). Regardless, Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 46 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 47. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 47 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 48. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 48 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 49. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 49 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 50. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 50 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 51. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 51 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations.

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52.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 52 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 53. the Complaint. 54. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies that it publicly performed or displayed the Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 53 of

Film (as that term is defined in paragraph 24 of the Complaint). Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that portions of some film footage taken by Reed were displayed at live concert events where Lynyrd Skynyrd performed, but denies that the film footage was displayed without Reed's knowledge, consent, and agreement. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the remaining

allegations contained in paragraph 54 of the Complaint. 55. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 55 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 56. the Complaint. 57. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 56 of

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 57 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 58. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 58 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations.

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59.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 59 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 60. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 60 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 61. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that certain film footage of Lynyrd Skynyrd

shot by Reed was used in the DVD entitled LYNYRD SKYNYRD LYVE ­ THE VICIOUS CYCLE TOUR. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 61 of the Complaint. 62. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 62 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 63. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 63 of

the Complaint inasmuch as no DVD titled 2003 NASHVILLE LIVE exists. 64. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that excerpts of film footage shot by Reed

were used in a music video for the song SIMPLE MAN. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 64 of the Complaint. 65. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that excerpts of film footage shot by Reed

were used in a music video for the song FREEBIRD. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 65 of the Complaint. 66. the Complaint. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 66 of

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67.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions avers that Freebird Film Productions exercised its

rights under the Documentary Agreement (as that term is defined in paragraph 33 of the Complaint), and denies the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 67 of the Complaint. 68. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Fly On, Inc. was involved in Lynyrd

Skynyrd's live concerts commencing in or around November 19, 2001, and denies the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 68 of the Complaint. 69. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 69 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 70. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies that Vector Management, Inc. was involved

in any Lynyrd Skynyrd project prior to 1999, including the LYNYRD SKYNYRD ­ LYVE FROM STEEL TOWN DVD. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Vector Management, Inc. managed the career of Lynyrd Skynyrd and certain of its members during the time period that one or more of the other video projects listed in paragraphs 59-66 of the Complaint were created, duplicated, distributed, marketed, and/or sold, but denies that Vector Management, Inc. directly created, duplicated, distributed, marketed, or sold any of these video projects. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions further avers that any use of any film footage shot by Reed and used in such projects was used with Reed's knowledge, consent, and agreement. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 70 of the Complaint. 71. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 71 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations.

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72.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Defendant Rossington performed in

Lynyrd Skynyrd's live shows and music videos, some of which are the subjects of paragraphs 59-66 of the Complaint. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the remaining allegations of

paragraph 72 of the Complaint. 73. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions avers that there is no defendant in this action defined

as "Van Zant" and, on that basis, denies the allegations contained in paragraph 73 of the Complaint. 74. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies that Defendant Schilling was involved in any

Lynyrd Skynyrd project prior to 1999, including the LYNYRD SKYNYRD ­ LYVE FROM STEEL TOWN DVD. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Defendant Schilling, as an employee of Vector Management, Inc., participated in the management of the career of Lynyrd Skynyrd and certain of its members during the time period that one or more of the other video projects listed in paragraphs 59-66 of the Complaint were created, duplicated, distributed, marketed, and/or sold, but denies that Defendant Schilling directly created, duplicated distributed, marketed, and/or sold any of these video projects. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions further avers that any use of any film footage shot by Reed and used in such projects was used with Reed's knowledge, consent, and agreement. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the

remaining allegations contained in paragraph 74 of the Complaint. 75. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 75 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations.

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76.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 76 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 77. Complaint. 78. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations of paragraph 77 of the

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 78 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 79. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 79 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 80. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 80 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 81. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies that Vector Management, Inc. benefited

financially from Lynyrd Skynyrd projects prior to 1999. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that Vector Management, Inc. benefited financially from the career of Lynyrd Skynyrd during the time period that one or more of the video projects listed in paragraphs 59-66 of the Complaint were released, but denies the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 81 of the Complaint. 82. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 82 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations.

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83.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 83 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 84. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions avers that there is no defendant in this action defined

as "Van Zant" and, on that basis, denies the allegations contained in paragraph 84 of the Complaint. 85. the Complaint. 86. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 85 of

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 86 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 87. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 87 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 88. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 88 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations. 89. the Complaint. 90. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is without knowledge or information sufficient to Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 89 of

form a belief as to the truth of the allegations contained in paragraph 90 of the Complaint and, on that basis, denies those allegations.

