CrossFit, Inc. v. Jenkins
CROSSFIT, INC., a Delaware corporation v. Murrell A. JENKINS, an individual and Does 1-10
Attorneys
Heather K. Kelly, Gordon & Rees, LLP, Denver, CO, Yuo-Fong Chang Amato, Gordon & Rees, LLP, San Diego, CA, for Plaintiff.
Full Opinion (html_with_citations)
OPINION AND ORDER ADOPTING RECOMMENDATION AND GRANTING MOTION FOR DEFAULT JUDGMENT
THIS MATTER comes before the Court pursuant to the Magistrate Judgeâs September 3, 2014 Recommendation (#30) that the Plaintiffs Motion for Default Judgment (# 18) against Defendant Jenkins be granted (and the claims against the Doe Defendants be dismissed). More than 14 days have passed since the Recommendation was served and no party has filed Objections. The Court has reviewed the matter de novo, as it otherwise would pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(b), and upon such de novo review, reaches the same conclusions as the Magistrate Judge for essentially the same reasons. Accordingly, the Court ADOPTS the Recommendation (#30) and GRANTS the Plaintiffs Motion for Default Judgment (# 18). Judgment by default in favor of the Plaintiff, consistent with that set forth in the Recommendation, shall issue contemporaneously. The claims against the Doe Defendants are DISMISSED.
RECOMMENDATION OF UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE UPON RECONSIDERATION PURSUANT TO ORDER DATED APRIL 21, 2014 (DOC. # 27)
This civil action comes before the court for reconsideration of Plaintiffs â... Motion for Entry of Default Judgment and Permanent Injunction,â pursuant to the Order Declining Report and Recommendations (Doc. #-27). The court declined to adopt the Recommendation filed on March 28, 2014 for several reasons: âthe findings of fact were not limited to well pled allega
I. Statement of the Case
Plaintiff CrossFit, Inc. (âCrossFitâ) is principally engaged in the business of fitness training and consulting. (See Complaint (Doc. # 1) at ¶ 5). CrossFit owns protectable interests in several registered United States trademarks and service marks comprised of the term âCrossFit.â (See âid.). Defendant Murrell A. Jenkins a/k/a âJakeâ Jenkins (âJenkinsâ) is an individual doing business as âCrossFit Nutrition.â (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 6). Jenkins owns and controls a website with the domain name www.crossfitnutrition.com, which offers vitamins, supplements, and nutrition products for sale. (See id.). This case arises out of Jenkinsâs alleged infringement of the CrossFit marks, among other unlawful conduct. CrossFit alleges that Jenkins utilizes the CrossFit marks to trade on the goodwill associated with the CrossFit name through the website with the domain name www.crossfitnutrition. com. In its Complaint, CrossFit alleged four Counts for violations of the Lanham Act, including false designation of origin, trademark infringement, trademark dilution, and cyperpiracy under the Anticy-bersquatting Consumer Protection Act (âACPAâ). '(See Doc. #1 at 6-10 of 12). In its Motion for Entry of Default Judgment and Permanent Injunction, CrossFit seeks default judgment against Defendant Jenkins on only Count IV of the Complaint for violation of the ACPA, 16 U.S.C. § 1125(d). In Count IV, CrossFit seeks monetary relief of $100,000 in statutory damages $18,996.00 in attorneyâs fees, and $3784.09 in costs, for a total of $122,780.09. (See Doc. # 19). CrossFit also seeks an order requiring the domain name registrar to transfer the www.crossfitnutrition.com domain to CrossFit, and a permanent injunction precluding Jenkins from using the CrossFit marks. (See id.).
II. Analysis
Fed. R. Civ. P. 55 provides for entry of default judgment â[w]hen a party against whom a judgment for affirmative relief is sought has failed to plead or otherwise defend.... â McNeil v. United States, 12 Fed.Appx. 805, 807 n. 1 (10th Cir.2001). See also Jackson v. FIE Corp., 302 F.3d 515, 525 (5th Cir.2002) (â[Defendant by his default, admits the plaintiffâs well-pleaded allegations of fact, is precluded from challenging those facts by the judgment, and is barred from contesting on appeal the facts thus established.â) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted); Buchanan v. Bowman, 820 F.2d 359, 361 (11th Cir.1987) (âThe effect of a default judgment is that the defendant admits the plaintiffs well-pleaded allegations of fact, is concluded on those facts by the judgment, and is barred from contesting on appeal the facts thus established.â) (internal quotation marks omitted).
