Representative Cases
Listed below are a just few of our recent
representative cases:
Representative Trademark
Cases
Straight Arrow Publishers Company, L.P. v. Headline News LA,
et al., U.S. District Court, Central District of California
(1999-2000). Represented Rolling Stone magazine and Mark
Seliger in a trademark and copyright infringement action against
"Headline News LA" arising out of its unauthorized reproduction,
alteration and distribution of Rolling Stone's copyrighted
article concerning, and photographs of, actor Brad Pitt. Case successfully
resolved.
Livecast, Inc. v. CNN/SI, U.S. District
Court, Northern District of California (2001-present). Representing
CNN/SI in trademark and unfair competition action based on use of
"livecast" on the cnnsi.com web site.
Pink Cactus Pictures v. Turner Network
Television, (C.D. Cal. 2001). Successfully defended cable television
network in copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and idea
submission case based on documentary about Congressional Medal of
honor recipients.
TNN v. Network Network, U.S. District
Court, Central District of California (1998-2000). Represented The
Nashville Network in a dispute over the domain name "tnn.com."
Gateway v. Cyrix, U.S. District Court,
Central District of California (1996). Brought in as co-counsel
in this trademark lawsuit arising out of Cyrix's use of Gateway's
trademark, a Holstein cow, in advertisements depicting the cow being
crushed by a Cyrix box. The case was settled as part of a global
settlement of disputes between Gateway and Cyrix.
Berkeley Systems v. Delrina Corp.,
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (1993). Represented
Delrina in copyright and trademark infringement action arising from
its "Opus 'n Bill" computer screensaver and parody of Berkeley's
"flying toasters."
International Data Group, Inc. v. Ziff
Davis Media Inc., U.S. District Court, District of Delaware
(2001-present). Representing Ziff Davis in a pending trademark infringement
action brought by IDG to stop Ziff Davis from publishing a magazine
for and about CIOs -- the acronym for Chief Information Officer
-- under the title CIO INSIGHT. Preliminary injunction motion successfully
defended and denied.
Martha Graham School and Dance Foundation,
Inc. et al. v. Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance, Inc.
et al., U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (2001-present).
Representing defendant officers and directors in trademark and copyright
action brought by Martha Graham's heir against long-standing institutions
that bear her name.
Skovron v. Nickelodeon et al, U.S.
District Court, Southern District of New York (2001-present). Representing
defendant in case involving theft of ideas and Lanham Act claim.
Plaintiff has agreed to withdraw claims after motion to dismiss
was filed.
Fischer v. Viacom International et al.,
U.S. District Court, District of Maryland (2000). Successfully defended
client against theft of ideas and Lanham Act claims arising out
of children's television program "Blue's Clues." Motion to dismiss
complaint granted in part; plaintiff subsequently withdrew surviving
claim.
General Media Communications, Inc. v.
Internet Entertainment Group, Inc. et al.,
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (1999-present).
Representing plaintiff in domain name infringement and breach of
contract claim.
Viacom International Inc. v. Strong Arm
Entertainment, et al., U.S. District Court, District of New
Jersey (1999-2000). Successfully represented plaintiff in a trademark
and copyright infringement action involving plaintiff's "Rugrats"
animated television series.
Guccione Media, LLC v. Listen to This,
No. FA0004000094430, ICANN Dispute Policy Proceeding (May 11,
2000). Successfully challenged registration of gearmagazine.com
domain name by cybersquatter. Domain name transferred to owner of
GEAR trademark, publisher of Gear magazine.
Condé Nast et al. v. Netegg et al.,
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (1999). Successfully
prosecuted domain name trademark infringement and dilution action
on behalf of several Condé Nast magazines and regional newspapers
against cybersquatters.
Mail.com, Inc. v. The Times Mirror Company,
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (1999 - 2000).
Represented defendant in a declaratory judgment action involving
plaintiff's domain name "calendar.com" and defendant's "CALENDAR"
trademark. Successfully settled.
Wayne Rogers v. S.S.G. Fashions, Ltd.,
et al., U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (1999-2000).
Represented defendant in trademark infringement and trade dress
action brought by apparel designer involving "WAYNE ROGERS" and
"DISCOVERIB" trademarks. Court refused to issue temporary restraining
order or preliminary injunction after conducting an evidentiary
hearing; case subsequently dismissed.
Kerr v. The New Yorker Magazine, Inc.,
et al., U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (1998
- 99). Successfully defended magazine publisher and artist against
Lanham Act and copyright infringement claims brought by artist who
contended his illustration was infringed by cover illustration.
Summary judgment granted for magazine and artist on all counts.
Jimlar Corporation v. Frye Electronics,
Inc., U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (1998-2000).
Represented Frye in consolidated bi-coastal trademark infringement
and declaratory judgment action over "Frye.com" domain name. Successfully
settled, with plaintiff withdrawing complaint with no monetary payment.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
v. Bucci, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
(1997). Represented plaintiff in trademark infringement action against
anti-abortion opponent's "PlannedParenthood.com" domain name and
site. Preliminary injunction granted after a two-day evidentiary
hearing. In a case of first impression, the Court analyzed the application
of the Lanham Act to allegedly political, non-profit speech on the
Internet. The Second Circuit affirmed and awarded attorneys' fees.