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Answer to Count I 91. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions incorporates herein by reference all allegations,

statements, denials and admissions contained in the previous paragraphs. 92. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions admits that, on or about July 31, 1995, Reed and

Freebird Film Productions, formerly known as Freebird Video Productions, Inc., entered into a written agreement concerning Freebird Film Productions' possible use of Reed's film footage in a documentary film and certain other uses of the footage, avers that this written agreement speaks for itself, and denies the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 92 of the Complaint. 93. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies that all "Defendants" had obligations to Reed

under the Documentary Agreement (as that term is defined in paragraph 33 of the Complaint) and answers that the Documentary Agreement speaks for itself. Plaintiffs' allegations contained in paragraph 93 of the Complaint constitute an attempt to interpret that agreement or a legal conclusion for which no response is required. 94. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies that Freebird Film Productions, formerly

known as Freebird Video Productions, Inc., failed to make any payments to Reed that were due under said Documentary Agreement (as that term is defined in paragraph 33 of the Complaint) or that Freebird Film Productions otherwise breached the Documentary Agreement. Lynyrd

Skynyrd Productions avers that Defendant Cabin Fever Entertainment, Inc. is not a party to the Documentary Agreement and, on that basis, denies the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 94 of the Complaint. 95. the Complaint. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 95 of

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96.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions avers that it is not a party to the Documentary

Agreement (as that term is defined in paragraph 33 of the Complaint) and, on that basis, denies the allegations contained in paragraph 96 of the Complaint. Answer to Count II 97. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions incorporates herein by reference all allegations,

statements, denials, and admissions contained in the previous paragraphs. 98. the Complaint. 99. the Complaint. 100. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 100 of Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 99 of Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 98 of

the Complaint, including, but not limited to, that a Certificate of Registration for Reel 1 was attached as Exhibit A to the Complaint. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions avers that there is no Exhibit A to the Complaint. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions further avers that any copyright registration Reed or Survivor filed and obtained for Reel 1 is invalid as a matter of law. 101. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 101 of

the Complaint, including, but not limited to, that a Certificate of Registration for Reel 2 was attached as Exhibit B to the Complaint. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions avers that there is no Exhibit B to the Complaint. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions further avers that any copyright registration Reed or Survivor filed and obtained for Reel 2 is invalid as a matter of law. 102. Complaint. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations of paragraph 102 of the

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103. Complaint. 104. Complaint. 105. Complaint. 106. Complaint. 107. Complaint. 108. Complaint. 109.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations of paragraph 103 of the

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations of paragraph 104 of the

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations of paragraph 105 of the

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations of paragraph 106 of the

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations of paragraph 107 of the

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations of paragraph 108 of the

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies that it infringed Plaintiffs' alleged copyrights

in Reel 1 and/or Reel 2, and denies the remaining allegations contained in paragraph 109 of the Complaint. 110. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies the allegations contained in paragraph 110 of

the Complaint, including, but not limited to, the assumption that Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions infringed Plaintiffs' alleged copyrights in Reel 1 and/or Reel 2. General Denial 111. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions denies each and every allegation not expressly

admitted herein and denies that Reed or Survivor is entitled to any relief.

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AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES FIRST DEFENSE 112. granted. SECOND DEFENSE 113. Complaint. THIRD DEFENSE 114. The Court lacks personal jurisdiction over Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions. FOURTH DEFENSE 115. and/or waiver. FIFTH DEFENSE 116. Plaintiffs' recovery is barred by the doctrine of fair use under the Copyright Act, Plaintiffs' recovery is barred by the doctrines of laches, estoppel, ratification, The Court does not have subject matter jurisdiction over the claims asserted in the The claims asserted in the Complaint fail to state a claim upon which relief can be

17 U.S.C. § 107. SIXTH DEFENSE 117. Plaintiffs' recovery is barred because Reed had knowledge of and consented to,

i.e., licensed, the use of the works complained of herein. SEVENTH DEFENSE 118. Plaintiffs' recovery is barred because the Documentary Agreement (as that term is

defined in paragraph 33 of the Complaint) contemplates and permits the use of the works complained of herein.

