Yoga Pants For Your Feet trademark complaint.pdf
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Transcript of Yoga Pants For Your Feet trademark complaint.pdf
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Lisa M. Martens (SBN 195824) [email protected] Nancy L. Ly (SBN 284991) [email protected] FISH & RICHARDSON P.C. 12390 El Camino Real San Diego, CA 92130 Telephone: (858) 678-5070 Facsimile: (858) 678-5099
Attorneys for Plaintiff TerriKelly, LLC
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
TERRIKELLY, LLC, a California limited liability company,
Plaintiff,
v.
SKECHERS U.S.A., INC., a Delaware corporation, and SKECHERS U.S.A., INC. II, a Delaware corporation,
Defendants.
Civil Action No. ____________
COMPLAINT FOR FEDERAL
TRADEMARK
INFRINGEMENT; FEDERAL
UNFAIR COMPETITION;
FALSE DESIGNATION OF
ORIGIN; COMMON LAW
TRADEMARK
INFRINGEMENT;
VIOLATION OF CAL. BUS. &
PROF. CODE 17200 et seq.;
AND UNJUST ENRICHMENT
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
'15CV1086 DHBGPC
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COMPLAINT
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Plaintiff, TerriKelly, LLC (TerriKelly) for its Complaint against
Defendants Skechers U.S.A., Inc. and Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II (collectively,
Skechers) states and alleges as follows:
THE PARTIES
1. Plaintiff, TerriKelly is a limited liability company organized and
existing under the laws of the State of California, with its principal place of business
located at 1 Paume Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
2. On information and belief, Skechers U.S.A., Inc. is a Delaware
corporation, with headquarters located at 228 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan
Beach, CA 90266.
3. On information and belief, Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II is also a Delaware
corporation, with headquarters located at 228 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan
Beach, CA 90266.
4. On information and belief, Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II is a subsidiary of
Skechers U.S.A., Inc.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
5. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action
pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1331 and 1338(a), as it arises under the trademark laws of
the United States. This Court also has subject matter jurisdiction over the claims in
this action that relate to trademark infringement, false designation of origin, and
federal unfair competition pursuant to sections 34(a) and 39(a) of the Lanham Act
and 15 U.S.C. 1116(a) and 1121(a), as these claims arise under the laws of the
United States. The Court has supplemental jurisdiction over the claims in this
Complaint which arise under state statutory and common law pursuant to 28 U.S.C.
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1367(a) because the state law claims are so related to the federal claims that they
form part of the same case or controversy and derive from a common nucleus of
operative facts.
6. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Skechers. Skechers has
purposely, continuously, and systematically conducted business in this district.
Skechers is registered to do business in the State of California and maintains 97 retail
and factory outlet store locations in California with eight store locations in the
Southern District of California.1 In its most recent Form 10-K filing, Skechers stated
that a significant portion of our net sales is derived from sales in California.
7. Skechers has a continuous, systematic, and substantial presence within
this judicial district, including by selling and offering for sale products bearing/using
the infringing advertising tag line in this judicial district and by committing acts of
trademark infringement in this judicial district, including but not limited to
advertising and marketing directly to consumers in this district, selling footwear
directly to consumers and/or retailers in this district, and selling footwear into the
stream of commerce knowing such footwear products would be sold in this district.
These acts of Skechers form a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise
to TerriKellys claim.
8. Venue is proper in this district under 28 U.S.C. 1391, as a substantial
portion of the events giving rise to this action took place in this judicial district.
1 Skechers maintains six stores in San Diego County: one factory outlet store in
Carlsbad, one retail store in National City, and three factory outlet stores and one retail store in San Diego. Skechers also maintains two stores in Imperial County: one factory outlet store in Calexico and one factory outlet store in El Centro.
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BACKGROUND ON TERRIKELLY
9. TerriKelly is a small, start-up footwear company created by Terri Kelly,
an entrepreneurial mom of six children with a passion for comfort and yoga. Ms.
Kelly was not able to find a flip-flop with the same comfort and minimalistic style
of yoga wear, so she set out to create her own. Ms. Kelly developed a light weight
and amazingly comfortable flip-flop with a minimalist design. She created and
branded them as yoga pants for your feet.
10. Recognizing the importance of intellectual property rights, Ms. Kelly
applied for, and now owns, a federal trademark registration for the YOGA PANTS
FOR YOUR FEET mark. The YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark enjoys
registration on the Principal Register of the United States Patent and Trademark
Office (U.S.P.T.O.) at Registration No. 4,730,442 for use on flip-flops and
footwear. TerriKelly LLC, the plaintiff in this action, is the owner by assignment of
all rights, title, and interest in the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark from Ms.
Kelly. A copy of the certificate of registration and a trademark assignment cover
sheet are attached hereto as Exhibit A.
11. The federal trademark registration for the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR
FEET mark is valid, subsisting, and in full force and effect.
