San Diego Comic Convention, Non-Profit Corp. v. Dan Farr Prods.
Opinion of the Court
2. An Order directing Defendants to immediately destroy all merchandise and all marketing materials bearing the specific word combinations "Comic Con," "Comic-Con," "Comicon," or "Comic Convention" or the phonetic equivalents of such specific word combinations in the name of any comic or popular arts convention;
3. An Order enjoining Defendants from the use or operation of any website domain name or URL that consists of or incorporates the specific word combinations "Comic Con," "Comic-Con," "Comicon," or "Comic Convention" or the phonetic equivalents of such specific word combinations; and
4. An Order enjoining Defendants from the use or operation of any social media site that consists of or incorporates the specific word combinations "Comic Con," "Comic-con," "Comicon," or "Comic Convention" or the phonetic equivalents of *1196such specific word combinations in the name of any comic or popular arts convention.
(Doc. No. 419-1 at 10-11.)
In opposition, DFP asserts that an injunction would serve no purpose in this matter as they have already rebranded their event "FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention" and they do not intend to use "Salt Lake Comic Con" in the future. (Doc. No. 513 at 5.) Moreover, DFP argues that SDCC's proposed injunction is altogether too broad. (Id. )
Under the Lanham Act, "the district court [has] the 'power to grant injunctions according to principles of equity and upon such terms as the court may deem reasonable, to prevent the violation of any right' of the trademark owner." Reno Air Racing Ass'n, Inc. v. McCord ,
In order for the Court to grant a permanent injunction, SDCC must demonstrate "(1) actual success on the merits; (2) a likelihood of irreparable injury if injunctive relief is not granted; (3) a balance of hardships favoring Plaintiff; and (4) that an injunction will advance the public interest." Wecosign, Inc. v. IFG Holdings, Inc. ,
As an initial matter, the Court wishes to address four particular arguments made by DFP in their opposition brief: (1) that there is currently no threat of harm for an injunction to prevent; (2) their discontinuance of "Salt Lake Comic Con" is effective; (3) that DFP has a good faith intent not to resume use of "Salt Lake Comic Con;" and (4) no injunction should be entered because no proper scope can be fixed. (Doc. No. 513 at 6-10.)
As to the first three arguments, the Court finds them wholly unpersuasive. DFP cites to various Supreme Court cases to support their belief that an injunction should not be issued as there is no future threat of trademark infringement due to their decision to change the name of their event. (Id. at 6.) However, the two cases DFP cites to are factually inapplicable. In Dombrowski v. Pfister ,
Moreover, DFP provides no case law from this circuit or from other circuits that demonstrates that their "good faith intent" not to use SDCC's trademarks is a factor the Court should take into consideration in determining whether an injunction is warranted. The Court reiterates that injunctions are the primary and most favored form of relief for trademark infringement cases and this circuit has delineated four very specific factors, listed supra p. 3, courts must analyze in these contexts. Wecosign, Inc. ,
Finally, DFP's contention that no "proper scope can be fixed" and thus no injunction can be issued is meritless. (Doc. No. 513 at 9-10.) DFP injects into this section their own beliefs about how SDCC "pursued *1197a mishmash of infringement theories" and as a result "it is impossible to tell what the jury thought DFP had done wrong." (Id. ) However, DFP's personal opinions on how SDCC prosecuted this matter does not convince this Court that an injunction is unjustified.
Now, turning to the merits of SDCC's motion, the Court finds that SDCC's proposed injunction may be classified into three broad classes: (1) an injunction to bar DFP from use of the phrases "Comic Con" or "Comic-Con"; (2) an injunction to prevent DFP's use of Comic-Con's phonetic equivalents or any confusingly similar phrases; and (3) an injunction to block DFP from use of the phrase "Comic Convention." (Doc. No. 419-1 at 10-11.) This Order will thus proceed by analyzing each of the following categories individually to determine if an injunction should issue.
A. A Permanent Injunction as to the Phrases "Comic Con" or "Comic-Con"
All four of the abovementioned factors weigh in favor of enjoining DFP from use of "Comic-Con" and "Comic Con" in the name of any comic or popular arts event.
As to the first element, as already discussed, a jury found that all three of SDCC's trademarks were valid and that DFP had infringed on all of them. (Doc. No. 395 at 2-5.) This jury verdict could not be a clearer indicator of SDCC's likelihood of success on the merits of its trademark infringement claim.