A. Subject Matter Jurisdiction, Venue, and Personal Jurisdiction
âIn determining whether a default judgment is warranted, the Court must first consider whether it has jurisdiction over the subject matter and the defendants.â Procom Supply, LLC v. Langner, No. 12-cv-00391-MSK-KMT, 2013 WL 4510243, at *6 (D.Colo. Aug. 24, 2013) (citations omitted). Here, the court has subject matter jurisdiction over CrossFitâs claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 28 U.S.C. §§ 1338(a) and (b), as the claims
Personal jurisdiction over the defendant is required before a default judgment in a civil case may be entered. See Hukill v. Okla. Native Am. Domestic Violence Coalition, 542 F.3d 794, 797 (10th Cir.2008) (â[A] default judgment in a civil case is void if there is no personal jurisdiction over the defendant.â). See also Dennis Garberg & Assocs. v. Pack-Tech Intâl Corp., 115 F.3d 767, 771 (10th Cir.1997) (â[Jjudgment by default should not be entered without a determination that the court has jurisdiction over the defendant.â). âPlaintiff bears the burden of establishing personal jurisdiction, but where, as here, the issue is determined on the basis of the pleadings and affidavits, that burden may be met by a prima facie showing.â Sharpshooter Spectrum Venture, LLC v. Consentino, No. 09-cv-0150-WDM-KLM, 2011 WL 3159094, at *2 (D.Colo. July 26, 2011) (citing Shrader v. Biddinger, 633 F.3d 1235, 1239 (10th Cir.2011)).
âWhere, as here, the underlying action is based on a federal statute, the court applies state personal jurisdiction rules if the federal statute does not specifically provide for national service of process.â Toytrackerz LLC v. Koehler, No. 08-2297-GLR, 2009 WL 1505705, at *3 (D.Kan. May 28, 2009). Because neither the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1051 et seq., nor the Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (âACPAâ), 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d), provide for nationwide service of process, the court looks to the Colorado long-arm statute to determine whether personal jurisdiction is proper. Toytrackerz, 2009 WL 1505705, at *4.
After unsuccessful attempts to informally resolve this matter, CrossFit filed this action on May 8, 2013. (See Doc. # 1). On June 16, 2013, Jenkins was personally served with the summons and complaint. (See âProof of Serviceâ (Doc. #8)). His responsive pleading was due on or before July 8, 2013. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(l)(A)(i). To date, Jenkins has not appeared, filed an Answer, or otherwise responded in this action. Upon CrossFitâs motion the Clerk of the Court entered default on August 1, 2013. (See Does. # 12, # 13).
The well-pleaded allegations and record before the court indicate that Jenkins is a resident of Colorado. Colorado Secretary of State records reflect that Jenkinsâs company, Aaron Corporate Enterprises, Inc., was formed and is located in Colorado. (See Exhibit 3 to Declaration of You-Fong C. Amato (Doc. #21-3)). As registered agent for the corporation, Jenkins provided his address in Monument, Colorado. (See id.). Jenkins is subject to personal jurisdiction in this court as a resident of Colorado.
Even if Jenkins were not a Colorado resident, the court would have personal jurisdiction over him based on his activities in this state. Coloradoâs long arm statute provides that a defendant is. subject to personal jurisdiction where he or she engages in the âtransaction of any business within this stateâ or commits a âtortious act within this state.â Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-1-124. Jenkins incorporated Aaron Corp. in Colorado. Jenkins and Aaron Corp. are the registrants for www.crossfit nutrition.com. (See Exhibit 2 to Declaration of You-Fong C. Amato (Doc. # 21-2)). Jenkins has admitted to âowningâ the website, offered it for sale to CrossFit, and threatened to auction the domain. (See Declaration of Marshall S. Brenner (Doc. # 20) at ¶ 11); Exhibit D to Declaration of Marshall S. Brenner (Doc. # 20-4)). Aar
B. Service of the Motion
In the context of a default judgment motion, the only service requirements are those pertaining to the service of the summons and complaint. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 55(b)(2) states that service of an application for default judgment is required only â[i]f the party against whom a default judgment is sought has appeared personally or by a representative ...â Fed. R. Civ. P. 55(b)(2). See also, e.g., Hukill, 542 F.3d 794, 799, 802 (10th Cir.2008) (setting aside default judgment due to ineffective service of summons and complaint); Nikwei v. Ross School of Aviation, Inc., 822 F.2d 939, 945-46 (10th Cir.1987) (affirming the grant of default judgment against defendants notwithstanding challenges to sufficiency of service of process as to complaint based on finding that complaint was sufficiently served on defendants).
â[D]efault judgment must normally be viewed as available only when the adversary process has been halted because of an essentially unresponsive party. In that instance, the diligent party must be protected lest he be faced with interminable delay and continued uncertainty as to his rights. The default judgment remedy serves as such a protection.â In re Rains, 946 F.2d 731, 732-33 (10th Cir.1991) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). The record shows that Jenkins was properly served with the summons and Complaint and has failed to plead or otherwise respond. See State Res. Corp. v. Sirios, 10-cv-00243-PAB-MJW, 2011 WL 318754, at *2 (D.Colo. Jan. 28, 2011) (holding that entry of default judgment was proper when â[defendant's failure to respond [had] thwarted the ability of the Court to resolve the matter on the meritsâ); Victoriaâs Secret Stores v. Artco Equip. Co., 194 F.Supp.2d 704, 732-33, 738 (S.D.Ohio 2002) (granting default judgment on ACPA claim where court found defendantsâ actions showed complete lack of diligence in defending the suit and a reckless disregard for the effect of their conduct on the proceedings).