Groden v. Random House, et al.,
22 Media L. Rep. 2257, 32 U.S.P.Q.2d 1266 (S.D.N.Y. 1994), aff'd,
61 F.3d 1045 (2d Cir. 1995). Defended Random House, author Gerald
Posner and The New York Times against state commercial misappropriation
and § 43(a) false advertising claims asserted by Kennedy assassination
conspiracy theorist based on an ad for the book Case Closed.
The Second Circuit affirmed the district court's grant of summary
judgment on all grounds in a decision that has been widely reported
as significantly expanding the defense of incidental use of name
and likeness in advertising.
Rotbart v. O'Dwyer, U.S. District
Court, Southern District of New York (1995). Represented defendants
against copyright infringement and Lanham Act claims premised on
defendants' use in a newsletter and a magazine of extensive quotations
taken from a speech delivered by plaintiff. The court granted defendants'
motion to dismiss on all grounds.
Michigan Directory Company v. Yellow
Book USA, Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (1999-2001). Successfully
represented registrant in cancellation proceeding involving "LET
YOUR FINGERS DO THE SURFING" trademark. Petition to cancel denied.
SNET v. Yellow Book, USA, L.P., Trademark
Trial and Appeal Board (1997 - present). Representing registrant
in pending cancellation action involving "TELE-PAGES" trademark.
Yellow Book USA. v. Interstate Publisher's
Corp., Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (1994 - present). Representing
petitioner in pending cancellation proceeding involving YELLOW BOOK
trademark.
Yellow Book USA v. Interstate Publisher's
Corp., Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (1996 - present). Representing
opposer in companion pending opposition action involving YELLOW
BOOK trademark.
Children's Defense Fund v. Cease-Fire,
Inc., Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (1997). Represented applicant
anti-gun violence non-profit organization in opposition proceeding
concerning CEASE FIRE mark. Opposition withdrawn after entry of
concurrent use agreement.
React Enterprises, Inc. v. Advance Magazine
Publishers, Inc., Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (1997). Represented
applicant publisher of teen magazine in opposition proceeding involving
REACT trademark. Opposition withdrawn.
Capital Cities Media, Inc. v. Straight
Arrow Publishers Co., L.P., Trademark Trial and Appeal Board
(1995). Represented Straight Arrow in opposition action involving
trademark "W". Matter successfully settled.
Multi-Local Media Corp. v. 800 Yellow
Book, Inc., U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
(1993), 813 F. Supp. 199. Represented the country's largest independent
publisher of telephone directories in this action for infringement
of its unregistered trademark YELLOW BOOK. After issuance of a temporary
restraining order, the Court conducted a two-day evidentiary hearing
and then entered a preliminary injunction. The action subsequently
was successfully settled.
The Economist Newspaper Limited v. The
American Economist, U.S. District Court, Southern District of
New York (1994). Represented plaintiff in trademark infringement
action against publisher of publication with infringing name. Matter
successfully settled upon change of infringing title.
Edgar Rice Burroughs v. Condé Nast,
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (1992). Represented
defendant in preliminary injunction trademark infringement action
based on Vogue fashion pictorial parodying "Tarzan and Jane" theme.
Action successfully settled.
Random House, Inc. v. Publications Int'l,
Ltd., U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (1992).
Represented plaintiff in trademark infringement preliminary injunction
action based on baseball trading card publications. Successfully
settled upon terms requiring substantial change in name of defendant's
book and cover.
Morita v. Omni Publications Int'l, Ltd.,
741 F. Supp. 1107 (S.D.N.Y. 1990). Defended magazine publisher against
Lanham Act and copyright infringement claims brought by artist who
had designed poster depicting broken glass sculpture altered by
publisher. Court granted summary judgment on three of four issues
finding that "sculpture" in poster was not registered, no Lanham
Act violation occurred where artist's name was not used, and poster
had not been mutilated under New York's moral rights law.
Citicasters Co. v. Randy Middleton,
Oregon Circuit Court, Multnomah County (2001- present). Representing
radio personality and owner of radio station in an action brought
by Middleton's previous employer/radio station alleging that Middleton's
continued use of his on-air persona, including the voices of "Evil
Barney," "Manatee Man," and others, in his show at the new station
constitutes trademark infringement and misappropriation of ideas.
National Mortgage Co. v. National Mortgage
and Financial Svcs., U.S. District Court, Oregon (2000). Represented
owner of common law rights in the NATIONAL MORTGAGE trademark in
a trademark infringement action against a competing use of the same
mark. Successfully enjoined the infringing use of the mark.
AANP v. American Ass'n of Naturopathic
Physicians, U.S. District Court, Oregon (1999). Represented
plaintiff in claims of infringement of a registered trademark and
unfair competition under the Lanham Act. Obtained preliminary injunction
which was affirmed by the Ninth Circuit.
Liquid Engineering v. LiquiVision Technologies,
U.S. District Court, Oregon (1999). Represented plaintiff in claims
for common law trademark infringement and unfair competition under
the Lanham Act. Defendant was distributing a marketing and promotional
video to prospective customers which displayed a trademark nearly
identical to plaintiff's. Matter settled after entry of preliminary
injunction.
Home Americare of California v. Bradley
Medical Inc., U.S. District Court, Oregon (1998). Served as
local counsel for defendant in a trademark infringement action regarding
use of the mark AMERICAIR. Successfully convinced court to abstain
based on related action in a separate jurisdiction.
Nike, Inc. v. Oakley, Inc., U.S.