Second, SDCC has demonstrated that it will suffer "actual irreparable harm" if DFP chooses to use "Comic-Con" or "Comic Con" in the name of any present or future comic arts or popular fiction events. See Herb Reed Enter., LLC v. Florida Entm't Mgmt., Inc. ,
At trial, SDCC produced evidence that demonstrated that DFP's use of "Comic Con" in their event name had resulted in SDCC suffering from loss of goodwill and a potential inability to control its reputation. (Doc. No. 419-1 at 4.) This was supported by testimony from consumers who thought that DFP's convention was related to SDCC's event, that consumers voiced complaints about DFP's convention to SDCC, and that DFP was aware of 30 to 50 instances of confusion. (Id. ; Doc. No. 383 at 118:12-119:1; Tr. Exs. 3, 64, 65, 73A, 73B, 73C.) Moreover, the jury's trademark infringement verdict in favor of SDCC further supports a finding of irreparable harm. See Metro Pub., Ltd. v. San Jose Mercury News ,
Third, the balance of hardships tips in SDCC's favor as there will be no harm to DFP as an "injunction would merely require [DFP] to comply with the law." City of Carlsbad v. Shah ,
*1198Moreover, DFP's event only began in 2013, whereas SDCC has been using the mark for over forty-five years. (Doc. No. 96 ¶ 8; Doc. No. 99-1 ¶¶ 4-5.) Consequently, an injunction asking DFP to change the name of their event would be easier and less injurious than requiring SDCC to do so. In fact, as DFP persistently highlights, after the jury trial, they started the process of changing their event name and as far as the Court can see, the process has been completed.
Fourth, an injunction is in the public interest because "[t]he public has an interest in avoiding confusion between two companies' products." Internet Specialties West, Inc. v. Milon-DiGiorgio Enters., Inc. ,
Consequently, as to the phrases "Comic-Con" and "Comic Con," the Court without hesitation concludes that DFP should be enjoined from using these phrases in the name of any comic arts or popular fiction events they produce.
B. A Permanent Injunction as to the Phonetic Equivalents of Comic-Con and Any Confusingly Similar Marks
Through the use of the "safe distance rule," SDCC argues that DFP should be enjoined from using the phonetic equivalents of its trademarks. (Doc. No. 419-1 at 10-11.) DFP makes no explicit argument against this request, but in general argues that the proposed injunction is too broad. (Doc. No. 513 at 10.)
"[A]n infringer must keep a fair distance from the 'margin line[ ]' " of a trademark. Wolfard Glassblowing Co. v. Vanbragt ,
[A trademark infringer] should have its conduct carefully scrutinized in future use and should not be allowed to claim the same leniency accorded a good faith user who starts use of the mark which the enjoined defendant has shifted to. Otherwise, the enjoined defendant could simply make a tiny change and start a new trademark contest all over again in the context of the contempt hearing as to the use of the "new" format.
As already noted, an injunction in a trademark infringement case is meant to prevent irreparable harm to the plaintiff. See Pom Wonderful LLC v. Hubbard ,
Consequently, as DFP was found by the jury to be infringers of SDCC's trademarks, they are required to "keep a safe distance away from the margin line." Plough, Inc. v. Kreis Laboratories ,
C. An Injunction as to the Phrase "Comic Convention"
SDCC also requests that the Court dictate that DFP be prohibited from using "Comic Convention" in their event name or any related comic or popular arts convention. (Doc. No. 419-1 at 10-11.) In opposition, DFP argues that SDCC cannot credibly deny that comic "convention" is generic. (Doc. No. 513 at 10.) Moreover, DFP contends that restraining them from using the phrase "comic convention" would make the injunction overbroad as well as prohibit them from engaging in legal conduct. (Id. at 11.) The Court agrees with DFP.
Turning to the four criterion delineated supra p. 3, SDCC has not demonstrated the likelihood that it can succeed on a claim of trademark infringement against DFP for the use of "comic convention" in their event name. See GoTo.com, Inc. v. Walt Disney Co. ,
On a final note, the Court highlights that during opening statements at trial, SDCC stated that it had suggested that DFP just name their convention "Salt Lake Comic Convention." (Doc. No. 381 at 24:23-25.) Post-trial and post-verdict, DFP did exactly what SDCC asked. However, paradoxically, SDCC now requests this Court enjoin them from use of "convention" in any event name. The Court refrains from doing so.
