TWTB, Inc. v. Rampick
TWTB, Inc. v. Rampick
Opinion of the Court
ORDER
In this litigation, Plaintiffs TWTB, Inc. (“TWTB”) and Frank Eugene Raper (“Raper”) (collectively “Plaintiffs”) allege that Defendant Bruce Rampiek (“Rampiek”) violated his fiduciary duties as a .director, officer, and shareholder of TWTB,
I. Background
A. Factual Background
In their complaint, Plaintiffs allege that TWTB was lawfully created' on or about September 17, 1992.
Plaintiffs allege that Raper was notified in or about October or November 2014 of alleged violations of Rampick’s fiduciary duties to TWTB and that an investigation was undertaken.
B. Procedural Background
On August 11, 2015, TWTB and Raper filed a complaint against Rampick, alleging, inter alia, that Rampick stole money and other assets from TWTB.
LRSBR filed the instant motion on October 16, 2015.
II. Parties’ Arguments
A. LRSBR’s Arguments in Support of Preliminary Injunctive Relief and Attornegs’ Fees
LRSBR moves for (1) a preliminary injunction enjoining TWTB “from further infringement of the Lucy’s trademarks” and (2) reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in the preparation and filing of their motion.
First, LRSBR contends that there is a substantial likelihood that it will succeed on its trademark infringement claims against TWTB concerning: (1) infringement of its registered trademarks; and (2) infringement of the unregistered “Lucy’s” mark and TWTB’s unregistered surfer bar trade dress.
Second, LRSBR asserts that TWTB is causing injuries that cannot be fully re
LRSBR also moves for attorneys’ fees and costs, asserting that under the Federal Trademark Act, a court may award reasonable attorneys’ fees in exceptional cases.
B. TWTB’s Arguments in Opposition to Preliminary Injunctive Relief and Attorneys' Fees
TWTB agrees that in order to succeed on its motion for a preliminary injunction, LRSBR must prove the four elements addressed by LRSBR.
First, TWTB contends that LRSBR cannot show that it has a substantial likelihood of success on the' merits.
Second, in opposition to LRSBR’s claim .that there is a substantial threat of irreparable injury, TWTB asserts that “[a]n injunction is a harsh,- dramatic, and extraordinary remedy, and should only issue where the party seeking it is threatened with irreparable lo[s]s of injury without adequate remedy at law.”
Third, 'turning to - the weighing of the harms, TWTB asserts that the damage that it would suffer if the Court were to grant LRSBR’s request would be “truly catastrophic.”
TWTB also contends that in the event that the Court finds that LRSBR is entitled to injunctive relief, LRSBR’s motion for attorneys’ fees and costs should be denied because the evidence shows that TWTB has made “every effort not to infringe on"- LRSBR’s trademarks” and therefore the case cannot be said to be exceptional.
C. Evidentiary Hearing Testimony
In support of its motion for a preliminary injuhction, LRSBR" called as witnesses: (1) Gary Wollerman (“Woller-man”), an individual with over 40 years of experience in the New Orléans restaurant business; (2) Defendant Bruce Rampick; (3) Sarah Campbell (“Campbell”), former events manager and general manager of the Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant in New Orleans; (4) Dave Dillen (“Dil-len”), another former general manager of the Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restau"rant in New Orleans; and (5) "Virginia Saussy (“Saussy”), a marketing consultant who was -previously retained by Rampick to work with -the Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant business.
In opposition, TWTB called as witnesses: (1) Plaintiff Frank Eugene Raper; and (2) Deborah Schumacher (“Schumacher”), the general manager at Lucy’s who was responsible for removing any LRSBR-owned federally registered trademarks from the business.
III. Preliminary Injunction
A, Standard for Preliminary Injunction
A preliminary injunction "is an “extraordinary remedy which should not be granted unless thé party seeking it has ’clearly carried the burden of persuasion’ ” on all required elements.
B. Objections to Testimony
As an initial matter, the Court notes that during the evidentiary hearing, TWTB . moved to strike the testimony of Gary Wollerman and objected to the testimony of Virginia Saussy, on the grounds that LRSBR had not complied with the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 and therefore neither of the witnesses could be offered as experts.
1. Applicable Law
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 requires parties to disclose the identity of any witness that it may use at trial to present expert opinion evidence. under Federal Rule of Evidence 702, 703, or 705. Rule 26 requires that “[ujnless otherwise stipulated or ordered by the court, this disclosure must be accompanied by a written report-prepared and signed by the witness-if the witness is one retained or specially employed to provide expert testimony in the case or one whose duties as the party’s employee regularly involve giving expert testimony.”
2. Analysis
During the evidentiary hearing, the Court limited Wollerman’s testimony to his own personal views and expérience because LRSBR had not made any expert disclosures.
TWTB also objected to Virginia Saussy testifying as an expert witness on the grounds that LRSBR had not complied with the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26.
C. Substantial Likelihood of Success on the Merits
LRSBR essentially argues that:' (1) TWTB’s use of the word “Lucy’s” constitutes trademark infringement of LRSBR’s registered trademarks; (2) TWTB’s use of the word “Lucy’s” constitutes trademark infringement because LRSBR has a valid unregistered trademark in the word “Lucy’s”; and (3) TWTB’s use of the surfer bar trade dress constitutes trade dress infringement. The Court will address each of these arguments in turn.