C. The Doe Defendants
CrossFit seeks entry of default judgment against only Defendant Jenkins. (See Doc. # 18 at 1 of 2). CrossFit does not request that default judgment be entered against any of the Doe Defendants.. Default judgment may be granted against a named defendant notwithstanding the
Further, there is no provision in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for the naming of fictitious or anonymous parties in a lawsuit. Coe v. U.S. Dist. Court for Dist. of Colorado, 676 F.2d 411, 415 (10th Cir.1982). See also Fed. R. Civ. P. 10(a). (â[ejvery pleading must have a caption with the courtâs name, a title, a file number, and a Rule 7(a) designation. The title of the complaint must name all the parties. ...â); Wenzel v. Arpaio, No. CV 09-1927-PHX-MHM (JRI), 2009 WL 4154926, at *3 (D.Ariz. Nov. 20, 2009) (âGenerally, the use of anonymous type appellations to identify defendants is not favored. Rule 10(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires the plaintiff to include the names of the parties in the action.â). CrossFit has never amended its pleading to substitute any named defendants for the Doe Defendants. It has not served process on any of the Doe Defendants as required by Fed R. Civ. P. 4 and the Clerk of the Court has not entered default of any Doe Defendants pursuant to Rule 55(a). CrossFit does not object to dismissal of the Doe Defendants upon the entry of default judgment against Defendant Jenkins.
D. Sufficiency of CrossFitâs Claim for Violation of the ACPA
CrossFit seeks default judgment against Defendant Jenkins on only Count IV of the Complaint for violation of the ACPA, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d). Defendant Jenkins has relieved CrossFit of the burden of proving its factual allegations supporting his violation of the ACPA by failing to answer the complaint. United States v. Craighead, 176 Fed.Appx. 922, 924 (10th Cir.2006). âUpon review of a motion for default judgment, ... the Court must decide whether the unchallenged facts create a legitimate basis for the entry of a judgment.â Jones v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., No. 13-cv-02210-MSK-KLM, 2014 WL 3906297, at *8 (D.Colo. Aug. 7, 2014) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). âUpon default, the well-pleaded allegations of a complaint relating to liability are taken as true.â Dundee
âCongress enacted the Anti-Cybersquatting Protection Act (ACPA), 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d), to address a new form of piracy on the Internet caused by acts of cybersquatting, which refers to the deliberate, bad-faith, and abusive registration of Internet domain names in violation of the rights of trademark owners.â Utah Lighthouse Ministry v. Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research, 527 F.3d 1045, 1057 (10th Cir.2008) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted) âThe ACPA provides for liability if a person registers, traffics in, or uses a domain name that is identical or confusingly similar to a distinctive mark, with a bad faith intent to profit from that mark.â Id. (citing 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d)(1)(A)). See also iYogi Holding Pvt. Ltd. V. Secure Remote Support, Inc., No. C-11-0592 CW, 2011 WL 6291793, at *16 (N.D.Cal. Oct. 25, 2011) (âIn order to state a claim under the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (âACPAâ), 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d), a trademark owner must show the defendant (1) registered, trafficked in, or used a domain name, (2) that is confusingly similar to the plaintiffs trademark, and (3) had a bad faith intent to profit from that domain name.â) (citing 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d)(1)(A) and Verizon California Inc. v. Navigation Catalyst Systems, Inc., 568 F.Supp.2d 1088, 1094 (C.D.Cal.2008)). Here, the court concludes that the well-pleaded allegations support CrossFitâs claim for violation of the ACPA by Defendant Jenkins.
1. Registration, Trafficking in, or Use of a Domain Name
According to the well-pleaded allegations, CrossFit is a Delaware Corporation principally engaged in the business of fitness training and consultancy. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 5). CrossFit owns several registered United States trademarks and service marks comprised of the word mark âCrossFit,â including: (a) registered U.S. Service Mark Registration No. 3,007,458 issued on October 18, 2005, for use in fitness training; (b) U.S. Trademark Registration No. 3,826,111 issued on July 27, 2010, for usĂ© on clothing goods; and (c) registered U.S. Service Mark Registration No. 4,049,689 issued on November 1, 2011, for use in fitness, nutrition, sports, and exercise services, lectures, seminars, workshops, and training provided through television and the Internet, including websites, online publications of journals, and pod-casts (âCrossFit Marks.â). (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 10). The CrossFit Marks have been in continuous use in commerce since at least the dates of their registrations to the present. (See id.).