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EIGHTH DEFENSE 119. Plaintiffs' recovery is barred because Reed is not the author of the works

complained of herein. NINTH DEFENSE 120. Plaintiffs' claims are barred by applicable statutes of limitation and, in particular,

the Copyright Act's statute of limitations set forth in 17 U.S.C. § 507(b). TENTH DEFENSE 121. Plaintiffs' recovery is barred by the doctrine of unclean hands. ELEVENTH DEFENSE 122. Plaintiffs are not entitled to receive attorneys' fees or statutory damages. TWELFTH DEFENSE 123. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions respectfully reserves the right to amend its Answer

to the Complaint to add such additional defenses, cross-claims, counterclaims, and/or third-party complainants as may be disclosed during the discovery of this matter.

COUNTERCLAIMS Defendant/Counterclaim-Plaintiff Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions, by and through the undersigned counsel, asserts the following Counterclaims against Plaintiff/CounterclaimDefendants Reed and Survivor ("Survivor" and, together with Reed, the "CounterclaimDefendants"): Parties 124. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions incorporates by reference paragraphs 1-123 above as

if rewritten herein.

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125.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is a corporation organized and existing under the

laws of the State of Florida. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions maintains its principal place of business at 16830 Venture Boulevard, Encino, California 91436. Therefore, Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is a citizen of Florida and California pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332(c). Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions was formed to be the original production company of the musical group Lynyrd Skynyrd and to exploit certain Lynyrd Skynyrd intellectual property. 126. On information and belief, Reed is an individual residing at 4217 South Arlington

Road, Uniontown, Ohio 44685. Therefore, Reed is a citizen of the State of Ohio pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332(c). On information and belief, Reed was a professional stage hand who worked for certain performing artists, including Lynyrd Skynyrd. 127. On information and belief, Survivor is a Tennessee corporation with its principal

place of business at 801 New Park Court, St. Augustine, Florida, 32084. Therefore, Survivor is a citizen of Tennessee and Florida. On information and belief, Survivor is in the business of owning, producing, licensing, and distributing audiovisual works, films, and motion pictures as well as operating an Internet web site. On information and belief, Reed is the sole owner of Survivor. Jurisdiction and Venue 128. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions incorporates by reference paragraphs 1-127 above as

if rewritten herein. 129. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over the Counterclaims pursuant to 28

U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1338, and 28 U.S.C. § 1367. 130. Venue is proper in this judicial district under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b) as Reed resides

in this district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(c).

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Factual Background 131. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions incorporates by reference paragraphs 1-130 above as

if rewritten herein. 132. Lynyrd Skynyrd is a world famous, hard-driving Southern rock band formed by

Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, and Allen Collins. The band's first album, released in 1973 and entitled "Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd" featured the classic rock anthem, "Free Bird," which is still regularly played on album-oriented and classic rock radio. After opening for "The Who" on the 1973 Quadrophenia tour, Lynyrd Skynyrd released its second album, "Second Helping," also to great acclaim; that album included the group's biggest hit, "Sweet Home Alabama." "Second Helping" reached number 12 on the album charts and went multi-platinum. 133. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions was formed in or around July 1975 to produce

certain Lynyrd Skynyrd projects and exploit certain intellectual property, including trademarks associated with the band. 134. In or around 1976 and 1977, Reed, working full-time for Lynyrd Skynyrd as a

roadie and in various other capacities, shot various film footage of the group and its members, including concert footage and behind-the-scenes footage (collectively, the "Footage"), on a Super 8 movie camera that recorded visual images and no audio. 135. On October 17, 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd released their sixth album, "Street

Survivors." Three days after its release, a privately chartered plane carrying the band between shows in Greenville, South Carolina and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, crashed and killed singer, lyricist and leader Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and back-up vocalist Cassie Gaines. Assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick and the plane's pilot and co-pilot were also killed.

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Other members of the band and crew were injured. approximately ten years. 136.

Lynyrd Skynyrd disbanded for

Crash survivors Gary Rossington, Bill Powell, Leon Wilkeson, and Artimus Pyle

reformed Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1987, joined by Ronnie Van Zant's young brother, Johnny Van Zant, on lead vocals. The reformed band has consistently toured thereafter, performing new material as well as the classic Skynyrd songs such as "Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama," "Simple Man," and "Saturday Night Special." On March 13, 2006, Lynyrd Skynyrd was

inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Lynyrd Skynyrd has, in the aggregate, sold millions of recordings and is regarded throughout the world as an iconic and legendary musical group. 137. On or about January 15, 1995, Freebird Video Productions, Inc. (now known as