1. Trademark Infringement Claim Regarding the Registered Trademarks
Trademark infringement claims are governed by the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1501 et seq. The Lanham Act defines “trademark,” in relevant part, as:
any word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination thereof ... used by a person .. .to identify and distinguish his or her goods, including a unique product, from those manufactured or sold by others and to indicate the source of the goods, even if that source is unknown.65
In order to succeed on a trademark infringement claim, a plaintiff must show: (1) that it possesses valid trademarks; and (2) that another party’s use of the marks “creates a likelihood of confusion as to [the] source, affiliation, or sponsorship.”
Registration of a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office constitutes “prima facie evidence of the validity of the registered mark and of the registration of the mark, of the owner’s ownership of the mark, and of the owner’s exclusive right to use the registered mark in commerce on or in connection with the goods or services specified in the certificate...,”
The Fifth Circuit has enumerated eight “digits of confusion” to be considered in determining whether the use of a mark creates a likelihood of confusion: “(1) the type of trademark allegedly infringed^] (2) the similarity between the two marks[;] (3) the similarity of the products or serviees[;] (4) the identity of the retail outlets and purchasers [;] (5) the identity of the advertising media utilized[;] (6) the defendant’s intent[;] [ ] (7) any evidence of actual confusion[;]... [and] (8) the degree of care exercised by potential purchasers.”
LRSBR does not specifically argue how these factors support its trademark infringement claim regarding its federally registered trademarks. Instead, LRSBR performs a general analysis of these factors, arguing that all of TWTB’s uses of LRSBR’s marks, both registered and unregistered, create a likelihood of confusion.
a. Type of Trademark
The first factor, the type of mark, “refers to the strength of the mark.”
LRSBR simply asserts that “[t]he Lucy’s marks are inherently distinctive and well-known in the New Orleans market.”
- In evaluating the strength of a mark, however, courts also evaluate third-party
b. Similarity Between the Two Marks
LRSBR’s federally registered trademark “Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant” contains “standard characters without claim to any particular font, style, size, or color.”
Evidence was presented through numerous witnesses at the evidentiary hearing that the word “Lucy’s” was the dominant term in the registered trademark and was commonly used by itself. Sarah Campbell, former events 'manager and former acting general manager of Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant, testified that customers identified : the restaurant as “Lucy’s” or “that surfer bar’ over on Tchoupitoulas.”
The fact that .the .name “Lucy’s”, was used on its own prior to the termination of the License Agreement is further evidenced by photographs, of the building demonstrating that the word “Lucy’s” alone is painted on .two sides of the building in - large, red block letters.
c.Similarity of the Products or Services
TWTB argues that there can be no likelihood of confusion because LRSBR is a licensing company while TWTB runs a restaurant and therefore there is no evidence that TWTB and LRSBR are actually in competition.
During the duration of the License Agreement, the trademark “Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant” was being used to advertise a restaurant and bar with a surfer theme. Now, TWTB is using the word “Lucy’s” to advertise a restaurant and bar with a surfer theme. Accordingly, the Court finds that • this factor weighs strongly in favor of a finding that there is a likelihood of confusion.
d.Identity of the Retail Outlets and Purchasers
It is undisputed that TWTB’s business operates out of the same physical location as it did when it was licensed to use LRSBR’s trademarks. Therefore, the Court finds that this factor also weighs strongly in favor of a finding that there is a likelihood of confusion.
e.Identity of Advertisiny Media Utilized
“The use of a mark in advertising is highly probative of whether the mark creates a likelihood of confusion in relation to another mark.”
. f. Defendant’s Intent
LRSBR also presented evidence, that TWTB is intending to trade on the goodwill of the “Lucy’s” mark. Saussy testified regarding an. Instagram post that was posted following the termination of the License Agreement.
The Court therefore finds that TWTB does intend to trade on the goodwill of the marks in its use of the word “Lucy’s.” Although TWTB presented testimony of the efforts it has taken to design a new logo and replace objects which contained the LRSBR. federally registered trademarks, the Court finds that, through its social media accounts, “Lucy’s” is clearly holding itself out to be, the same business as the. licensed /‘Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant.” Therefore, the Court finds that this factor weighs in favor of a finding that there is a likelihood of confusion.
g. Actual Confusion
LRSBR also presented evidence of actual confusion. LRSBR submitted as evidence posts on social media sites where customers .identified, that they were at “Lucy’s” and tagged the official fan page for “Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant..”
h. Degree of Care Exercised by Potential Purchasers
Although there was evidence in the record that customers do use websites such as TripAdvisor and Yelp in deciding whether to patronize a particular restaurant, neither party briefed or made arguments during the evidentiary hearing regarding the degree of care exercised by potential customers in deciding whether to patronize the restaurant, Therefore, the Court finds that this factor is neutral.
Following the termination of the License Agreement, TWTB has changed the name of the business from !<Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant” to “Lucy’s;”'however, it is operating out of the same location and providing the same restaurant and bar 'services- as it did prior to the termination of the License Agreement. The new restaurant advertises in the same places, through social media and print media, and there was evidence presented that the business operating as “Lucy’s” uses the same social media accounts as it did when it was using the name “Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant,” having simply changed the name to “Lucy’s.” The Court finds that TWTB’s use of the name “Lucy’s” is highly likely to create confusion in the mind of the ordinary consumer as to the “source, affiliation, or sponsorship” of its products and services. Accordingly, the Court finds that LRSBR has clearly carried its burden of persuasion on its trademark infringement claim by demonstrating .that TWTB’s use of the word “Lucy’s” creates a likelihood of confusion.
Although the majority of LRSBR’s arguments regarding its trademark infringement claim for . its registered trademarks were focused upon TWTB’s use of the word “Lucy’s,” LRSBR also argued in its briefs that TWTB was continuing to use some registered trademarks of LRSBR.