Defendant Jenkins is an individual residing in the El Paso County, Colorado area, who is doing business as âCrossFit Nutrition.â (See Doc. # 1 at ¶¶ 6, 11). Jenkins is the registrant of ' the www.erossfit nutrition.com domain name. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 50). Jenkins owns and controls the website with the domain name crossfitnu-trition.com, which offers health and sports
2. Identical or Confusingly Similar to Distinctive or Famous Mark
To prevail on its ACPA claim, CrossFit must show that the crossfitnutrition.com domain name registered by Jenkins is identical or confusingly similar to distinctive or famous marks. Utah Lighthouse, 527 F.3d at 1057. To determine whether CrossFitâs marks are distinctive or famous, the court may consider the following factors:
(A) the degree of inherent or .acquired distinctiveness of the mark; (B) the duration and extent of use of the mark in connection with the goods or services with which the mark is used; (C) the duration and extent of advertising and publicity of the mark; (D) the geographical extent of the trading area in which the mark is used; (E) the channels of trade for the goods or services with which the mark is used; (F) the degree of recognition of the mark in the trading areas and channels of trade used by the marksâ owner and the person against whom the injunction is sought; âą (G) the nature and extent of use of the same or similar marks by third parties.
15 U.S.C. § 1125(c)(1).
CrossFit licenses use of its intellectual property, including the âCrossFitâ name, to affiliates that have received particularized training and certification from Cross-Fit. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 50). CrossFitâs careful cultivation, maintenance, and protection of its intellectual property rights has enabled CrossFit to amass considerable goodwill within its industry, and the CrossFit name is widely recognized around the world. (See Doe. # 1 at ¶ 9). Consumers readily and singularly associate the CrossFit name with CrossFitâs business and services. (See id.). CrossFit diligently protects its intellectual property through, inter alia, trademark and service mark registration. (See Doe. # 1 at ¶ 10). The CrossFit Marks were distinctive and famous at the time Defendant Jenkins registered the domain name. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶¶ 51-52). CrossFit has alleged facts sufficient to show that the CrossFit Marks are famous and distinctive. See, e.g., Southeastern Louisiana Entertainment, L.L.E. v. Hollywood Entertainment Corp., No. CIV.A.00-1026, 2000 WL 1251952, at *3 (E.D.La. Sept. 1, 2000) (âa famous mark is one which has been developed extensively enough to have significant marketing value to the owner and to cause a recognizable association to the publicâ).
CrossFit offers nutritional services, including a seminar and nutritional publications both in print and on its website. Jenkins also offers nutritional. products and information through the crossfitnutrition.com website. Defendant Jenkins advertises nutrition products for sale using the CrossFit name through the same marketing channels that CrossFit utilizes, including Internet media. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 12). The degree of similarity and overlap between the products and services is highly likely to give rise to confusion. âRelated goods are generally more likely than unrelated goods to confuse the public as to the producers of the goods.â Brook-
The likelihood of confusion is apparent from Jenkinsâs use of the word âcrossfitâ in connection with the nutritional information and products offered on the crossfit-nutrition.com website. The addition of the word ânutritionâ to âcrossfitâ does not change the overall impression that the nutritional information and products on the website are affiliated with, originate from, or are sponsored by CrossFit. See Marker International v. deBruler, 635 F.Supp. 986, 999 (D.Utah 1986) (rejecting defendantâs argument that âthe addition of the words âSurf Americaâ to the [plaintiffs] name removes the confusing similarity. A defendant in a trademark infringement or unfair competition case cannot prevail by simply adding a word to the one it shares with the plaintiffâ).
Jenkinsâs use of the CrossFit name creates the false impression that he is a licensed CrossFit affiliate and/or that his products are endorsed or sponsored by, associated with, or originate from Cross-Fit, thereby creating consumer confusion. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 12). The consumer confusion caused by Jenkinsâs use of the CrossFit name is exacerbated by his extensive use of interactive social media such as Twitter and Facebook to promote his business, which allows him to continuously communicate with consumers in real time to directly reinforce the misperception that he and his products are affiliated or otherwise associated with CrossFit. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 12). Jenkinsâs Facebook and Twitter pages include posts advertising the offering of nutrition products with express reference to the CrossFit Marks. (See id.). The CrossFit Marks are prominently displayed on Jenkinsâs Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as his website. (See id.). Jenkins uses the CrossFit Marks with the intent to mislead consumers into believing that his products are affiliated with, originate from, and/or are sponsored by Cross-Fit, with the intent to profit by trading on CrossFitâs goodwill. (See Doc. #1 at ¶ 13). CrossFit has presented well-pleaded allegations sufficient to show that the crossfitnutrition.com domain is confusingly similar to the CrossFit Marks.
Jenkinsâs explicit use of the CrossFit Marks is a deliberate attempt to make his goods and services look as if they originate from CrossFit, give them the credibility associated with CrossFit, and confuse the consumer. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 19). Jenkinsâs use of the CrossFit Marks is likely to cause initial interest, confusion, or mistake, or deceive purchasers, potential purchasers, and the consuming public and trade as to the source or sponsorship or approval of his services and/or products, and/or as to his affiliation with CrossFit, and is thereby causing harm to CrossFitâs reputation and goodwill. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 20). Jenkinsâs unlawful conduct is causing and will continue to. cause harm to CrossFit because consumers seeing Jenkinsâs advertisements for services and/or goods sold under the CrossFit Marks will believe that the services and/or goods are associated with CrossFit and/or CrossFitâs marks. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 22). The court concludes that CrossFit has alleged facts sufficient to support the second element of its ACPA claim.