Freebird Film Productions, Inc.) ("Freebird Film Productions") entered into an agreement with Cabin Fever Entertainment, Inc. ("Cabin Fever") (the "Cabin Fever Agreement") concerning the production of a documentary film about Lynyrd Skynyrd (the "Documentary Project") that would eventually be called "Freebird . . . the Movie." 138. Reed was contacted by Freebird Film Productions and was asked whether he still

had the Footage and, if so, whether he would make it available for the Documentary Project; Reed communicated that he had the Footage and would provide it. 139. On July 31, 1995, Reed and Freebird Film Productions entered into an agreement

(the "Documentary Agreement") concerning Cabin Fever's use of the Footage in "Freebird . . . the Movie." The Documentary Agreement provided Freebird Film Productions and its assignees with the right to exploit the Footage in any manner or media throughout the universe in perpetuity without restriction and without obligation, financial or otherwise to Reed and, in

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return, Freebird Film Productions agreed to pay Reed 2.5% of Freebird Film Productions' net profits derived from exploitation of the "Freebird . . . the Movie" video product itself (plus a cash advance). On information and belief, Cabin Fever paid for the film's significant production costs (approximately $1 million), and charged Freebird Film Productions' royalty account accordingly. Eventually, Hallmark Entertainment Dist., LLC, predecessor to RHI Entertainment, LLC ("RHI"), acquired the assets of Cabin Fever, including the rights to "Freebird . . . the Movie." No royalties have ever been paid to Freebird Film Productions by Cabin Fever, RHI, or any other party for "Freebird . . . the Movie" because, on information and belief, the film's significant production costs were never recouped from sales. Accordingly, Freebird Film Productions never earned any royalties, i.e., profits, from "Freebird . . . the Movie" and nothing is owed to Reed. 140. Inasmuch as Freebird Film Productions and its licensees and assignees had the

right to exploit the Footage in any manner or media throughout the universe in perpetuity without restriction and without obligation, financial or otherwise to Reed, on July 15, 1997, small excerpts of the Footage were displayed on a screen behind the band as it performed live at a concert in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. The concert was filmed, including those portions of the show during which the Footage happened to be displayed. Reed was working with the band backstage and onstage during that show. The film was eventually released as a video product called "LYNYRD SKYNYRD LYVE FROM STEEL TOWN." 141. Unbeknownst to Freebird Film Productions, Reed had additional Super 8

footage that he shot back in 1976 or 1977, or both, that he did not turn over to Freebird Film Productions upon entering into the Documentary Agreement. In or around 2002, Reed turned over this additional footage to Ross Schilling ("Schilling") of Vector Management, Inc., Lynyrd

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Skynyrd's management company.

Counterclaim-Defendants call this hold-back footage "Reel

2" in the Complaint they filed in this action. 142. In or around August 2003, Lynyrd Skynyrd's touring company, Fly On, Inc. ("Fly

On"), through Schilling, entered into a clarifying agreement with Reed concerning uses of his film footage at live performances: Reed would get $75 for every Lynyrd Skynyrd live

performance that Reed's film footage was displayed at, and this amount was eventually increased to $100 per show. Fly On paid Reed thousands of dollars in fees over the years for these uses; Reed cashed the checks. 143. In celebration of Lynyrd Skynyrd's 30th anniversary, VC Partners, another Lynyrd

Skynyrd-related entity, produced a DVD product that came to be called "LYNYRD SKYNYRD LYVE ­ THE VICIOUS CYCLE TOUR," that was produced from a live concert filmed in Nashville, Tennessee that incorporated brief excerpts of Reed's film footage. 144. Reed was working with Lynyrd Skynyrd backstage and onstage the night that the

concert was filmed for the "LYNYRD SKYNYRD LYVE ­ THE VICIOUS CYCLE TOUR" video product. 145. In or around August 2003, VC Partners and Reed orally agreed that VC Partners

would pay Reed $2,500 to incorporate Reed's film footage in the "LYNYRD SKYNYRD LYVE ­ THE VICIOUS CYCLE TOUR" video product. Production Manager in the DVD's packaging materials. 146. On September 30, 2003, VC Partners indeed paid Reed the $2,500 by check, and Reed was also listed as an Assistant

Reed cashed it. 147. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is the owner of U.S. Trademark Registration No.