District Court, Oregon (1997). Served as local counsel for Oakley
in dispute regarding use of Michael Jordan's likeness in an advertisement
for sunglasses.
Universal Frozen Foods Co. v. Lamb-Weston,
Inc., 697 F. Supp. 389 (D. Ore. 1987). Successfully represented
a manufacturer of frozen foods against a claim of trademark rights
in the shape of a food product. The District Court denied all relief
requested by the plaintiff. Thereafter, case settled favorably.
Trilogy Software, Inc. v. Trilogy Development
Group, Inc., U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
(2000). Represented plaintiff in dispute over rights to TRILOGY
SOFTWARE trademark. Successfully settled after preliminary injunction
obtained.
ePods, Inc. v. Epod Corp., U.S. District
Court, Western District of Washington (2000 - 2001). Served as local
counsel for Epod Corp. in dispute over EPOD mark.
Therapeutic Associates Inc. v. John Carlson,
Washington Superior Court (2001-present). Representing plaintiff
in case against former employees involving trademark, trade secret,
duty of loyalty, unfair competition and tortious interference claims.
Canyon Creek Cabinet Company v. Millennium
Cabinetry, Inc., U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
(2000). Represented plaintiff in dispute over MILLENNIUM trademark
for cabinets. Defendant dropped infringing mark after motion for
preliminary injunction filed.
International Lubricants, Inc. v. Enterprise
Oil Co., U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
(1999-2000). Represented plaintiff in trademark infringement action
over LUBEGARD trademark.
Marketry of Washington v. Marketry, Inc.,
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois (2000). Represented
plaintiff in trademark infringement action; defendant ceased infringing
activity after complaint was filed.
Amazon.com, Inc. v. The New York Times
Co., U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1999).
Represented New York Times in dispute over Amazon.com's use of the
New York Times Best Seller list. Case settled.
Acushnet Corp. v. Indarta, U.S. District
Court, Western District of Washington (1999). Local counsel for
manufacturer of Titleist golf clubs in trademark counterfeiting
action.
Northwest Energy v. Washington Public
Power Supply System, U.S. District Court, Western District of
Washington (1999). Representing WPPSS in trademark infringement
action by consortium of four western states.
Spyderco, Inc. v. AJ Classic Industries,
LLC, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado (1999). Represented
AJ Classic in trademark and trade dress infringement action.
Reed Elsevier, Inc. and Reed Elsevier
Properties v. Innovator Corporation d/b/a Corporate Intelligence
Corporation and The Altavista Company, U.S. District Court,
Southern District of Ohio, Western Division (Dayton) (1999). Assisted
Lexis-Nexis in a Lanham Act case growing out of so-called "keyword"
advertising claims on the Internet and dilution allegations arising
from such practice.
Boxlight Corp. v. Tandy Corp., U.S.
District Court, Western District of Washington (1998). Represented
Boxlight Corp. regarding infringement of its three-box logo; settled
favorably.
CBS Inc. v. Casino Bar & Sports, Inc.,
U.S. District Court, District of Nevada (1998). Represented CBS
in trademark infringement action.
Eagle & Taylor Co. v. Trinity Glass,
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan (1998). Represented
Trinity Glass in trademark infringement action over ASPEN mark.
Headhunters v. Berkana, U.S. District
Court, Western District of Washington (1998). Served as local counsel
for Berkana in internet trademark dispute.
Newell Operating Company v. Purdy Corporation,
U.S. District Court, Wisconsin (1998). Represented defendant against
federal and state trademark infringement and unfair competition
claims asserted by fellow manufacturer of paint brushes and accessories
over defendant's alleged use of "EZPainter" mark as a metatag on
its web site. Case settled quickly on favorable terms.
Nextlink Communications, Inc. v. Nextlink
LLC, U.S. District Court, District of Texas (1998). Represented
plaintiff in trademark infringement action.
Malkan FM Associates v. Pacific Radio,
Texas State Court (1998). Counsel for defendant over alleged infringement
of plaintiff's claimed trademark in JAMS for radio broadcasts.
Innovator Corporation d/b/a Corporate
Intelligence Corporation v. Lexis, Inc. a/k/a Lexis Nexis and Reed
Elsevier, Inc. / Reed Elsevier, Inc. v. Innovator Corporation d/b/a
Corporation Intelligence Corporation, U.S. District Court, Western
District of Washington at Tacoma (1997). Represented Lexis-Nexis
in a Lanham Act case involving allegations of false advertising.
Northwest Publications v. Surfer Publications,
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1997). Local
counsel for defendant in dispute over titles for golf magazines.
Pacific Magazine Corp. v. Seattle Times
Co., U.S. District Court, District of Hawaii (1997). Represented
Seattle Times in dispute over PACIFIC MAGAZINE mark.
Reiss Media Entertainment v. 3005264
Nova Scotia, Ltd., U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
(1997). Counsel for plaintiff concerning its REQUEST TELEVISION
mark.
Burton Corp. v. Cool Beans, U.S.
District Court, Western District of Washington (1996). Represented
Burton Corp. in reverse gray market case involving export of snowboards
to Japan.
Digital Courier Inc v. Netco. Inc.,
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1996). Represented
Digital Courier in trademark infringement action for DIGITAL COURIER
mark.
World Wrapps, Inc. v. Macheezmo Mouse,
Inc., U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1996).
Local counsel for World Wrapps in dispute over WORLD WRAPPS versus
GLOBAL WRAPS.