To prevail on its ACPA claim, CrossFit must also show that Defendant Jenkins used or registered the crossfitnutrition.com domain name âwith a bad faith intent to profit.â Utah Lighthouse, 527 F.3d at 1057. âThe ACPA enumerates nine nonexclusive factors to assist the court in determining whether the use of a trademark involves a bad faith intent to profit.â Utah Lighthouse, 527 F.3d at 1057 (citing 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d)(1)(B)(i)). âIn determining whether a person has a bad faith intent ... a court may consider factors such as but not limited toâ
(IV) the personâs bona fide noncommercial or fair use of the mark in a site accessible under the domain name;
(V) the personâs intent to divert consumers from the mark ownerâs Online location to a site accessible under the domain name that could harm the goodwill represented by the mark, either for commercial gain or with the intent to tarnish or disparage the mark, by creating a likelihood of confusion as to the source, sponsorship, affiliation, or endorsement of the site;
(VI) the personâs offer to transfer, sell, or otherwise assign the domain name to the mark owner or any third party for financial gain without having used, or having an intent to use, the domain name in the bona fide offering of any goods or services, or the personâs prior conduct indicating a pattern of such conduct;
* * * and
(IX) the extent to which the mark incorporated in the personâs domain name registration is or is not distinctive and famous within the meaning of [subsec. (c)(1) of this section].
15 U.S.C. § 1125(d)(1)(B)(i). The factors âare not framed as exclusive or mandatory, ... but are relevantâguidelines.â Morrison & Foerster, LLP v. Wick, 94 F.Supp.2d 1125, 1131 (D.Colo.2000) (citation omitted).
Jenkins-is using the domain name in bad faith with the intent to profit from unauthorized use of the CrossFit Marks. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 53). The infringing domain name specifically contains CrossFitâs name in the website, creating a likelihood of confusion. See Utah Lighthouse Ministry, 527 F.3d at 1058 (âA defendant could also intend to profit by diverting customers from the website of the trademark owner to the defendantâs own website, where those consumers would purchase the defendantâs products or services instead of the trademark ownerâs.â).
Jenkinsâs use of the CrossFit Marks is not fair use because: (1) his services and/or products are readily identifiable without use of the CrossFit Marks; (2) his use of the CrossFit Marks is excessive, in that he places the marks on most of the pages on the crossfitnutrition.com website and Face Book and Twitter pages, and within each page, the CrossFit Marks appear often and in prominent positions; and (3) he falsely suggests he is sponsored or endorsed by CrossFit by the frequent use of the CrossFit Marks on his website and social media pages. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 23).
On or about March 6, 2013, CrossFit sent an e-mail to Defendant Jenkins, demanding him to cease and desist his use of the CrossFit Marks and the crossfitnu-trition.com domain and to transfer the domain to CrossFit on the grounds that Jenkinsâ use of the CrossFit Marks was unauthorized and constituted infringement of CrossFitâs rights in its marks. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 15). After receiving no response to its first e-mail, on or about March 27, 2013 CrossFit sent another email to Jenkins, again demanding him to
Bad faith is established because, inter alia, despite the fact that CrossFit has specifically informed Jenkins that his domain name is likely to create consumer confusion and constitutes unauthorized use of the CrossFit Marks, he continuesâto use the domain name with the intent of diverting consumers from CrossFitâs website and from the websites of licensed CrossFit affiliates in an attempt to profit from consumer deception and misappropriation of CrossFitâs goodwill. (See Doc. #1 at ¶ 53). Jenkins does not have reasonable grounds or the actual belief that the use of the domain name was a fair use or otherwise lawful. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 54). The well-pleaded allegations support a finding that Jenkins registered the domain with bad faith intent to profit from the CrossFit Marks.
E. Award of Damages
Upon a finding of liability for cyberpiracy pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d)(1), âthe plaintiff may elect, at any time before final judgment is rendered by the trial court, to recover, instead of actual damages and profits, an award of statutory damages in the amount -of not less than $1,000 and not more than $100,000 per domain name, as the court considers just.â 15 U.S.C. § 1117(d). â[W]hen a plaintiff seeks statutory damages, the court has wide discretion in determining the amount of statutory damages to be awarded, constrained only by the specified maxima and minima.â City of Carlsbad v. Shah, 850 F.Supp.2d 1087, 1108 (S.D.Cal.2012) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). To determine a reasonable amount of statutory damages, âcourts generally consider a number of factors ..., including the egregiousness or willfulness of the defendantâs cybersquatting, the defendantâs use of false contact information to conceal its infringing activities, the defendantâs status as a serial cybersquatter ... and other behavior by the defendant evidencing an attitude of contempt towards the court of the proceedings.â Wecosign, Inc. v. IFG Holdings, Inc., 845 F.Supp.2d 1072, 1086 (C.D.Cal.2012) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).