2,271,355 (the "Skynyrd Live Performance Registration") for LYNYRD SKYNYRD® for use

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in connection with "entertainment in the nature of live performances by a musical group" in International Class 41. The Skynyrd Live Performance Registration validly issued to Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions on August 24, 1999, and is based on a first use in interstate commerce in 1973. A true and correct copy of the Skynyrd Live Performance Registration is attached hereto as Exhibit A. The LYNYRD SKYNYRD® service mark has been used for approximately 35 years in connection with the group's live performances and is now incontestable under 15 U.S.C. 1065(b), i.e., it is conclusive evidence of Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions' ownership of the service mark, the validity of the service mark registration, and of Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions' exclusive right to use the service mark in commerce on or in connection with musical sound recordings under 15 U.S.C. § 1115(b). A true and correct copy of the United States Patent and Trademark Office's record of the LYNYRD SKYNYRD ® service mark for this registration showing its incontestable status is attached hereto as Exhibit B. 148. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is also the owner of U.S. Trademark Registration

No. 2,240,157 (the "Skynyrd Sound Recording Registration") for LYNYRD SKYNYRD® for use in connection with "pre-recorded compact discs, audio cassettes, video cassettes, albums, and sound recordings featuring musical performances" in International Class 9. The Skynyrd Sound Recording Registration validly issued to Complaint on April 20, 1999, and is based on a first use in interstate commerce in 1968. A true and correct copy of the Skynyrd Sound Recording Registration is attached hereto as Exhibit C. The LYNYRD SKYNYRD® trademark has been used for approximately 40 years in connection with the group's sound recordings as permitted by Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions and is now incontestable under 15 U.S.C. 1065(b), i.e., it is conclusive evidence of Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions' ownership of the trademark, the validity of the trademark registration, and of Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions' exclusive right to use the

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trademark in commerce on or in connection with musical sound recordings under 15 U.S.C. § 1115(b). A true and correct copy of the United States Patent and Trademark Office's record of the LYNYRD SKYNYRD® trademark for this registration showing its incontestable status is attached hereto as Exhibit D. 149. Further, Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions is the owner of U.S. Trademark

Registration No. 2,268,065 (the "Skynyrd Apparel Registration") for LYNYRD SKYNYRD® for use in connection with "clothing, namely, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and bandannas" in International Class 25. The Skynyrd Apparel Registration validly issued to Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions on August 10, 1999, and is based on a first use in interstate commerce in 1973. A true and correct copy of the Skynyrd Apparel Registration is attached hereto as Exhibit E. The LYNYRD SKYNYRD® trademark has been used for approximately 35 years in connection with the group's apparel as permitted by Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions and is now incontestable under 15 U.S.C. 1065(b), i.e., it is conclusive evidence of Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions' ownership of the trademark, the validity of the trademark registration, and of Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions' exclusive right to use the trademark in commerce on or in connection with apparel under 15 U.S.C. § 1115(b). A true and correct copy of the United States Patent and Trademark Office's record of the LYNYRD SKYNYRD ® trademark for this registration showing its incontestable status is attached hereto as Exhibit F. 150. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions has established significant goodwill in the mark

LYNYRD SKYNYRD®, which has become famous in the entertainment field, and is strongly associated with a single source, namely Lynyrd Skynyrd. 151. On June 22, 2000, an organization known as "anulook," on information and

belief, at Reed's direction, registered a <skynyrdsurvivor.com> domain name (the "Domain

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Name"). To date, anulook, Reed, and/or Survivor, has not used the Domain Name in connection with a bona fide offering of goods or services, but rather has used the Domain Name only in connection with a shoddy web site for commercial gain that tarnishes the Lynyrd Skynyrd organization's reputation because, among other reasons, Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions does not control the web site's content, which is contrary to Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions' and the Lynyrd Skynyrd organization's creative intent and standards of quality. 152. Specifically, the Domain Name resolves to a web site that charges unwitting

consumers to view certain Lynyrd Skynyrd memorabilia, photographs, collectables, and films embodying the likenesses of the Lynyrd Skynyrd band and its members without permission. 153. On information and belief, Counterclaim-Defendants, or their designees,

developed this web site for the purpose of selling CD-ROMs, photographs, memorabilia, collectables, and films embodying the likeness of, or belonging to, the Lynyrd Skynyrd organization without authorization or permission. Through this web site, Counterclaim-

Defendants utilize individual band members' (both living and dead) names and likenesses, infringe Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions' trademarks, infringe third party copyrights, and earn financial remuneration thereby. 154. Right from the start, Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions repeatedly asked, and then

demanded, that Reed cease and desist from operating the <skynyrdsurvivor.com> web site, but those demands have all been ignored. By way of illustration, attached hereto as Exhibit G is a true and correct copy of a December 21, 2000 letter to Reed from Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions' attorneys. 155. Reed's employment with Fly On and the Lynyrd Skynyrd organization in general

was terminated in 2005 for cause.