Schumacher also testified that she was unaware of any instance in which the registered trademarks of LRSBR are currently displayed.
2. Trademark Infringement Claims Regarding the Unregistered Marks
LRSBR’s second argument is that it has a substantial likelihood of success on its trademark infringement claim regarding its unregistered trademarks.
The ' Supreme Court in' Two Pesos, Inc. v. Taco Cabana, Inc., observed that “the general principles qualifying a
First, LRSBR contends that TWTB is estopped from challenging LRSBR’s ownership of the Lucy’s marks because it is a former licensee of the Lucy’s -marks.
A contract has the effect of law for the parties and the words of a contract must be given their generally prevailing meaning.
In the License Agreement, the word-“Marks” is defined as:
the trade name “Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar and Restaurant” including, without limitation, the federally registered trademarks “Retired Surfers Bar and Restaurant” and “Salt Water Wash Only” and all other tradenames, trademarks, service marks, marks or terms (whether, in the case of any ol [sic] said tradenames trademarks, service marks, or terms: a word, combination of words or parts of words, letter or combination of letters, acronym, phrase, slogan, jingle, sound, image, animation, video clip, color, color combination, trade dress whether product packaging, product configuration or otherwise), web address, symbol, logo, design or otherwise) owned by Licensor its successors and assigns.138
In the License Agreement, the term “Lucy’s System” is defined as:
the system owned by Licensor ... and used by Licensor ... at any time... for: (a) developing, marketing, advertising and operating all or any part of a casual ‘surfer bar’ style restaurant and bar or other food outlet in association with the Marks; or (b) making, selling, promoting, delivering and distributing goods (including, without limitation, prepackaged food items) and merchandise in association with the Marks.139 '
The contract does not address whether the parties intended for the word “Lucy’s” or the surfer bar trade dress to be included within these definitions. The Court therefore finds that the provision regarding what marks were covered under the License Agreement is- ambiguous. Accordingly, the Court will look to extrinsic evidence to determine the intent of the parties regarding the scope of this provision. .
a. The Word “Lucy’s”
In the Shareholders’ Agreement, which was executed concurrently with the License Agreement, “Lucy’s Trademarks” are defined to include four federally registered trademarks, as well as “the mark LUCY’S, LUCY’S RETIRED SURFERS BAR AND RESTAURANT, and other variations on these marks as used in connection with bar and restaurant services and related goods arid services.”
In addition, during the evidentiary hearing, Rampick testified that, at the time, he understood the License Agreement to include the word “Lucy’s.”
The Fifth Circuit has found that a licensee, by virtue of the agreement, has recognized the holder’s ownership and is therefore estopped from contesting the validity of the licensor’s title during the course of the licensing arrangement.
The Court now turns to the second prong of a trademark infringement claim: whether there is a likelihood of confusion.
i. Type of Mark
The first factor, the type of mark, “refers to the strength of the mark.”
The Fifth Circuit in Amazing Spaces, Inc. v. Metro Mini Storage found that a word is arbitrary if it “bears no relationship to the products or services to which [it is] applied.”
The Fifth Circuit uses a seven-factor test to determine whether a mark has acquired secondary meaning in the minds of ordinary consumers.
In addition to evaluating the distinctiveness of the mark, courts also look to third-party use of that mark.
ii.Similarity Between the Two Marks
LRSBR presented evidence that the name “Lucy’s” had been used in lieu of the longer formal name of the business, “Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant,” for decades. Dave Dillen, who has held numerous positions at several Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant locations, including in New Orleans, Austin, Texas, Costa Rica, and Mandeville, Louisi: ana, testified that the customers referred to the business as “Lucy’s.”
It is undisputed that TWTB is now using the word “Lucy’s” as the name of its business. Although there has been some change in the design, with TWTB using the word “Lucy’s” in red block letters with a blue border rather .than the previous red script, the name “Lucy’s” and the red color are the same. Furthermore,’LRSBR presented evidence that the word “Lucy’s” has been in place on the two faces of the building in large, red . block letters for many years.
iii.Similarity of the Products or Services
The word “Lucy’s” was being used to advertise a surf-theme restaurant and bar during the time the License Agreement was in effect. Now, after the termination of the License-Agreement, TWTB continues to operate a surf-theme restaurant and bar called “Lucy’s.” Therefore, the' Court finds that this factor-weighs strongly in favor of a finding that there is a likelihood of confusion.
iv.Identity of the Retail Outlets and Purchasers
It is undisputed that TWTB’s business operates out of the same physical location as it did when it was licensed to use LRSBR’s trademarks. Therefore, this factor also weighs strongly in favor of a finding that there .is a likelihood of confusion.
v.Identity of Advertising Media Utilized
“The use of a mark in advertising is highly probative of whether the mark creates a likelihood of1 confusion in relation to another mark.”