Frederick's Fine Chocolates v. Seattle
Chocolate Co., U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
(1995). Represented plaintiff, manufacturer of Frango brand chocolates,
in action to enforce trade dress rights in hexagonal box.
Thermo-Serv. Corp. v. Pacific Market
International, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
(1994-1995). Represented defendant in trade dress case regarding
design of a plastic tumbler.
Canyon Creek Cabinet Company v. B.J.
Tidwell Industries, Inc., Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (2000
- present). Cancellation proceeding.
Eternity Inc. v. Johnson, Trademark
Trial and Appeal Board (1998). Cancellation action over ETERNITY
mark.
CBS Inc. v. Conduit/New World Productions,
Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (1997). Represented CBS in opposition
to Reality Check trademark.
CBS Inc. v. King Bio Pharmaceuticals,
Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (1997). Represented CBS in opposition
to Rescue 911 trademarks.
CBS Inc. v. American Promotional Events,
Inc., Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (1996). Represented CBS
in opposition to Twilight Zone trademarks.
CBS Inc. v. D.P. Dough, Inc., Trademark
Trial and Appeal Board (1995). Represented CBS in opposition to
Twilight Zone trademarks.
CBS Inc v. Mercadante, Trademark
Trial and Appeal Board (1993). Represented CBS in consolidated opposition
and cancellation proceedings relating to Rescue 911 trademarks.
Newmarket Software v. Delphi Development,
Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (1992). Petition to cancel DELPHI
COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS mark.
Captains Table Inc. v. Ivars, Trademark
Trial and Appeal Board (1988). Represented Ivars, a local restaurant
chain, in a concurrent use proceeding involving the CAPTAINS TABLE
mark.
Catalina Lighting Corp. v. International
Development Corp., U.S. District Court, Western District of
Washington (1993). Represented IDC in trademark/trade dress/copyright
infringement action.
The Pacific Indians v. The Pacific Indians
Association, Inc. U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
(1993). Dispute between opposing factions of social organization
over rights to name of organization.
Sonotec, Inc. v. Interspec, Inc.,
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1993). Represented
defendant in Lanham Act false advertising case.
Pac-Rim Building Materials v. Pacific
Rim Building Supplies, Inc., U.S. District Court, Western District
of Washington (1990). Represented plaintiff with respect to infringement
of PAC-RIM mark.
Volkswagen of America v. Universal Brass,
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1989). Counsel
for VW; alleged infringement by defendant by placing VW mark on
keychains.
Immunex Inc. v. Immunex Corp., U.S.
District Court, Western District of Washington (1988). Local counsel
for defendant.
Pabst Brewing Co. v. Seattle Times, Co.,
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1987). Counsel
for Seattle times in suit alleging infringement of plaintiff's slogan
"It's the water" by use of slogan in editorial cartoon.
Volkswagen of America v. Burien VW,
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1987). Counsel
for VW over use of its VW and related marks.
Virginia Mason v. Issaquah Medical Center,
King Co. Washington Supreme Court (1987). Counsel for plaintiff
concerning its ISSAQUAH MEDICAL CENTER mark.
Volkswagen of America v. Competition
Motors, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
(1986). Counsel for VW over use of its VW and related marks.
Private Productions v. J.C. Penney,
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1985). Local
counsel for defendant in dispute over FRAGILE mark for clothing.
REPRESENTATIVE COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT/OWNERSHIP
DISPUTES
Feltner v. Columbia Pictures Television,
U.S. Supreme Court (1998); Columbia Pictures Television v. Krypton
Broadcasting of Birmingham, Inc., U.S. Court of Appeals for
the Ninth Circuit, U.S. District Court, Central District of California
(1996 - 2000). Lead trial and appellate counsel for Columbia Pictures
Television in this copyright infringement action against the former
owner of television stations WNFT, WTVX and WABM that broadcast
over 400 episodes of syndicated television programs after their
licensing agreement with Columbia expired. After Columbia prevailed
in a bench trial, the U.S. Supreme Court remanded the case to the
federal district court for a jury trial. The jury ultimately awarded
Columbia over $31 million, the largest statutory copyright damages
judgment in history.
Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, 510
U.S. 569 (1994). Submitted amicus-curiae brief on behalf
of HBO, Comedy Central, Mad Magazine, Fox and NBC in "Pretty Woman"
copyright infringement case before the U.S. Supreme Court in support
of the "fair use" parody defense.
Laparade v. Columbia Pictures Industries,
Inc., U.S. District Court, Central District of California (2000-
present). Obtained an order in favor of Columbia Pictures Industries,
Inc. enjoining two lawsuits in Mexico concerning ownership of 39
motion pictures staring the late Mexican actor "Cantinflas" and
directing that all claims regarding those pictures, including claims
to "restoration rights" under 17 U.S.C. 104A, be litigated in Los
Angeles federal court. Obtained a favorable judgment in the first
trial phase that the producer of the films is the "author" initially
entitled to restored copyrights in the films.
Columbia Pictures Industries v. Galaxy
Publishing, et al., U.S. District Court, Central District California
(2000-present) and Aratow, et al. v. Sony Corp., et al.,
Los Angeles Superior Court (1999-present). Multi-forum dispute between
Hollywood studio and erstwhile producer (and his alter-ego company)
regarding trademark, copyright, and contractual rights in the entertainment
property known as Sheena, Queen of the Jungle. Among other
issues, the dispute involves claims for cyberpiracy and also involves
interpreting the scope of existing intellectual property rights
transfer agreements to newly developed media.