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156.

Counterclaim-Defendants' activities escalated and, either acting alone or with the

participation of the "anulook" organization, Counterclaim-Defendants are now marketing guitars as Lynyrd Skynyrd-endorsed guitars through this illicit web site and through the eBay auction web site. Moreover, Counterclaim-Defendants, with or without the assistance of the "anulook" organization, presently charge up to $99.95 to Lynyrd Skynyrd fans or unwitting consumers to "join" the <skynyrdsurvivor.com> web site, a crass practice that injures the goodwill and trust that Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions and Lynyrd Skynyrd have worked for approximately 40 years to build with Skynyrd fans. In addition, representations on the <skynyrdsurvivor.com> web site intimate that genuine "Lynyrd Skynyrd merchandise" is available to consumers through the web site, which is false and/or misleading. True and correct copies of 5 sample pages from the <skynyrdsurvivor.com> web site are attached hereto as Exhibit H. 157. LYNYRD Further, Respondent and/or Counterclaim-Defendants have improperly used the SKYNYRD® mark in "metatags" in the programming code of the

<skynyrdsurvivor.com> web site. By doing so, they are nefariously attempting to attract Lynyrd Skynyrd fans and potential customers. A "metatag" is a list of words hidden in a web site acting as an index or reference source identifying the content of the web site for search engines. A true and correct copy of the <skynyrdsurvivor.com> web site's programming code containing the LYNYRD SKYNYRD® mark is attached hereto as Exhibit I. This "hidden-from-public-eye" usage evidences a bad intent and improper trading on the goodwill of the LYNYRD SKYNYRD® mark and, on information and belief, has caused actual confusion and/or initialinterest confusion to Lynyrd Skynyrd fans, potential fans, and the relevant purchasing public.

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Count I Federal Trademark Infringement 158. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions incorporates by reference paragraphs 1-157 above as

if rewritten herein. 159. Counterclaim-Defendants' use of the LYNYRD SKYNYRD® trademark in

interstate commerce in connection with the aforesaid acts, including, without limitation, in the metatags of the programming code of the <skynyrdsuvivor.com> web site, has resulted in actual confusion or initial-interest confusion, and constitutes infringement of the LYNYRD SKYNYRD® trademark, in violation of Section 32(1) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1114(1). 160. On information and belief, Counterclaim-Defendants' acts of infringement are

and have been deliberate, intentional, and willful and have been committed with full knowledge of Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions' rights in the LYNYRD SKYNYRD® trademark for musical recordings, live performances, and various apparel. 161. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions has been and will continue to be injured as a result

of the foregoing acts, either by direct diversion of business from genuine LYNYRD SKYNYRD®-branded products and services or by lessening of the goodwill that the LYNYRD SKYNYRD® trademark enjoys with the buying public, including, without limitation, Lynyrd Skynyrd fans. 162. Counterclaim-Defendants, by their aforesaid acts, have damaged Lynyrd Skynyrd

Productions and unlawfully derived profits and gains. 163. By reason of the aforesaid unlawful acts of infringement, Counterclaim-

Defendants have caused and will continue to cause substantial and irreparable harm to Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions and to the public, for which there is no adequate remedy at law.

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Counterclaim-Defendants have unjustifiably benefited from said unlawful acts and will continue to carry out such unlawful conduct and be unjustly enriched unless enjoined by this Court. Count II Federal Trademark Dilution 164. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions incorporates by reference paragraphs 1-163 above as

if rewritten herein. 165. The LYNYRD SKYNYRD® trademark is inherently distinctive and/or has

acquired distinctiveness through approximately 40 years of continued use. 166. 167. The LYNYRD SKYNYRD® trademark is famous. Counterclaim-Defendants' commercial use of the famous LYNYRD

SKYNYRD® mark in interstate commerce in connection with the aforesaid acts, including, without limitation, on the <skynyrdsurvivor.com> web site, in connection with selling various items, in connection with marketing guitars, in connection with offering "Lynyrd Skynyrd merchandise," and in connection with selling memberships to users, has caused dilution by tarnishment of the famous LYNYRD SKYNYRD® mark, or is likely to dilute it, in violation of Section 43(c) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1125(c). 168. On information and belief, Counterclaim-Defendants' use of the LYNYRD