The purpose behind the ACPAâs statutory damages provision is not merely to compensate a plaintiff for its injury, but also to discourage wrongful conduct by the defendant. See St. Lukeâs Cataract and Laser Institute, P.A. v. Sanderson, 573 F.3d 1186, 1206 (11th Cir.2009) (âother, circuits have interpreted the ACPAâs statutory damages provision to contain a deterrence element similar to copyright lawâ) (citing E. & J. Gallo Winery v. Spider Webs Ltd., 286 F.3d 270, 278 (5th Cir.2002), (noting that the copyright statutory dam
1. Court May Consider Extrinsic Evidence of Damages
The court held a hearing on CrossFitâs Motion on March 5, 2014. In advance of the hearing, CrossFit submitted documentary evidence to the court. (See Docs. ## 20 through 20-5, 21 through 21-9). âTo award damages [under Rule 55(b)(2)], it is not necessary for a court to hold a hearing; instead a court may rely upon affidavits and documentary evidence.â Overcash v. United Abstract Group, Inc., 549 F.Supp.2d 193, 196 (N.D.N.Y.2008). See also Advanced Optics Elecs., Inc. v. Robins, 769 F.Supp.2d 1285, 1303-1304 (D.N.M.2010) (âIt is a familiar practice and an exercise of judicial power for a court upon default, by taking evidence when necessary or by computation from facts of record, to fix the amount which the plaintiff is lawfully entitled to recover and to give judgment accordingly.â) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted); Seme v. E & H Prof'I Sec. Co., No. 08-cv-01569-RPM-KMT, 2010 WL 1553786, at *11 (D.Colo. Mar. 19, 2010) (âIn ruling on a motion for default judgment, the court may rely on detailed affidavits or documentary evidence to determine the appropriate sum for the default judgment.â) (citation omitted). Here, the court accepts the undisputed facts set forth in the Declarations and exhibits. (See Docs. # 20 through # 20-5, # 21 through # 21-9).
2. Maximum Statutory Damages
The court finds that CrossFitâs request for an award of damages in the amount of $100,000 is warranted. â[T]he defendantâs intent and behavior are the foremost consideration.â Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc. v. J.F. Reichert, Inc., 658 F.Supp. 458, 465 (E.D.Pa.1987). See also Louis Vuitton Malletier and Oakley, 211 F.Supp.2d at 585 (awarding the statutory maximum damages of $100,000 based upon nature of defendantâs conduct, including defendantâs bad faith). Jenkins has exhibited a bad faith intent in the use of the CrossFit Marks. The crossfinutrition.com domain name incorporates the entirety of the âCrossFitâ name. (See Doc. # 21 â 4). Jenkins used the crossfitnutrition.com website to obtain commissions as part of an affiliate marketing program, under which he could receive payment for a portion of the sales generated from the products listed on the website. (See Docs. # 21-5, # 21-6, # 21-7). Jenkinsâs intent to divert customers from CrossFit for commercial gain is evidenced by the likelihood of confusion as to the source, sponsorship, affiliation or endorsement of the crossfitnutrition.com website.
Jenkins twice offered to sell the domain name back to CrossFit and threatened to auction the domain for a starting bid of $25,000. (See Docs. #20-4, #20-5). In or around August 2010, CrossFit became aware that Jenkins was offering the www. crossfitnutrition.com domain for sale. (See Doc. #20-4). On August 20, 2010, Jen
On March 26, 2013, CrossFit again contacted Jenkins, reminding him of its rights in the CrossFit marks and demanding that he transfer the domain to CrossFit. (See Doc. # 20-5). Having received no response, CrossFit contacted Jenkins again on March 27, 2013. (See id.). Jenkins responded and continued to refuse to transfer the domain without monetary payment. (See id.). CrossFit rejected his invitation and reasserted its demand for the domain transfer. (See id.). Jenkins did not further respond. (See id.). âThe quintessential example of a bad faith intent to profit is when a defendant purchases a domain name very similar to the trademark and then offers to sell the name to the trademark owner at an extortionate price.â Utah Lighthouse Ministry, 527 F.3d at 1058. See also TCPIP Holding Co. v. Haar Communications Inc., No. 99 Civ. 1825(RCC), 2004 WL 1620950, at *5 (S.D.N.Y. July 19, 2004) (finding bad faith intent to profit where a defendant âsubmitted no less than three offers to sell back various packages of domain names (the vast majority of which [he] acquired after he received Plaintiffs cease and desist letter)â). CrossFit has repeatedly informed Jenkins that his acts constitute infringe-, ment. The undisputed allegations and evidence of Jenkinsâs continued knowing and willful conduct constitutes grounds for CrossFitâs recovery of the maximum allowable statutory damages in the amount of $100,000.00 under 15 U.S.C. § 1117(d), in lieu of actual damages and profits. (See Doc. # 1 at ¶ 55). See Mirage Resorts, Inc. v. Cybercom Productions, 228 F.Supp.2d 1141, 1142 (D.Nev.2002) (awarding statutory damages of $100,000 by default judgment).