Blue Horizon v. Cohen, California
Superior Court, Los Angeles Co. (2000- present). Representing Turner
Network Television in theft of ideas case arising from motion picture
screenplay.
Pink Cactus Pictures v. Turner Network
Television, (C.D. Cal. 2001). Successfully defended cable television
network in copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and idea
submission case based on documentary about Congressional Medal of
honor recipients.
Premiere Radio Networks v. Broadcast
Data Systems, (C.D. Cal. 2000). Defended radio airplay monitoring
service in Lanham Act trade label and false advertising case arising
from humorous comparative advertising campaign.
Straight Arrow Publishers Company, L.P.
v. Headline News LA, et al., U.S. District Court, Central District
of California (1999-2000). Represented Rolling Stone magazine and
Mark Seliger in a copyright and trademark infringement action against
"Headline News LA" arising out of its unauthorized reproduction,
alteration and distribution of Rolling Stone's copyrighted article
concerning, and photographs of, actor Brad Pitt. Case successfully
resolved.
Brower v. E! Entertainment Television,
California Superior Court and Court of Appeal (2000). Defended cable
television network and obtained directed verdict after three-week
jury trial, including directed verdict based on copyright preemption,
in idea submission case involving E!'s program "Fashion Emergency;"
appeal pending.
H&K v. Cable News Network, U.S. District
Court, Central District of California (1999). Represented CNN in
a copyright infringement and breach of contract action filed by
the promoter of O.J. Simpson's pay-per-view "tell-all" interview
program. Case was resolved after defendant filed motion for summary
judgment.
Martin v. Turner Publishing, Inc.,
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (1999). Represented
Turner Publishing in copyright dispute involving the use of photographs
appearing in Sinatra: Portrait of the Artist.
Smith v. RTV News, Inc. et al., U.S.
District Court, Southern District of California (1999). Represented
RTV News Inc., Paramount, and Viacom in an action for copyright
infringement, misappropriation, and invasion of privacy based on
"Real TV's use of an excerpt of videotape of killer whale attack.
The matter was resolved.
Pritz v. Paramount Pictures Corp., et
al., U.S. District Court, Central District of California (1998-2000).
Represented Paramount, Viacom, and Globe in a copyright infringement
action arising from various news organization's use in news reports
of brief excerpts from a copyrighted videotape of Monica Lewinsky's
eighth grade graduation ceremony. Case was resolved after hearing
on Globe's motion for summary judgment.
Shapiro v. Condé Nast Publications, et
al., U.S. District Court, Central District of California and
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal (1998-2000). Represented Condé Nast
Publications, publisher of Vanity Fair, and author Gore Vidal
in a copyright infringement and theft of ideas action filed by a
historian who claimed that Vidal appropriated his theories in a
Vanity Fair article. The court granted defendants' motion
for summary judgment and dismissed plaintiff's claims. The Ninth
Circuit affirmed.
Bret Michaels v. Internet Entertainment
Group/Pamela Anderson v. Paramount Pictures Corp., U.S. District
Court, Central District of California (1998). Represented Paramount
in this copyright infringement, misappropriation, and invasion of
privacy action arising from "Hard Copy's" use in a news report of
excerpts from Anderson's copyrighted home sex video. The Court granted
Paramount's motion for summary judgment and dismissed all claims
against Paramount. Lee agreed to forego her appeal in exchange for
Paramount's waiver of fees and costs.
Fleet v. CBS, California Superior
Court, Los Angeles Co. (1995 - 1998). Represented CBS in this lawsuit
for misappropriation and other torts arising from plaintiffs' assertion
that their likenesses and script were used in a film distributed
by CBS, but they were not paid for their work. Plaintiffs' primary
claims were disposed of by a motion for summary judgment on copyright
preemption, which was affirmed by the Court of Appeal in a published
decision. 50 Cal. App. 4th 1911 (1997).
Rice v. Turner Broadcasting, U.S.
District Court, Central District of California (1997). Represented
Turner in this theft of ideas action, in which plaintiff alleged
that Turner stole his idea for a children's interstitial called
"Have You Ever Wondered." The matter was resolved for a nominal
sum.
Winston and Harris v. Universal City
Studios, Inc., et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court (1995).
Represented Dark Horse Comics, Dark Horse Entertainment, and Dark
Horse employees in a lawsuit based on plaintiffs' allegations that
the movie "Time Cop" was taken from their script. After defendants
filed multiple summary judgment motions, the matter was resolved.
Holliday v. CNN, U.S. District Court,
Central District of California and Ninth Circuit (1992-1994). Represented
CNN and TBS in copyright infringement litigation over videotape
of beating of Rodney King.
Meifert v. E! Entertainment Television,
California Superior Court, Los Angeles Co. (1995). Represented E!
in this lawsuit, in which plaintiff claimed that E! used one of
her copyrighted photographs without permission. The matter was resolved
for a nominal amount.
LanShark v. Toucan Software, U.S.
District Court, Central District of California (1995). Represented
defendant against claims for copyright infringement arising from
defendants' alleged use of computer codes in a software package.
Plaintiff moved for a preliminary injunction; following briefing
on the motion, the matter was resolved.