SKYNYRD® mark in connection with the aforesaid activities has been willful. 169. Counterclaim-Defendants, by their aforesaid acts, have damaged Lynyrd Skynyrd

Productions and unlawfully derived profits and gains therefrom. 170. By reason of the aforesaid unlawful acts, Counterclaim-Defendants have caused

and will continue to cause substantial and irreparable harm to Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions and to the public for which there is no adequate remedy at law. Counterclaim-Defendants have

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unjustifiably benefitted from said unlawful acts and will continue to carry out such unlawful conduct and be unjustly enriched unless enjoined by this Court. Count III Federal Unfair Competition 171. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions incorporates by reference paragraphs 1-170 above as

if rewritten herein. 172. Counterclaim-Defendants' liberal use of the LYNYRD SKYNYRD® mark in

interstate commerce in connection with the aforesaid acts, including, without limitation, on the <skynyrdsurvivor.com> web site, in connection with selling various items, in the metatags of the web site's programming code, in connection with marketing guitars, in connection with offering "Lynyrd Skynyrd merchandise," and in connection with selling memberships to users, are intended to create confusion, mistake, and deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Counterclaim-Defendants with Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions, and intimate that Counterclaim-Defendants' goods and services originate with, are sponsored by, or are approved of by Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions. 173. Counterclaim-Defendants' advertisement on the <skynyrdsurvivor.com> web site

that they are offering "Lynyrd Skynyrd merchandise" in interstate commerce also constitutes a false or misleading description of fact falsely describing and advertising such goods, in violation of Section 43(a)(1)(B) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1125(a)(1)(B). 174. On information and belief, Counterclaim-Defendants' use of the LYNYRD

SKYNYRD® mark in connection with the aforesaid activities has been willful and either has deceived or is likely to deceive a substantial portion of the intended audience for genuine Lynyrd Skynyrd merchandise.

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175.

Counterclaim-Defendants' deception is material in that it is likely to influence

purchasing decisions. 176. Counterclaim-Defendants' activities have resulted in actual harm to Lynyrd

Skynyrd Productions by lessening of the goodwill that the LYNYRD SKYNYRD® brand enjoys with the buying public. 177. Counterclaim-Defendants, by their aforesaid acts, have damaged Lynyrd Skynyrd

Productions and unlawfully derived profits and gains therefrom. 178. By reason of the aforesaid unlawful acts and the aforesaid false or misleading

statements, Counterclaim-Defendants have caused and will continue to cause substantial and irreparable harm to Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions and to the public for which there is no adequate remedy at law. Counterclaim-Defendants have unjustifiably benefitted from said unlawful acts and will continue to carry out such unlawful conduct and be unjustly enriched unless enjoined by this Court. Count IV Violation of the Ohio Deceptive Trade Practices Act 179. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions incorporates by reference paragraphs 1-178 above as

if rewritten herein. 180. Counterclaim-Defendants' activities constitute unfair or deceptive trade practices

or acts within the meaning of the Ohio Deceptive Trade Practices Act, codified at Ohio Revised Code § 4165.02. 181. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions has been injured as a result of Counterclaim-

Defendants' unlawful and unauthorized deceptive trade practices by lessening of the goodwill that Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions' products and services have with the buying public.

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182.

As a result of Counterclaim-Defendants' unlawful and unauthorized deceptive

trade practices, Counterclaim-Defendants have caused and will continue to cause substantial and irreparable harm to Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions and to the public for which there is no adequate remedy at law. Counterclaim-Defendants have unjustifiably benefited from said unlawful acts and will continue to carry out such unlawful conduct and be unjustly enriched unless enjoined by this Court. Count V Unfair Competition Under Ohio Law 183. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions incorporates by reference paragraphs 1-182 above as

if rewritten herein 184. The aforesaid conduct of Counterclaim-Defendants constitutes unfair competition

under the common law of the State of Ohio. 185. On information and belief, Counterclaim-Defendants' acts of unfair competition

have been willful. 186. Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions has been injured as a result of the foregoing acts by

lessening of the goodwill that Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions and Lynyrd Skynyrd products and services enjoy with the buying public. 187. As a result of Counterclaim-Defendants' acts of unfair competition,

Counterclaim-Defendants have caused and will continue to cause substantial and irreparable harm to Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions and to the public for which there is no adequate remedy at law. Counterclaim-Defendants have unjustifiably benefited from said unlawful acts and will continue to carry out such unlawful conduct and be unjustly enriched unless enjoined by this Court.