In sum, SDCC has produced no evidence to suggest that a permanent injunction enjoining DFP from use of "comic convention" in their event name is justified. Furthermore, the Court is not persuaded that prohibiting DFP from using "convention" in their event name would be a fair application of the "safe distance rule." See Forever 21, Inc. v. Ultimate Offprice, Inc. , No. 2:10-cv-05485-ODW (JCGx),
D. Remaining Issues
i. Destruction Order
SDCC's proposed injunction also requests that DFP destroy all of their merchandise and all marketing materials bearing the specific word combinations "Comic Con," "Comic-Con," or any phonetic equivalents. (Doc. No. 419-1 at 11.) DFP argues that they should not be required to destroy their "historical archive" that includes "archival materials" from their past nine shows. (Doc. No. 513 at 15.) Moreover, DFP contends that if an injunction is to be issued, any order requiring destruction of merchandise or advertising materials would be punitive. (Id. ) The Court partially agrees with DFP, but only under a narrow set of circumstances.
First, DFP is correct that "[i]t has been held that where an injunction is issued under the Lanham Act enjoining an infringer from further infringement, the rights of the plaintiff are adequately protected and an order requiring destruction of infringing articles, though permitted may be unnecessary." Kelley Blue Book v. Car-Smarts, Inc. ,
ii. DFP's Forwarding Address
Additionally, SDCC asks that DFP cease use or operation of any website domain name or URL that consists of or incorporates "Comic Con" or its phonetic equivalents. (Doc. No. 419-1 at 11.) DFP asserts that they should not be deprived of their forwarding address, www.saltlakecomiccon.com. (Doc. No. 513 at 12.) The Court notes that as of the date of this *1201Order, DFP's website domain name is www.fanxsaltlake.com. FANX SALT LAKE COMIC CONVENTION , http://www.fanxsaltlake.com (last visited July 6, 2018). There is no issue with this domain name, but the forwarding address is problematic.
Registration of a domain name without more does not constitute service mark or trademark infringement. See Brookfield Commc'ns, Inc. v. West Coast Entertainment Corp. ,
To guide its analysis, the Court turns to GoPets Ltd. v. Hise ,
Thus, at issue here is whether DFP's use of www.saltlakecomiccon.com as a forwarding address is an action that constitutes something more than registration. In this instance, while recognizing that mere registration of a domain name is not sufficient to constitute a Lanham Act violation, the Court finds that DFP's use of SDCC's trademark "comic con," in its forwarding address, infringes SDCC's trademark rights.
First, DFP has not simply registered a domain name. Here, the infringing domain name acts beyond the registration and instead directs, steers, and points a consumer to DFP's comic arts and popular fiction event-FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention. It is without a doubt that a side effect of this forwarding address, especially in this case where SDCC and DFP's events are nearly identical, is consumer confusion.
DFP vehemently argues that by stripping them of their forwarding address, the Court will impair the public interest by making it more difficult for their fan base to locate their website. (Doc. No. 513 at 13.) Unfortunately, DFP must be mistaken as to what constitutes "public interest." As far as the Court is concerned, there is no public interest in making it easier for a fan to find a business and even if there was, SDCC's public interest in diffusing consumer confusion would outweigh the public interest DFP asserts here. Moreover, the Court finds this argument bizarre considering the capability and capacity of the internet and search engines such as Google.com.
Furthermore, the Court disagrees that just because there is no affiliation with SDCC on DFP's new FanX website that consumer confusion will not occur. In contrast, the Court can hypothesize a scenario where a consumer, unaware about this litigation, types www.saltlakecomiccon.com into the search bar, gets re-directed to www.fanxsaltlake.com, and due to the automatic action of the forwarding address, *1202believes that FanX is associated with SDCC.
On a final note, the Court finds that DFP has mischaracterized Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. v. Tabari ,
In light of all of these factors, the Court enjoins DFP from the use of their forwarding address www.saltlakecomiccon.com. Moreover, DFP is further enjoined from using, creating, or operating a website domain name or URL that feigns a relationship with SDCC through the use of SDCC's three trademarks asserted in this case, "Comic Con," its phonetic equivalents, or any confusingly similar mark. See Planned Parenthood Fed'n of Am., Inc. v. Bucci , No. 97 Civ. 0629 (KNW),
iii. Use of the "Formerly Known As" Reference
Finally, DFP requests that if an injunction is to be issued, they should be allowed to identify their event as "Formerly Salt Lake Comic Con" for up to two years. (Doc. No. 513 at 13-14.) SDCC asserts that the "formerly known" reference presents the same dangers as infringement. (Doc. No. 470 at 6.)