Mascott v. HBO, U.S. District Court,
Central District of California (1994). Represented HBO in this lawsuit,
in which plaintiff claimed that his copyrighted footage was used
by HBO in a documentary without his permission. Resolved following
discovery.
Don Guest v. Philip Finch, et al.,
U.S. District Court, Central District of California (1994). Represented
author Philip Finch in this lawsuit for theft of ideas, in which
Disney and others were also named as defendants. The matter was
dismissed after resolution of the claims between the studio and
plaintiff.
Ramey v. E! Entertainment, U.S. District
Court, Southern District of New York (2001). Represented defendant
in copyright infringement claims arising out of the use of photographs
in news story. Successfully settled.
Martha Graham School and Dance Foundation,
Inc. et al. v. Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance, Inc.
et al., U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (2001-present).
Representing defendant officers and directors in trademark and copyright
action brought by Martha Graham's heir against long-standing institutions
that bear her name.
Video-Cinema Films, Inc. v. Cable News
Network, Inc., U.S. District Court, Southern District of New
York (1998 - present). Defending CNN in a copyright infringement
action arising from CNN's use of a 14-second film clip in a news
report on the death of actor Robert Mitchum. Motion by CNN for summary
judgment on fair use grounds is pending.
Richard Feiner And Company, Inc. v. CNN,
et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (1997
- present). Representing CNN in a copyright infringement suit arising
from CNN's use in its program Showbiz Today of a 7 second
clip from a Laurel & Hardy film.
Bader v. Random House, Southern District
of New York (2001). Defended Random House and author Stefan Kanfer
in a copyright infringement action in which plaintiff claimed Random
House's collection of short pieces by and about Groucho Marx infringed
plaintiff's competing compilation. Matter successfully settled.
Kane v. Comedy Central, The Daily
Show, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (2000 -
present). Representing defendant, The Daily Show, in pending copyright
infringement action involving Show's use of a clip from plaintiff's
public access television program.
Image One v. Yellow Book USA, Inc., et
al, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada (2001). Represented
Yellow Book USA in copyright infringement suit involving allegedly
infringing display ads appearing in local New York telephone directories.
Plaintiff agreed to voluntarily dismiss its suit in Nevada for lack
of personal jurisdiction.
Zen Music v. Sunday Productions,
Southern District of New York (2000). Defended Sunday Productions
and one of its composers against copyright infringement claims involving
Sunday Production's successful advertising jingle, "One at A Time,"
written for CVS. Successfully settled with plaintiff agreeing to
drop the action without any payment or other benefit from defendants.
Havens v. Viacom, Inc., et al., U.S.
District Court, Southern District of New York (2000). Represented
Viacom, VH1 and MTV in a copyright infringement action arising out
of the use of a video clip of Havens' performance of his musical
composition, "Freedom," at the original Woodstock in the "VH1 Behind
the Music: Woodstock" documentary. Successfully settled.
Viacom International Inc. v. Strong Arm
Entertainment, et al., U.S. District Court, District of New
Jersey (1999 - 2000). Successfully represented plaintiff in a trademark
and copyright infringement action involving plaintiff's "Rugrats"
animated television series.
Klinko v. E! Entertainment Television,
Southern District of New York (1998). Defended E! in a copyright
infringement action in which plaintiff claimed that E!'s use of
a magazine cover that included one of his photographs infringed
his copyright. The matter was resolved before discovery for a nominal
amount.
Bell South Advertising & Publishing Corporation
v. Yellow Book of Florida Directories, U.S. District Court of
Florida, Southern Division (1999 - 2000). Represented defendant
against copyright infringement claims involving display advertisements
appearing in "yellow pages" telephone directories. Matter successfully
settled.
Barnes v. Viacom, et al., Supreme
Court, N.Y. Co. (1998 - 2000). Defended Viacom, MTV and Nickelodeon
in a theft of ideas action, where plaintiff claimed that a "Nick
Jr." television show designed for pre-schoolers is "inspired and
based upon" a proposal for a television show that plaintiff alleges
she submitted to Nickelodeon. Upon the filing of a motion to dismiss
the claim, plaintiff withdrew complaint. Court subsequently rejected
(and awarded sanctions for) plaintiff's attempt to file another
complaint.
Kerr v. The New Yorker Magazine, Inc.,
et al., U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (1998-1999).
Successfully defended magazine publisher and artist against Lanham
Act and copyright infringement claims brought by artist who contended
his illustration was infringed by cover illustration. Summary judgment
granted for magazine and artist on all counts.
Boisson v. Reed Int'l Books, Ltd.,
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York (1995). Defended
author and publisher of book against copyright infringement claims
brought by quilt designer. Matter successfully settled.
Lewin v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., et
al, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia (1993). Represented
author of Report from Iron Mountain in copyright claim against
Liberty Lobby and related entities for unauthorized reproduction
of book. Settled for substantial payment obtained after plaintiff's
submission of summary judgment motion.
Condé Nast v. Compagnie Generale D'Edition
et de Presse, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New
York (1992). Prosecuted copyright infringement action on behalf
of British Vogue against the publishers of Paris Match
magazine and its distributors. Paris Match had obtained and
was threatening to distribute unauthorized "outtake" photographs
taken of the British royal family in violation of Vogue's
exclusive arrangement with Buckingham Palace. On a day's notice,
obtained a preliminary injunction against all defendants and thereafter
successfully settled the matter.