12. TerriKellys federal registration of the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR
FEET mark provides benefits such as a statutory presumption of validity, ownership,
and an exclusive right to use the registered mark. The federal registration of the
YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark also serves as constructive notice of a
claim of ownership.
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13. Ms. Kelly realized that yoga pants for your feet was a unique and
perfect way to convey to consumers the comfort and minimalist design of her flip-
flops. Since at least as early as January 2014, she began to market her flip-flops by
using that unique slogan on the product packaging of the flip-flops, as well as on
the TerriKelly website, as shown below.
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14. TerriKelly flip-flops are worn by women running errands, to and from
yoga or the gym, and daily with their casual attire. Their durable design and high
level of comfort has also led customers to use TerriKelly flip-flops for travel and
sight-seeing. TerriKelly.com, the brands e-commerce website, features pictures
uploaded by customers wearing their TerriKelly flip-flops at various locations
around the world.
15. TerriKelly flip-flops are also promoted nationwide through the
Outdoor Retailers trade show in Salt Lake City, the Wanderlust yoga festival in
Squaw Valley, and at various fairs and festivals. TerriKelly flip-flops have also
received extensive unsolicited media attention as they were recently featured as an
editors pick in LA Yoga Magazine.
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16. TerriKelly flip flops are sold through the TerriKelly.com e-commerce
website as well as through specialty boutiques around the country and online at
Zulily.com and 11Maine.com. In just over one year of sales, TerriKelly flip flops
have enjoyed substantial success.
17. TerriKelly has also actively promoted the flip-flops in connection with
the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark on various social media platforms
including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
18. As a result of TerriKellys widespread use of the YOGA PANTS FOR
YOUR FEET mark in connection with flip-flops, the public recognizes and
associates the mark with TerriKelly, which has established extensive goodwill in the
slogan.
DEFENDANTS AND THEIR ACTIVITIES
19. Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II is a footwear brand that is familiar with the
importance of trademark rights. To date, Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II owns nearly 300
live trademark applications and registrations with the U.S.P.T.O.
20. Skechers U.S.A., Inc. is a publicly traded footwear company with over
2 billion dollars in net sales for 2014. Skechers footwear includes sandals, boots,
and athletic and casual sneakers and is marketed to women, men, and children.
21. Skechers footwear is marketed and sold in over 600 stores worldwide.
Skechers owns and operates over 300 retail stores in the United States alone.
22. Skechers advertises and markets its footwear extensively on a variety
of platforms such as social media, online, print, television, and trade shows.
Skechers also utilizes celebrity endorsements in its advertising campaign from
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celebrities such as Brooke Burke-Charvet, Demi Lovato, Mark Cuban, and Ringo
Starr.
23. TerriKelly recently learned of a commercial being shown on television
and online promoting Skechers Stretch-Fit Glider shoe. Skechers commercial
features celebrity and Dancing with the Stars Season 7 winner Brooke Burke-
Charvet and prominently uses TerriKellys YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark
to promote its new shoe in the commercial. Skechers also uses the YOGA PANTS
FOR YOUR FEET mark in its description of the commercial online, as highlighted
below. To date, upon information and belief, Skechers continues to run its
commercial on television and YouTube. Skechers commercial can be viewed on
YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwS1WqjeD4k.
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24. In addition to its commercial, Skechers has also prominently used
TerriKellys YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark in its social media advertising
on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Shown below are Skechers Facebook
and Twitter posts from January 17, 2015 using TerriKellys YOGA PANTS FOR
YOUR FEET mark in its advertising.
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25. A simple search of the U.S.P.T.O. records on the date of Skechers
posts on Facebook and Twitter would have revealed TerriKellys YOGA PANTS
FOR YOUR FEET mark as the application was filed on May 23, 2014 seven
months before Skechers Facebook and Twitter posts.
26. TerriKellys YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark was unique until
Skechers began using the identical slogan.
27. Skechers is a company with significant resources. Skechers most
recent Form 10-K filing, provided that Skechers gross profit in 2014 was over a
billion dollars, an increase from over 800 million in 2013.
28. It is apparent that Skechers devotes substantial resources towards its
marketing and advertising campaigns, which includes engaging celebrities like
Ringo Starr and Hall of Fame quarterbacks Joe Montana and Joe Namath to endorse
its products.
29. Skechers substantial resources afford Skechers the luxury of being able
to market its products through commercials, print advertisements, and billboards.
TerriKelly, on the other hand, as a small start-up company cannot compete. As a
result, it is likely that consumers will be confused and deceived as to the source of
TerriKellys YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark and may believe that Skechers
is actually the owner of the slogan, when, in fact, it is TerriKelly.