F. Attorney Fees
The ACPA provides that â[t]he court in exceptional cases may award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party.â 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a). An award is within the discretion of the trial court and will not be disturbed absent abuse of that discretion. Lindy Pen Co., Inc. v. Bic Pen Corp., 982 F.2d 1400, 1409 (9th Cir.1993) (citation omitted). âThe Lanham Act does not define what is an âexceptionalâ case, but we have determined it occurs when a trademark infringement is malicious, fraudulent, deliberate, or willful.â United Phosphorus, Ltd. v. Midland Fumigant, Inc., 205 F.3d 1219, 1232 (10th Cir.2000) (citations omitted). See also Gucci America, Inc. v. Rebecca Gold Enterprises, Inc., 802 F.Supp. 1048, 1050 (S.D.N.Y.1992) (âCourts construing âexceptionalâ have interpreted it to refer to cases involving deliberate or willful infringement.â) (citations omitted).
The well-pleaded allegations and evidence before the court support a finding that Defendant Jenkins acted deliberately, willfully, and in bad faith by using the domain name crossfitnutrition.com in an effort to confuse consumers and to di
G. Costs
CrossFit also seeks reimbursement of its costs incurred in this action, under both Fed. R. Civ. P. 54(d)(1) and the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a). Rule 54(d)(1) provides that costs should be allowed to a prevailing party. Costs may be taxed under Rule 54(d) where they are authorized by a federal statute. Faraca v. Fleet 1 Logistics, LLC, 693 F.Supp.2d 891, 896 (E.D.Wis.2010). Section 1117(a) provides that costs may be recovered for established violations of the ACPA, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d). âIn addition to being authorized by statute, a cost must be both reasonable and necessary to the litigation for a prevailing party to recover it.â Id.
CrossFit is the prevailing party in this action by virtue of Jenkinsâs default. See, e.g., J & J Sports Productions, Inc. v Paz-Padilla, No. 3:12-cv-02228-GPC-WMC, 2013 WL 6002872, at *1 (S.D.Cal. Nov. 12, 2013) (âa plaintiff who obtains a default judgment may be considered a prevailing party for purposes of awarding fees and costs ... â) (citation omitted); Local 881 United Food and Commercial Workers Union v. Food Club of Indiana d/b/a Valumart Foods, No. 2:11-CV-161-TLS, 2011 WL 3501721, at *2-3 (Aug. 10, 2011) (awarding costs under Rule 54(d)(1) on default judgment); St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. AVH Trucking LLC, No. 07-4802, 2008 WL 4601771, at *5 (D.N.J. Oct. 15, 2008) (same). CrossFit has established its ACPA claim, statutory damages, and attorney fees by the well-pleaded allegations and evidence. It has incurred $3,784.09 in compensable litigation costs, which consist of filing fees and service feĂ©s, including the hiring of a private investigator to locate and serve Jenkins. (See Doc. #20 at ¶ 14). Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117 and Fed. R. Civ. P. 54(d), CrossFit is also entitled to its costs.
H. Transfer of the Domain .
CrossFit also seeks an order forfeiting, cancelling, or transferring the domain name âwww.crossfitnutrition.comâ to CrossFit pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d)(1)(C). The Lanham Act authorizes the court to âorder the forfeiture or cancellation of the domain name or the transfer of the domain name to the owner of the mark.â 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d)(1)(C). See Eurotech, Inc. v. Cosmos European Travels AG, 213 F.Supp.2d 612, 627 (E.D.Va.2002) (ordering transfer of the infringing domain name to the trademark owner); Aztar Corp. v. MGM Casino, No.
I. Permanent Injunction
Under the Lanham Act, the court has the authority to grant injunctive and other equitable relief to prevent further violations of a plaintiffs trademark rights. 15 U.S.C. § 1116. See also John Allan Co. v. Craig Allen Co. L.L.C., 540 F.3d 1133, 1142 (10th Cir.2008) (a court âhas the power to grant injunctions, according to the principles of equity and upon such terms as the court may deem reasonable, to prevent ... a violation [of the Act]â). â[District courts should apply traditional equitable principles in deciding whether to grant permanent injunctive relief, and the decision is an act of equitable discretion by the district court, reviewable on appeal for abuse of discretion.â Chanel Inc. v. Yang, No. C 12-4428 PJH, 2013 WL 5755217, at *11 (N.D.Cal. Oct. 21, 2013) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). âIn determining whether to issue a ... permanent injunction, a court must consider whether the movant has established: (1) success on the merits; (2) irreparable injury if the injunction does not issue; (3) the threatened injury to it outweighs whatever damage the proposed injunction may cause the opposing party; and (4) the injunction will not be adverse to the public interest.â Morrison & Foerster, LLP v. Wick, 94 F.Supp.2d at 1129 (citations omitted). See also K-TEC v. Vita-Mix, 765 F.Supp.2d 1304, 1317 (D.Utah 2011) (âThe court should grant injunctive relief if a plaintiff- shows that (1) it has suffered an irreparable injury; (2) remedies available at law, such as monetary damages, are inadequate to compensate for that injury; (3) considering the balance of hardships between the plaintiff and defendant, the balance favors the plaintiff and an equitable remedy is warranted; and (4) the public interest would not be disserved by a permanent injunction.â) (citation omitted).