Love v. Kwitny, 772 F. Supp. 1367
(S.D.N.Y. 1991). Defended the author of Endless Enemies against
libel and copyright infringement claims asserted by a New York
Times reporter based on language taken from plaintiff's unpublished
manuscript. The libel claims were dismissed prior to trial and minimal
damages awarded on the copyright claim following a trial.
Brown et al. v. Mojo Records et al.,
U.S. District Court, Oregon (2001-present). Representing Mojo Records
and the Cherry Poppin' Daddies in a copyright action brought by
former band members for royalties allegedly due based on album sales.
Lyra Productions America v. Allegro Corp.,
U.S. District Court (2001-present). Representing plaintiff record
label in copyright infringement action against distributor for alleged
unauthorized distribution of label's titles.
IIS LLC v. Siemens S.A. de C.V., et al.,
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (2001). Represented
Mexican subsidiary of Siemens in lawsuit raising copyright, trade
dress, and trade secret claims with respect to computer software.
Defeated motion for preliminary injunction.
Whitney v. Rondor Music International,
Inc., d/b/a Irving Music, Inc., U.S. District Court, Western
District of Washington (2000 - 2001). Defended music publishing
company in infringement dispute over song performed by George Michael;
settled after defense summary judgment motion filed.
Glass & Door International, Inc., et
al. v. The Home Depot, Inc. et al., U.S. District Court, Southern
District of Texas (1999 - 2001). Defended supplier of leaded glass
doorlites to Home Depot against copyright infringement claim.
Darryl Lemon v. Prince Rogers Nelson,
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1997 - 2000).
Defended Prince and Warner Bros. Records in action alleging that
Prince's song "I Hate U" infringes plaintiff's unreleased song.
Fastcap, Inc. v. MB Design, U.S.
District Court, Western District of Washington (2000). Successfully
settled copyright infringement and ownership dispute shortly after
substituting in as counsel.
Scott C. Irons v. Traho Architects, P.S.,
et al., U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
(1999 - 2000). Represented defendant architect in alleged infringement
of copyright in building design; settled for nominal sum.
Sullivan Publications, Inc. v. King of
the Road Map Service, U.S. District Court, Western District
of Washington (1998). Represented defendant in map copyright infringement
action.
Physician Micro Systems, Inc. v. Randak
Systems, Inc., AAA arbitration (1998). Represented software
developer in copyright ownership and royalty accounting dispute.
Westmedia Corp. v. Sternwheeler Publishing
Co., U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1996).
Represented defendant in newspaper advertising copyright infringement
action.
Hendrix v. Branton, U.S. District
Court, Western District of Washington (1993, representation began
1995). Represented third party U.K. record producer Daniel Secunda
in dispute over copyright ownership of Jimi Hendrix works.
Reinhall v. Campbell Soup Co. and Backer,
Spielvogel, Bates, Inc., U.S. District Court, Western District
of Washington (1994-95). Represented Campbell Soup and its advertising
agency in a copyright and trademark infringement suit over artwork
used in an advertisement.
Warren Publishing House, Inc. v. RCL
Enterprises, Inc., U.S. District Court, Western District of
Washington (1993-94). Represented producers of Barney the Dinosaur
in three-way dispute over ownership and infringement of copyright
in the song, "I Love You."
Fourgen Software, Inc. v. Concept Dynamics,
Inc., U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1993).
Represented plaintiff in software copyright infringement action.
Oxford Group, Inc. v. Cambridge Institute,
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1993). Represented
third party distributor Professional Education Systems, Inc. in
copyright infringement action.
REPRESENTATIVE PATENT CASES
Microsoft Corp. v. Timeline, Inc.,
King County Superior Court (1999 - 2000). Lead counsel for Microsoft
(as licensee) in action to construe a patent license, for breach
of the license, and for breach of the covenant of good faith and
fair dealing. Obtained judgment for Microsoft at trial.
Asian Communication Pty Ltd and Tegic
Communications, Inc. v. Zi Corporation, U.S. District Court,
Northern District of California (2000 - present). Representing plaintiffs
in patent infringement claims regarding text entry on reduced keyboards.
Zi Corporation of Canada v. Tegic Communications,
Inc., U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1999
- present). Representing defendant against claims that software
for stroke-based entry of Chinese characters infringed patent.
K-2 Corporation v. Rollerblade, Inc.,
et al., U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
(2001). Local counsel for Rollerblade in patent infringement claims
relating to in-line skates.
In re Agribiotech, Inc., Federal
Bankruptcy Court, Nevada (2000). Represented owner/licensor of grass
seed varieties protected under the Plant Variety Protection Act
in an action requiring the debtor-in-possession to reject its executory
licenses. Successfully settled on favorable terms.
Brandt's Fruit Trees, Inc. v. Jose Cervantes
et al., U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
(1996-1999). Represented defendant nurseryman in action alleging
infringement of plant patent on Pink Lady apple. Matter subsequently
settled.
CMB Indus. v. Watts Indus., U.S.
District Court, Western District of Washington. (1996-1999). Served
as local counsel for defendant in patent infringement suit concerning
backflow prevention devices. Subsequently settled.
Wall Data v. OpenConnect Systems,
U.S District Court, Western District of Washington (1998-1999).
Served as local counsel for OpenConnect in software patent infringement
action.
Attachmate v. OpenConnect Systems,
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1998-1999).
Served as local counsel for OpenConnect in software patent infringement
action. Matter subsequently transferred to U.S. District Court,
Northern District of Texas.