As discussed above, although TWTB presented testimony of the efforts it has taken to design a new logo and replace objects which contained the LRSBR federally registered trademarks, LRSBR presented evidence that TWTB is holding “Lucy’s” out to be the same business as the licensed “Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant.” The Court therefore finds that TWTB does intend to trade on the goodwill of the marks in its use of the word “Lucy’s.” Accordingly, the Court finds that this factor weighs in favor of a finding that there is a likelihood of confusion.
vii. Actual Confusion
As discussed above, LRSBR also presented evidence of actual confusion. LRSBR submitted as evidence posts on social media where customers identified that they were at “Lucy’s” and tagged the official fan page for “Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant.”
viii.Degree of Care Exercised by Potential Purchasers
As discussed above, neither party briefed or made arguments during the evi-dentiary hearing regarding the degree of care exercised by potential customers in deciding whether to patronize the restaurant. Therefore, the Court finds that this factor is neutral.
ix.Conclusion
Accordingly, the' Court finds that LRSBR has clearly carried its burden of persuasion on its trademark infringement claim by demonstrating both that TWTB is estopped from challenging LRSBR’s ownership of the mark “Lucy’s” and that TWTB’s use of the word “Lucy’s” creates a likelihood of confusion.
b. Surfer Bar Trade Dress
LRSBR also seeks to enjoin TWTB from using surfboards, explicitly surfer-related decorative items, and menu items that contain references to surfing.
i. Whether the Trade Dress Qualifies for Protection
In its original motion, LRSBR broadly contended that TWTB was “estopped from challenging LRSBR’s ownership of the Lucy’s marks.”
LRSBR also asserts that TWTB is es-topped from challenging its unregistered
Therefore, the Court now turns to whether LRSBR has shown that it has a protectable right to its use of the'surfer bar trade dress. The Fifth Circuit’ hás found that trade dress is protectable if it is inherently distinctive or has achieved secondary meaning in the public’s mind, and is not functional.
In Taco Cabana International, Inc. v. Two Pesos, Inc., the Fifth Circuit quoted approvingly the district court’s jury instructions describing, trade .dress distinctiveness: “[djistinctiveness is a term used to indicate, that a trade dress serves as a symbol of origin. .If it is shown, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Taco Cabana’s trade dress distinguishes its products and services from those of other restaurants and is not descriptive and not functional, then you should find that Taco Cabana’s trade dress is inherently distinctive,!’
The Court ' next turns to whether the trade dre'ss . is . functional. Even if trade dress is inherently distinctive, it does not merit protection if it is functional.
«. Likelihood of Confusion
Next, the Court turns to whether there is á likelihood of confusion between the LRSBR trade, dress and the TWTB trade dress. LRSBR does not analyze whether there is a likelihood of confusion using the factors identified by the Fifth Circuit, asserting only thát the “ ‘new’ Lucy’s looks just like the old.”
As discussed above, the Court finds that the trade dress at issue in this case is inherently distinctive.
b.Similarity of the Trade Dresses
During the evidentiary hearing, Ram-pick compared pictures of the interior of the restaurant before the License Agreement was terminated and pictures pf the current interior of the restaurant.
The Court has also reviewed the photographs showing the interior and exterior of the restaurant before and after the termination of the License' Agreement and also finds that the two are almost indistinguishable. Looking specifically to the items that LRSBR contends constitute its trade dress, the surfboards and surfer-related decorative items, the vast majority of these items have remained. following the termination of the License Agreement. Therefore, the Court finds that the similarity of the trade dress weighs strongly in favor of a likelihood of confusion.
c. Similarity of Products or. Services Provided
During the time the License Agreement was in place, the trade dress was used to decorate "a restaurant and bar. After the termination of the License Agreement, the trade dress continues to be used to decorate a restaurant and bar. Therefore, the Court finds that 'this factor also weighs strongly in favor of a likelihood' of confusion.
d. Similarity of Customers
LRSBR does" not currently license the trademarks to any restaurant in the New Orleans area. However, if it were to do so while “Lucy’s” remained open, in light of the evidence that “Lucy’s” has retained substantially the same decor,- food, and drinks, and operates at the same location where “Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant” was located, the Court finds that the businesses would be in competition for the same customers.
e.Similarity of Advertisiny Media
As discussed above, LRSBR presented evidence that TWTB continues to use the same Facebook account, Instagram account, Yelp web page, and TripAdvisor web page as it did when it was licensed by LRSBR to use the trademarks.
Following the termination of the License Agreement, TWTB has not altered the decor other than making small changes, including removing images of the federally registered LRSBR trademarks. The trade dress was already in existence at the location at the time of the termination of the License Agreement and TWTB has simply failed to change its decor since the termination of the License Agreement. However, this factor calls for the Court to anar lyze TWTB’s intent in its “adoption” of its restaurant trade dress. Because the trade dress was already in existence at the location at the time of the termination of the License Agreement, the Court finds that .this factor does not weigh in favor of a likelihood of confusion.
g.Actual Confusion
As discussed above, LRSBR has presented evidence of actual confusion. LRSBR submitted as evidence posts on social media where customers identified that they were at “Lucy’s” and tagged the official fan page for “Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant.”
h.Conclusion
The Court finds that LRSBR has presented sufficient evidence to demonstrate a likelihood of confusion. Accordingly, the Court finds that LRSBR has clearly carried its burden of persuasion to show a substantial likelihood of success on its trade dress infringement claim. The Court notes, however, that for the purposes of the preliminary injunction, the Court adopts LRSBR’s limited trade dress definition of “all surfboards, all explicitly surfer-related decorative items, and all menu items that contain references to surfing.”
C. Substantial Threat of Irreparable Harm If the Injunction is Denied
In order to obtain a preliminary injunction, LRSBR must also, clearly carry the burden of persuasion that there is a substantial threat of irreparable harm if the injunction is denied.
In Abraham v. Alpha Chi Omega, the Fifth Circuit reviewed a district court’s order of injunctive relief in a trademark infringement case.
D. Threatened Injury to the Movant Outweighs the Injury to the Nonmovant
LRSBR asserts that the balance of harms strongly favors LRSBR because “[i]f a preliminary injunction is not granted, TWTB will continue to exploit, misuse, and abuse the Lucy’s marks.”