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PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE, Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions prays that this Court enter judgment in its favor as follows: (A) That Counterclaim-Defendants be adjudged to have infringed Lynyrd

Skynyrd Productions' federal trademark rights in LYNYRD SKYNYRD® conveyed by U.S. Trademark Registrations No. 2,271,355, 2,240,157, and 2,268,065, in violation of Lanham Act § 32(1), 15 U.S.C. § 1114(1); (B) That Counterclaim-Defendants be adjudged to have willfully infringed the

LYNYRD SKYNYRD® trademark, with full knowledge of Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions' prior use of and rights in the LYNYRD SKYNYRD® trademark; (C) That Counterclaim-Defendants be adjudged to have diluted the LYNYRD

SKYNYRD® trademark by tarnishment or, alternatively, that their activities be adjudged likely to dilute the LYNYRD SKYNYRD® trademark, in violation of Lanham Act § 43(c), 15 U.S.C. § 1125(c); (D) That Counterclaim-Defendants be adjudged to have used a false

designation of origin, in violation of Lanham Act § 43(a), 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a)(1)(A), and caused a false or misleading statement of fact to enter into interstate commerce, in violation of Lanham Act § 43(a), 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a)(1)(B); (E) That Counterclaim-Defendants be adjudged to have committed deceptive

trade practices under Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 4165.02 and to have committed these deceptive trade practices willfully and with knowledge that they would be deceptive; (F) That Counterclaim-Defendants be adjudged to have engaged in unfair

competition under Ohio law;

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(G)

That, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. §1116 and Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §

5165.03(A)(1), the Court preliminary and permanently enjoin Counterclaim-Defendants, their agents, employees, attorneys, and all persons in active concert or participation with them, from directly or indirectly using the LYNYRD SKYNYRD® trademark or any other mark, trade name, word, or name similar to the LYNYRD SKYNYRD® trademark in a manner that is likely to cause confusion, mistake, or to deceive, including, without limitation, by selling products as "Lynyrd Skynyrd merchandise" through a web site, by publishing false or misleading statements in connection with such products, and/or by creating a false impression that the genuine Lynyrd Skynyrd organization sponsors or endorses any activity; (H) That Counterclaim-Defendants be required, pursuant to 15 U.S.C.

§1117(a), to pay Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions the actual damages it has suffered as a result of Counterclaim-Defendants' trademark infringement, trademark dilution, and deceptive practices and disgorge any profits therefrom, and that Counterclaim-Defendants be required, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117(b), to pay Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions three times the amount of actual damages or profits suffered by them by virtue of the willful nature of Counterclaim-Defendants' illegal acts; (I) That, pursuant to 1 Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 4165.03(B), the Court award

Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions its attorneys' fees by virtue of Counterclaim-Defendants' willful engagement in a deceptive trade practice listed in Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 4165.03(A) knowing it to be deceptive, or alternatively, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a), that the Court declare this an exceptional case and awarding Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions its reasonable attorneys' fees; (J) That, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a), the Court award the full costs of

this action and interest to Lynyrd Skynyrd Productions; and

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(K)

That the Court grant such other and further relief as is just and proper.

Respectfully submitted,

DATED: December 15, 2008

BENESCH, FRIEDLANDER, COPLAN & ARONOFF LLP /s/ Mark E. Avsec Mark E. Avsec (0064472) [e-mail] Bryan A. Schwartz (0078527) [e-mail] Angela Gott (0082198) [e-mail] BENESCH, FRIEDLANDER, COPLAN & ARONOFF LLP 200 Public Square, Suite 2300 Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2378 Telephone: [phone] Facsimile: [phone] Attorneys for DEFENDANT LYNYRD SKYNYRD PRODUCTIONS, INC.

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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE The undersigned certifies that on December 15, 2008, a true and correct copy of the foregoing AMENDED ANSWER, AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES, AND COUNTERCLAIMS OF LYNYRD SKYNYRD PRODUCTIONS, INC. was filed electronically. Notice of this filing will be sent to all parties by operation of the Court's electronic filing system. Parties may access this filing through the Court's system. /s/ Mark E. Avsec One of the Attorneys for Defendant LYNYRD SKYNYRD PRODUCTIONS, INC.

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