Here, all of the elements for in-junctive relief are satisfied and traditional equitable principles weigh in favor of an injunction. CrossFit has established a likelihood of confusion based on Jenkinsâs use of the CrossFit name and the overlap of nutritional products and services offered on his website. In cybersquatting cases, â[w]here a plaintiff can show probable success in proving a likelihood of consumer confusion, irreparable harm is properly presumed.â Ballistic Products, Inc. v. Precision Reloading, Inc., No. Civ. 03-2950 ADM/AJB, 2003 WL 21754816, at *5 (D.Minn. July 28, 2003) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). See also Vogster Entmât, LLC v. Mostovoy, No. 09 Civ. 1036, 2009 WL 691215, at *6 (E.D.N.Y. Mar. 16, 2009) (in a cybersquat-ting case, âirreparable harm may be presumed where there is a likelihood of success on the merits.â) (citation omitted).
Monetary damages are inadequate to force Jenkins to cease his infringing conduct, as demonstrated by his disregard of CrossFitâs cease and desist demands and this lawsuit, his threats to sell or auction the domain name, and his continued use of the CrossFit Marks. The allegations and evidence establish that Jenkins has acted knowingly and willfully. (See, e.g., Doc. # 1 at ¶¶ 55, 59, Doc. # 20-4, Doc. # 20-5). Jenkinsâs past actions indicate that he will continue to violate CrossFitâs trademarks. Jenkinsâs conduct, if not enjoined, will
As to the balance of harms, Jenkins has failed to appear, answer or defend and is thus deemed to have conceded the factual allegations in the Complaint. Jenkins has not provided any evidence of hardship in the event an injunction is granted. The irreparable harm that has been and will continue to be suffered by CrossFit outweighs any potential harm that Jenkins may suffer from an injunction.
Finally, âprotecting the rights of the owner of a registered trademark is consistent with the public interest....âIcon Health & Fitness, Inc. v. Medical Productions, No. 10-cv-00207-DN, 2012 WL 3962737, at *6 (D.Utah Sept. 11, 2012) (citation omitted). An injunction that âmerely protects [the plaintiffs] trademark ... is directly aligned with public policy interests ...â Id. â[T]he public has an interest in not being deceived â in being assured that the mark it associates with a product is not attached to goods of unknown origin and quality.â New York City Triathlon, LLC v. NYC Triathlon, 704 F.Supp.2d 305, 344 (S.D.N.Y.2010) (citations omitted). âA trademark infringement involving an Internet domain name would constitute a misuse of the Internetâ and â[t]here is a strong public interest in stoppingâ misuse of the Internet. Ballistic Products, 2003 WL 21754816, at *7 (citation omitted). See also Faegre & Benson, LLP v. Purdy, No. Civ. 03-6472(MJD/JGL), 2004 WL 167570, at *3 (D.Minn. Jan 5, 2004) (âIt is in the public interest to protect Faegreâs marks and trade dress because Defendantsâ infringing domain names and use of Faegreâs marks and trade dress are likely to confuse the public as to both the source and sponsorship of Defendantsâ web page, to divert Internet users from their intended online destinations, and to tarnish Faegreâs good name and goodwill.â).
Accordingly, IT IS RECOMMENDED that:
1. Plaintiffs â... Motion for Entry of Default Judgment and Permanent Injunction.â (filed January 14, 2014) (Doc. # 18) be GRANTED.
2. Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 55(b)(2), default judgment be entered in favor of Plaintiff CrossFit, Inc. and against Defendant Jenkins on Count IV of the Complaint for violation of the Anticybersquat-ting Consumer Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d), in the total amount of $122,780.09, including $100,000 in statutory damages, $18,996.00 in attorneyâs fees, and $3,784.09 in costs pursuant to the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a) and (d), plus post judgment interest at the rate of .12%.
3. The domain name registrar, GoDad-dy.com, be ordered to transfer the domain name âcrossfitnutrition.comâ to CrossFit, Inc. within 10 days after service of a copy of the courtâs order.
4. A permanent injunction be entered against Defendant Jenkins,-restraining and enjoining him, his officers, agents, servants, employees, attorneys, and. other persons who are in active concert or participation with him, from making any present or future use whatsoever of the Internet domain name crossfitnutrition.com, the CrossFit marks, or any derivation thereof.
5.The Doe Defendants be dismissed from this action.
Advisement to the Parties
Within fourteen days after service of a copy of the Recommendation, any party may serve and file written objections to the Magistrate Judgeâs proposed findings and recommendations with the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. 28 U.S.C.
DATED at Denver, Colorado, this 3rd day of September, 2014.
. The court noted that "[t]he Motion for Default Judgment was not served upon Defendant Murrell and he has not had the opportunity to respond....â (See Doc. # 27). The only named Defendant in the case is Murrell A. Jenkins.