On cross-examination, however, Raper testified that TWTB’s lease will end in October 2017 and that the lease will not be renewed.
LRSBR has presented evidence that there may be a licensed “Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant” operating at 701 Tchoupitoulas Street in October 2017, as well as evidence regarding a potential loss of goodwill from customers through TWTB’s new practices, including the ■ surcharge on credit cards, and the changes to LRSBR’s trademarks. Accordingly, the Court finds that LRSBR. has clearly carried its burden of persuasion to prove that the threatened injury to it, through the potential harm to its trademarks and the potential loss of the prospective licensee, outweighs the injury to TWTB who, it appears, will no longer have a lease to operate a business at 701 Tchoupitoulas Street in October 2017, regardless of the outcome of this motion,
E. Public Interest
In support of their assertion that • an injunction will serve the public interest, LRSBR cites the Fifth Circuit in Sunbeam Products, Inc. v. West Bend Co., where the court found that “the public- interest calculus. is subsumed within the merits of the trade dress 'infringement claim: Because the product configuration of the American Classic. Mixmaster® is , entitled to trade dress protection, it necessarily follows that the preliminary injunction serves the public interest. Indeed, trade dress protection of the American Classic Mixmaster® will not frustrate'competition, but, will foster it.”
The Court, -having found that there is a substantial likelihood of success on LRSBR’s trademark ■ infringement claims, finds, as the Fifth Circuit did in Sunbeam Products, Inc., that a preliminary injunction will serve the public interest as LRSBR has demonstrated that its marks are entitled to protection and an injunction will reduce confusion and foster competition.
LRSBR also' asserts that it is entitled to recover attorneys’ fees and costs under the Federal Trademark Act because this case is “exceptional.”
Pursuant to the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a), a court may award reasonable attorneys’ fees to a prevailing party in “exceptional cases.” The Fifth Circuit has instructed that an exceptional case is one where the-trademark infringement can be characterized as-“malicious, fraudulent, deliberate, or willful”
During the .evidentiary hearing, Raper testified that TWTB had spent apr proximately $40,000 on new menus,, a new sign, and designs for a new logo.
TWTB presented extensive testimony regarding its efforts to remove any use of LRSBR’s federally registered trademarks. Despite these changes, however, the decor of the restaurant has remained almost identical and the name of the restaurant has simply been shortened to “Lucy’s.” In its defense, TWTB asserted that it did not believe that LRSBR has ownership rights to either the word “Lucy’s” or its surfer bar trade dress. The Court finds that although these arguments were ultimately unpersuasive, they were not made in bad faith. The Court finds that LRSBR has failed to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that this case is exceptional and therefore merits the award of attorneys’ fees and costs. Accordingly, the Court denies LRSBR’s request for attorneys’ fees and costs.
Y. Conclusion
Considering the foregoing, the Court finds that LRSBR has demonstrated that it is entitled to a preliminary injunction. The Court finds that LRSBR has clearly carried its burden of demonstrating a substantial likelihood of success on both its trademark infringement claim regarding its registered trademarks and its trademark infringement claims regarding its unregistered trademark of the word “Lucy’s” and its surfer bar trade dress. Additionally, the Court finds that LRSBR has clearly carried its burden of demonstrating that there is a substantial threat of irreparable harm if the injunction is not issued, that the threatened injury if the injunction is denied outweighs the threatened harm that will result if the injunction is granted, and that the grant of an injunction will not disserve the public interest. However, the' Court also finds that LRSBR has failed to demonstrate, by clear and convincing evidence, that this case is exceptional as to merit an award of attorney’s fees and costs.
Accordingly,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that LRSBR’s “Motion for Preliminary Injunction”
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that TWTB is enjoined from using the word “Lucy’s” or any of LRSBR’s registered trademarks in connection with its restaurant.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that TWTB is enjoined from using surfboards, explicitly surfer-related decorative items, and all menu items that contain references to surfing.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that LRSBR’s request for an award of attorneys’ fees and costs is DENIED.
. Rec. Doc. 10.
. Rec. Doc. 18.
. Rec. Doc. 17.
. Rec. Doc. 1 at p. 2.
. Rec. Doc. 10 atp. 11; LRSBR Ex. 14.
. Rec. Doc. 1 atp. 3.
. Id. at p. 2.
. Id.
. Rec. Doc, 10 atp. 7.
. Rec. Doc. 1 at pp. 3-4.
. Id. at pp. 4-5.
. Rec, Doc. 10 atp. 7.
. Id.
. Id. atp. 8.
. Id. atp. 10.
. Rec. Doc. 1.
. Rec, Doc. 8; Rec. Doc. 9.
. Rec, Doc. 10.
. Rec. Doc. 18 atp. 34.
. Rec. Doc. 17.
. Rec. Doc. 22.
. Rec. Doc. 30.
. Rec. Doc. 27.
. Rec. Doc. 17.
. Rec. Doc. 17-2 atp. 6.
. Id. atp. 14.
. id.
. Id.
. Id.
. Id. atp..26.
. Id.
. Rec. Doc. 22 at p. 7 (citing Speaks v. Kruse, 445 F.3d 396, 399-400 (5th Cir. 2006)).
. 328 F.3d 192, 195-96 (5th Cir. 2003).
. Rec. Doc. 22 at p. 7.
. Id.
. Id. atp. 8.
. Id. at pp. 16-20.
. Id. at p. 21 (quoting New Orleans City v. BellSouth Telecomms., Inc., 728 F.Supp.2d 834, 838 (E.D.La. 2010) (Fallon, J.)).