Apex PC Solutions v. Cybex Corp.,
Apex PC Solutions v. Rose Electronics, U.S. District Court, Western
District of Washington (1998-1999). Served as local counsel for
plaintiff in patent infringement action.
Washington Research Foundation v. British
Technology Group, Arbitration (1999). Represented Washington
Research Foundation regarding royalty revenue allocation and product
infringement analysis of multiple claims for a combined patent estate
licensed to American Home Products over sales of Factor IX for a
rare form of hemophilia.
Research Corp. Technologies v. Yang Laboratories,
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1990-91). Acted
as local counsel for plaintiff in patent infringement lawsuit. Patent
concerned human prostate specific antigen. Case settled after extensive
discovery.
Quintero-Smith, Inc. v. Herman Miller,
Inc., et al., U.S. District Court, Central District of California
(2000- present). Representing defendants Herman Miller, Inc. and
Miller SQA, Inc. in a patent infringement case involving "expert
system" software in the modular office furniture industry.
Tegic, Inc. v. Zi Corporation, et al.,
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California; related proceedings
in U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (2000- present).
Representing plaintiff Tegic, Inc. in a patent infringement case
involving software for inputting textual characters on a reduced
keyboard.
Planet U, Inc. v. coolsavings.com, Inc.,
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (2000). Represented
defendant and counterclaimant coolsavings.com, Inc. in patent infringement
litigation involving an internet coupon distribution software program.
Meltec v. Lazerton, U.S. District
Court, Northern District of California (1996). Represented defendant
in patent infringement action involving claims regarding electronic
carnival games. Case subsequently settled.
FMC
Corp. v. Up-Right, Inc., 816 F. Supp. 1455 (N.D. Cal. 1993). Represented
FMC Corp., the manufacturer of food machinery, in a patent case
involving the repair/reconstruction doctrine.
REPRESENTATIVE TRADE SECRET CASES
Bay Guardian Publishing, Co. v. Castillo,
San Francisco Superior Court (2000-2001). Represented newspaper
in dispute involving the alleged theft of proprietary business information
(valued at $6 million) by former employee who left to join competitor.
Obtained injunctive relief for the Guardian.
Catalog Partners v. Unapix Entertainment,
Inc. Los Angeles County Superior Court, California (1999). Represented
Unapix Entertainment in a suit regarding the use of alleged trade
secrets (concerning direct mail marketing of video cassettes) which
were allegedly obtained pursuant to Unipix hiring a former employee
of plaintiff.
DSC Communications Corporation v. Advanced
Fibre Communications, Inc., et al., U.S. District Court, Eastern
District of Texas (1994-2000). Represented Advanced Fibre Communications,
Inc., the developer and seller of advanced telecommunications equipment,
in seven cases involving claims of alleged theft of trade secrets
and patent infringement.
IMSI v. MicroPro, et al., California
Superior Court, Marin County (1990). Successfully defended Seymour
Rubinstein, the creator of the then-largest selling word processing
program in the world, against claims of theft of trade secrets.
Pacific Office Automation v. CNC Business
Machines, Inc., Oregon Circuit Court, Washington County (2001-present).
Representing defendants against allegations of unfair trade practices,
intentional interference with business relations and misappropriation
of trade secrets, including customer lists, costs and pricing materials.
Precision Lumber Co. v. Fletcher Challenge
Forests Ltd., U.S. District Court, Oregon (2000- present). Representing
New Zealand defendant regarding claims of theft of trade secrets
comprised of manufacturing processes disclosed during acquisition
discussions.
Kinetic Systems, Inc. v. California Bridge
& Iron, Inc., U.S. District Court, Puerto Rico (1999-2000).
Served as lead counsel in a theft of trade secrets case involving
construction processes for high-tech silicon and biopharm plants.
Settled after extensive discovery.
Temco Metal Products v. GT Development
Corp., Oregon Circuit Court, Multnomah County (1999-2000). Represented
plaintiff in claims of inevitable trade secret misappropriation
regarding sophisticated gasoline caps. Case settled after securing
preliminary injunction.
AFA, Inc. and Klamath Blue Green Inc.
v. Rhino Enterprises, Oregon Circuit Court, Klamath County (1998).
Served as trial counsel in a case involved allegations of breach
of non-compete, theft and misappropriation of trade secrets, including
business methods and spray freeze-drying technologies.
Europress Software Ltd. v. Micromedia
Publishers, Inc. et. al., U.S. District Court, Oregon (1996-1997).
Represented U.K. plaintiff in theft of trade secrets case regarding
computer software. Settled after discovery.
Viacom, Inc. v. Hollywood Entertainment
Corp., U.S. District Court, Oregon (1995-1996). Represented
plaintiff Blockbuster in claims of inevitable disclosure of trade
secrets based on defendant's hiring key employees of plaintiff.
Obtained expedited discovery order and case settled prior to trial.
Farberware v. Whitford, U.S. District
Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania (1993). Represented plaintiff
Farberware in claims of theft of trade secrets comprised of a formula
for non-stick coatings. Obtained preliminary injunction, after which
case settled.
Battelle Memorial Institute v. James
A. Wise, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
(1999). Represented plaintiff in action for misappropriation of
trade secrets in computer software.
Boss Game Studios, Inc. v. Snowblind
Studios, Inc., Washington Superior Court (1998). Represented
plaintiff in action for misappropriation of trade secrets in video
game.
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