To support their demand, DFP resorts to philosophical arguments that try to shine light on the fact that SDCC did not sue DFP for using "Comic Con" in reference to other conventions and that DFP principals visit and interact with other conventions. (Doc. No. 513 at 13-14.) These arguments not only miss the mark, but are also altogether confusing.
Looking to prevalent and applicable case law from this district, it has been held that "[p]recluding defendant from referencing its past affiliation with plaintiff in a manner that causes consumers to be misled or confused about the origin of defendant's services or its association with plaintiff serves the key objective of the Lanham Act." See Nat'l Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry v. Cal. State Grange ,
Bearing this in mind, the Court believes that the threat of confusion will linger if DFP is allowed to state on their websites, advertisements, social media sites, and marketing materials "formerly known as Salt Lake Comic Con." This is especially critical for future consumers who visit DFP's website, attend their event, or receive their advertising materials and are not acquainted with this litigation. Thus, the Court finds an injunction order enjoining DFP from employing the "formerly known as" reference justified.
The Court notes that this foregoing conclusion is in fact supported by a case cited to by DFP. DFP utilizes Golden Door, Inc. v. Odisho ,
CONCLUSION
Within the structure of the present matter, the Court ISSUES the following narrowly tailored INJUNCTION in its considerable discretion. See Church of Holy Light of Queen v. Holder ,
1) DFP is enjoined from use of SDCC's three trademarks asserted in this case, any confusingly similar marks (i.e. Comicon or Comiccon), or any phonetic equivalents, (i.e. ComiKon or ComicKon), in the name of any comic or popular arts convention or event or in connection with the promotion, advertising, products or marketing of any comic or popular arts convention or event. This does not include referencing San Diego Comic Con or other comic conventions that use "Comic Con" in their name in advertising or marketing materials.
2) DFP is enjoined from the use or operation of any social media site (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or Snapchat) that incorporates into the name of any comic arts, popular fiction, or subject related event, any of SDCC's three trademarks asserted in this case, any confusingly similar marks (i.e. Comicon or Comiccon), or any phonetic equivalents, (i.e. ComiKon or ComicKon).
3) DFP is enjoined from using a "formerly known as Salt Lake Comic Con" reference on any website, social media site, publicity documents, and/or advertising or marketing materials that are connected to any comic arts or popular fiction events or subject related conventions they produce.
4) DFP is enjoined from registering or using a domain name that incorporates any of SDCC's three trademarks asserted in this case, any confusingly similar mark (i.e. Comicon or Comiccon) or any phonetic equivalents (i.e. ComiKon or ComicKon) in relation to any comic arts or popular fiction conventions or subject related events or in such a way that would lead consumers to believe that DFP is sponsored by or related to SDCC.
5) Finally, DFP is prohibited from utilizing www.saltlakecomiccon.com as a forwarding address to their www.fanxsaltlake.com website or to any subject related website.
6) DFP is not required to destroy all of their merchandise and all marketing materials bearing the specific word combinations "Comic Con," "Comic-Con," or any phonetic equivalents, so long as DFP simply wishes to maintain their "historical archive," but not sell, distribute, donate, give away, reproduce, republish, display, depict or make any commercial use of any of these "archival materials." If, on the other hand, there is any plan or potential future sale, distribution, donation, reproduction, republication, *1204display, depiction or commercial use, of said materials exceeding the archival needs of DFP, then they must be destroyed consistent with this Order.
The Court retains jurisdiction to enforce the terms of this Order, injunction, and its compliance. Within thirty (30) days from the date of this Order, DFP must be in compliance with this injunction Order and file with the Court and serve on SDCC a report in writing under oath, setting forth the manner and form in which DFP has complied with the injunction order.
Thus, in sum, the Court GRANTS IN PART AND DENIES IN PART SDCC's motion for permanent injunction. The Clerk is ordered to state the injunction terms in the judgment in this case, verbatim.
IT IS SO ORDERED .
The Court takes judicial notice of DFP's FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention website. FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention , http://www.fanxsaltlake.com (last visited July 9, 2018).
The Court notes that the jury instructions in this case repeated this standard-"Similarities in appearance, sound or meaning weigh more heavily than differences in finding the marks are similar." (Doc. No. 394 at 23-24.)
Case-law data current through September 30, 2026. Source: CourtListener bulk data.