. Id.
. Id.
. Id. at pp. 22-23.
. Id. at pp. 23-24.
. Id. at p. 24.
. Tr. at p. 2.
. Id.
. Lake Charles Diesel, Inc. v. Gen. Motors Corp., 328 F.3d 192, 196 (5th Cir. 2003) (quoting Miss. Power & Light Co. v. United Gas Pipe Line Co., 760 F.2d 618, 621 (5th Cir. 1985)); see also Sugar Busters LLC v. Brennan, 177 F.3d 258, 265 (5th Cir. 1999).
. Lake Charles Diesel, 328 F.3d at 195-96 (citing Canal Auth. v. Callaway, 489 F.2d 567, 572 (5th Cir. 1974)).
. See Roho, Inc. v. Marquis, 902 F.2d 356, 361 (5th Cir. 1990) (declining to address the remaining elements necessary to obtain a preliminary injunction after finding that plaintiff failed to show a substantial likelihood of success on the merits); see also Barton v. Huerta, 613 Fed.Appx. 426, 427 (5th Cir. 2015) (‘‘[F]ailure to succeed one any on of the elements results in a denial of injunctive relief.”).
. Callaway, 489 F.2d at 573 (vacating an injunction where the district court improperly placed the burden of persuasion on the defendants to prove the injunction should not be granted, rather than requiring plaintiffs to carry their burden).
. Apple Barrel Prods., Inc. v. Beard, 730 F.2d 384, 386 (5th Cir. 1984).
. Miss. Power & Light, 760 F.2d at 621.
. Tr. at pp. 28, 38, 140-41.
. Id. at pp. 30-31.
. Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(2)(B).
. Fed. R, Civ. P. 26(2)(C).
. Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(2)(D).
. Tr. atp. 33.
. Id. at pp. 37-38.
. Id. at pp. 36-37.
. Id. at p. 37.
. Id. at p. 140-41.
. Id.
. Id. at pp. 156-57.
. 15 U.S.C. § 1127.
. Nola Spice Designs, L.L.C. v. Haydel Enters., Inc., 783 F.3d 527, 536 (5th Cir. 2015).
. 15 U.S.C. § 1057.
. Rec. Doc. 22 at p. 9.
. LRSBR Exs. 9-13.
. Nola Spice Designs, L.L.C., 783 F.3d at 536.
. Prof'l Golfers Ass’n of Am. v. Bankers Life & Cas. Co., 514 F.2d 665, 670 (5th Cir. 1975).
. Nat'l Bus. Forms & Printing, Inc. v. Ford Motor Co., 671 F.3d 526, 532 (5th Cir. 2012) (citations omitted). TWTB's reliance upon the Eastern District of Louisiana case from 1996, Acme Refrigeration Supplies, Inc. v. Acme Refrigeration of Baton Rouge, is misplaced. 961 F.Supp. 936, 938 (E.D.La. 1996) (Fallon, J.)). More recent case law from the Fifth Circuit instructs that there are more than four factors to be considered and not all four factors are necessary in order to find a likelihood of confusion. Nat’l Bus. Forms & Printing, Inc., 671 F.3d at 532.
. Taco Cabana Int'l, Inc. v. Two Pesos, Inc., 932 F.2d 1113, 1122 n. 9 (5th Cir. 1991).
. Armco, Inc. v. Armco Burglar Alarm Co., Inc., 693 F.2d 1155, 1159 (5th Cir. 1982).
. Rec. Doc. 17-2 atpp. 17-20.
. Rec. Doc. 33 at pp. 3-4
. Id. (citing Howard Johnson Co. v. Khimani, 892 F.2d 1512, 1517 (11th Cir. 1990); Century 21 Real Estate Corp. v. Sandlin, 846 F.2d 1175, 1178 (9th Cir. 1988)).
. Id. at p. 5 (citing Bd. of Supervisors for La. State Univ. Agric. & Mech. Coll. v. Smack
. Elvis Presley Enters., Inc. v. Capece, 141 F.3d 188, 201 (5th Cir. 1998).
. Sun Banks of Fla., Inc. v. Sun Fed. Sav. and Loan Ass'n, 651 F.2d 311, 315-16 (5th Cir. 1981).
. Nola Spice Designs, L.L.C. v. Haydel Enters., Inc., 783 F.3d 527, 537 (5th Cir. 2015).
. Union Nat'l Bank of Tex., Laredo, Tex. v. Union Nat’l Bank of Tex., Austin, Tex., 909 F.2d 839, 848 n. 24 (5th Cir. 1990).
. Rec. Doc. 17-2-at pp. 18-19 (citing Zatarains, Inc. v. Oak Grove Smokehouse, Inc., 698 F.2d 786, 790 (5th Cir. 1983); Quantum Fitness Corp. v. Quantum Lifestyle Ctrs. L.L.C., 83 F.Supp.2d 810, 818 (S.D.Tex. 1999)).
. LRSBR Ex.11.
. Sun Banks of Fla., Inc., 651 F.2d at 315.
. 617 F.2d 1178, 1184 (5th Cir. 1980).
. Tr. atp. 133.
. See Sun Banks of Fla., Inc., 651 F.2d at 315 ("A strong mark .is usually fictitious, arbitrary or. fanciful and is generally inherently distinctive.”).
. Id. at 315-16.
. Tr. at p, 47,
. Id. at pp. 71-76.
. LRSBREx.il.
. LRSBR Ex. 9.
. Tr. atp. 119.
. Id. at pp. 133-34.
. Id. at pp. 73-74.
. Id. at'p. 166. A hashtag is “a word or phrase preceded by the symbol # that classifies or categorizes the accompanying text (such as a tweet).” Hashtag, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, http://www.merriam-webster.com/ dictionary/hashtag.
. Id. atp. 223.
. LRSBR Ex. 29.
.Tr. atp. 149.
. Id. at pp. 57, 61.
. Rec. Doc. 22 at p. 20.
. 752 F.2d 145, 150 (5th Cir. 1985).
. Id.
. Id.
. Elvis Presley Enters., Inc. v. Capece, 141 F.3d 188, 197 (5th Cir. 1998).
. Tr. at pp. 149, 151, 158-59, 161.
. Id. at p.149.
. LRSBR Ex. 60.
. Tr. atp. 163.
. Id. at 149, 151, 158-59, 161-62.
. Id. at p. 170; LRSBR Ex. 46.
. Tr. at p. 170; LRSBR Ex. 45.
. Rec. Doc. 33 atp. 8.
. Id.
. Tr.’atp. 243.'
. Id. atp. 192.
. Id. atp. 235.
. Id. at p. 8.
. Nola Spice Designs, L.L.C. v. Haydel Enters., Inc., 783 F.3d 527, 536 (5th Cir. 2015).
.Tr. at p. 8.-
. 505 U.S. 763, 768, 112 S.Ct. 2753, 120 L.Ed.2d 615 (1992).
. Id. at 768, 112 S.Ct. 2753.
. Nola Spice Designs, L.L.C., 783 F.3d at 537 (quoting Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Samara Bros., 529 U.S. 205, 210-11, 120 S.Ct. 1339, 146 L.Ed.2d 182 (2000)).
. Pebble Beach Co. v. Tour 18 I Ltd., 155 F.3d 526, 536 (5th Cir. 1998), abrogated on other grounds by TrafFix Devices, Inc. v. Mktg. Displays, Inc., 532 U.S. 23, 121 S.Ct. 1255, 149 L.Ed.2d 164 (2001).
. Nola Spice Designs, L.L.C., 783 F.3d at 536.
. Rec. Doc. 17-2 at p .16
. Id.
. Id. at pp. 16-17.
. 514 F.2d 665 (5th Cir. 1975).
. Id. at 671.
. LRSBR Ex. 14.
. La. Civ. Code arts. 1983, 2047,
. La. Civ. Code art. 2046.
. Strachan Shipping Co. v. Dresser Indus., Inc., 701 F.2d 483, 486 (5th Cir. 1983).
. Campbell v. Melton, No. 2001-2578 (La. 5/14/02); 817 So.2d 69, 75.
.Id.
. LRSBR Ex. 14 atp. 2.
. Id. atp. 3.
. LRSBR Ex. 15 atp. 2.
. Id. atp. 3.
. Tr. atp. 77.
. Id. atp. 212.
. Id.
. Prof'l Golfers Ass'n of Am. v. Bankers Life & Cas. Co., 514 F.2d 665, 671 (5th Cir. 1975).
. Id.
. Rec. Doc. 22 at pp. 14-16.
. Nola Spice Designs, L.L.C. v. Haydel Enters., Inc., 783 F.3d 527, 536 (5th Cir. 2015).
. Nat’l Bus. Forms & Printing, Inc. v. Ford Motor Co., 671 F.3d 526, 532 (5th Cir. 2012) (citations omitted).
. Rec. Doc. 17-2 atpp. 17-20,
. Elvis Presley Enters., Inc. v. Capece, 141 F.3d 188, 201 (5th Cir. 1998).
. Sun Banks of Fla., Inc. v. Sun Fed. Sav. and Loan Ass’n, 651 F.2d 311, 315-16 (5th Cir. 1981).
. Nola Spice Designs, L.L.C. v. Haydel Enters., Inc., 783 F.3d 527 (5th Cir. 2015).
. Union Nat'l Bank of Tex., Laredo, Tex. v. Union Nat’l Bank of Tex., Austin, Tex., 909 F.2d 839, 848 n. 24 (5th Cir. 1990).
. 608 F.3d 225, 241 (5th Cir. 2010) (quoting Zatarains, Inc. v. Oak Grove Smokehouse, Inc., 698 F.2d 786, 790-91 (5th Cir. 1983)).
. Rec. Doc. 17-2 at p. 15.
. 2 McCarthy on Trademark & Unfair Competition § 13.2 (4th ed.) (“Personal names are placed by the common law into that category of noninherently distinctive terms which require proof of secondary meaning for protection.”). See also Conan Props., Inc. v. Co-nans Pizza, Inc., 752 F.2d 145, 155 (5th Cir. 1985) (“ ‘Conan’ is- a surname and can be regarded as a descriptive term rather, than an inherently distinctive mark.”).
. Test Masters Educ. Servs., Inc. v. Robin Singh Educ. Servs, Inc., 799 F.3d 437, 445 (5th Cir. 2015). These factor? are: (1) length and manner of use of the mark or trade dress; (2) volume of sales; (3) amount and manner of advertising; (4) nature of use of the mark or trade dress in newspapers and magazines; (5) consumer-survey evidence; (6) direct consumer testimony; and (7) the defendant’s intent in copying the mark. Id.
. Conan Props., Inc., 752 F.2d at 155 (quoting 2 McCarthy on Trademarks & Unfair Competition § 13.2 (4th ed.)).
. Rec. Doc. 17-2 at p. 15.
. Sun Banks of Fla., Inc. v. Sun Fed. Sav. and Loan Ass’n, 651 F.2d 311, 315-16 (5th Cir. 1981).
. Tr. at pp. 133-34.
. Id. atpp. 71-75.
. Id. at p. 149.
. Id. atpp. 57, 61.
. Elvis Presley Enters., Inc. v. Capece, 141 F.3d 188, 197 (5th Cir. 1998).
. Tr. at pp. 149, 151, 158-59, 161.
. Id. at p. 170; LRSBR Ex. 46'.
. Id.; LRSBR Ex. 45.
. Rec. Doc. 33 at p. 7.
. Taco Cabana Int’l, Inc. v. Two Pesos, Inc., 932 F.2d 1113, 1117-18 (5th Cir. 1991).
. Rec. Doc. 17-2 atp. 16,
. Id. at p. 17 (citing B & B Hardware, Inc. v. Hargis Indus., — U.S. -, 135 S.Ct. 1293, 1299, 191 L.Ed.2d 222 (2015)).
. Rec. Doc. 17-3.
. Id.
. Id.
. Pebble Beach Co. v. Tour 18 I Ltd., 155 F.3d 526, 536 (5th Cir. 1998), abrogated on other grounds by TrafFix Devices, Inc. v. Mktg. Displays, Inc., 532 U.S. 23, 121 S.Ct. 1255, 149 L.Ed.2d 164 (2001).
. Rec. Doc. 33 at p. 7.
. Rec. Doc. 17-2 atp. 16.
. Rec. Doc. 17-4 atp. 7.
: Rec. Doc. 22 atp. 11.
,' Id. atp. 12 (citing Rec. Doc. 22-5).
. 932 F.2d 1113, 1120 (5th Cir. 1991).
. Tr. atp. 119.
. Id. atp. 133.
. Id. at p. 92.
. Pebble Beach Co. v. Tour 18 I Ltd., 155 F.3d 526, 536 (5th Cir. 1998), abrogated on other grounds by TrafFix Devices, Inc. v. Mktg. Displays, Inc., 532 U.S. 23, 121 S.Ct. 1255, 149 L.Ed.2d 164 (2001).
. 505 U.S. 763, 775, 112 S.Ct. 2753, 120 L.Ed.2d 615 (1992).
. Rec. Doc. 33 at p. 7.
. Id.
. Rec. Doc. 17-2 atpp. 17-20.
. LRSBR Exs. 30-36.
. Tr. atp. 57.
. Id.
. Id. at pp. 56-66.
. Tr. atpp. 149, 151, 158-59, 161.
. Id. at p.170.
. Id.
. Rec. Doc, 33 at p. 7.
. Lake Charles Diesel, Inc. v. Gen. Motors Corp., 328 F.3d 192, 195-96 (citing Canal Auth. v. Callaway, 489 F.2d 567, 572 (5th Cir. 1974)).
. Rec. Doc. 17-2 at p. 24 (citing Rec. Doc. 17-6).
. Rec. Doc, 22 at p. 21.
. Id. (quoting Lafreniere Park Found. v. Friends of Lafreniere Park, No. 97-CA-152 (La.App. 5 Cir. 7/29/97); 698 So.2d 449, 452).
. Tr. atp. 111.
. Id.
. Id. at pp. 77-78.
. Id. at p. 78.
. Id. at pp. 78-79.
. 708 F.3d 614, 625-28 (5th Cir. 2013).
. Id. at 627 (quoting 5 McCarthy on Trademarks and Unfair Competition § 30:2 (4th ed. 2001)).
. Id. (quoting 5 McCarthy on Trademarks and Unfair Competition § 30:2 (4th ed. 2001)).
. Rec. Doc. 17-2 at p. 24.
. Rec. Doc. 22 at p. 22.
. Tr. atp. 209.
. Id.
. Id. atpp. 210, 225.
. Id. at p. 228 (“A. The gentleman that approached me [regarding an offer to purchase TWTB] has reportedly signed a lease starting the day after the end of our lease forward. Q. So at the end of your lease term in October of 2017, you have to leave this location anyway? A. That’s correct.”).
. Id.
. Rec. Doc. 17-2 at p. 25 (citing Sunbeam Prods., Inc. v. West Bend Co., 123 F.3d 246, 260 (5th Cir. 1997), abrogated on other grounds by TrafFix Devices, Inc. v. Mktg. Displays, Inc., 532 U.S. 23, 121 S.Ct. 1255, 149 L.Ed.2d 164 (2001)).
. Rec. Doc. 22 at pp. 23-24 (citing NCH Corp. v. Broyles, 563 F.Supp. 142, 145 (E.D.La. 1983) (Beer, J.)).
. Sunbeam Prods., Inc., 123 F.3d at 260.
. Rec. Doc, 17-2 at p. 26.
. Id. (quoting Octane Fitness, LLC v. ICON Health & Fitness, Inc., — U.S. -, 134 S.Ct. 1749, 1756, 188 L.Ed.2d 816 (2014)).
. Id.
. Id.
. Rec. Doc. 22 at p. 24.
. Id.
. Seatrax, Inc. v. Sonbeck Int’l, Inc., 200 F.3d 358, 373 (5th Cir. 2000).
. CJC Holdings, Inc. v. Wright & Lato, Inc., 979 F.2d 60, 65 (5th Cir. 1992).
. Id.
. Tr. at p. 205.
. Id. at p. 204.
. Id. at p. 234,
. Id. at p.235.
.Id. atpp. 235, 237.
. Id. at p. 242, 245-46.
. Id. at p.245.
.Rec. Doc. 17.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- TWTB, INC. v. Bruce J. RAMPICK
- Cited By
- 7 cases
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- Published