30. TerriKelly has not authorized Skechers to use its YOGA PANTS FOR
YOUR FEET mark. On March 25, 2015, Ms. Kellys counsel sent a cease and desist
letter to Skechers counsel of record with the U.S.P.T.O. informing Skechers of its
infringement of the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark and demanding that
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Skechers immediately cease all use of the mark. A copy of the cease and desist letter
is attached hereto as Exhibit B.
31. Upon information and belief, to date, Skechers has not ceased all use of
the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark in its advertising and marketing.
32. Skechers is willfully using TerriKellys YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR
FEET mark in its advertising and marketing to promote its Stretch-Fit Glider shoe.
33. Skechers willful and unauthorized use of TerriKellys YOGA PANTS
FOR YOUR FEET mark in connection with its advertising and marketing is likely
to cause confusion as to the source of its goods because Skechers is using the
identical mark in commerce to advertise and market its footwear.
FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF
(Federal Trademark Infringement)
(15 U.S.C. 1114)
34. TerriKelly repeats the allegations above as if fully set forth herein.
35. TerriKelly has registered its YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark
with the USPTO and has the exclusive right to use this mark in connection with its
flip-flops and footwear. TerriKelly also has common law rights in this trademark in
connection with flip-flops and footwear.
36. TerriKelly has used the inherently distinctive YOGA PANTS FOR
YOUR FEET mark continuously in connection with flip-flops and footwear products
since at least as early as January 31, 2014.
37. TerriKelly has spent significant time, money, and effort advertising and
promoting its trademark in commerce as distinctive source identifier in connection
with TerriKellys goods.
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38. As a result of such extensive and exclusive use and promotion of the
YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark, the mark has developed secondary
meaning as an indicator that TerriKelly is the source of the goods identified by the
mark.
39. TerriKellys YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark represents
valuable goodwill owned by TerriKelly.
40. Skechers use of the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark in
connection with its footwear is without TerriKellys consent.
41. Skechers unauthorized and infringing use of the YOGA PANTS FOR
YOUR FEET mark in connection with Skechers advertisement, promotion, offers
for sale, and sales of its footwear through commercials and social media websites
constitutes use of the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark in commerce.
42. Skechers uses the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark to confuse
and deceive the public into believing that Skechers and its footwear are sponsored,
affiliated or associated with TerriKelly, when, in fact, they are not.
43. Skechers unauthorized use of the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET
mark is likely to cause confusion, mistake, and deception as to the source of the
footwear and Skechers is unfairly benefitting from TerriKellys substantial efforts
in advertising and promoting its YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark.
44. Due to Skechers unauthorized use of the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR
FEET mark, TerriKelly has suffered and continues to suffer great and irreparable
injury, for which TerriKelly has no adequate remedy at law.
45. Skechers actions constitute willful infringement of the YOGA PANTS
FOR YOUR FEET mark in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1114(1).
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46. Skechers conduct has been willful and in bad faith making this an
exceptional case within the meaning of 15 U.S.C. 1117(a).
47. Skechers is liable to TerriKelly for an amount representing the greater
of three times TerriKellys damages or Skechers illicit profits, as well as
TerriKellys costs and reasonable attorney fees.
SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF
(Federal Unfair Competition & False Designation of Origin)
(15 U.S.C. 1125(a))
48. TerriKelly repeats the allegations above as if fully set forth herein.
49. Skechers unauthorized and infringing use of the YOGA PANTS FOR
YOUR FEET mark in connection with Skechers advertisement, promotion, offers
for sale, and sales of its footwear through its commercials and social media websites
constitutes use of the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark in commerce.
50. Skechers uses the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark to confuse
and deceive the public into believing that Skechers and its footwear are sponsored,
affiliated or associated with TerriKelly, when, in fact, they are not.
51. Skechers unauthorized use of the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET
mark is likely to cause confusion, mistake, and deception as to the source of the
footwear and Skechers is unfairly benefitting from TerriKellys substantial efforts
in advertising and promoting its YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark.
52. Skechers has actual knowledge of TerriKellys ownership and prior use
of the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark and without the consent of
TerriKelly, has and continues to willfully and intentionally violate 15 U.S.C.
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1125(a). Upon information and belief, this is an exceptional case within the meaning
of 15 U.S.C 1117.
53. Skechers actions constitute a false designation of origin and unfair
competition in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1125(a).
54. Skechers, by its actions, has irreparably injured and damaged
TerriKelly. Such irreparable injury will continue unless Skechers is permanently
enjoined by this Court from further violation of TerriKellys rights, for which
TerriKelly has no adequate remedy at law.
THIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF
(California Common Law Trademark Infringement)
55. TerriKelly repeats the allegations above as if fully set forth herein.
56. TerriKelly has a protectable interest in the YOGA PANTS FOR
YOUR FEET mark.
57. Skechers acts complained of herein constitute infringement of
TerriKellys common law rights in its mark under California common law.
58. TerriKelly seeks all damages to which it is entitled for Skechers
infringement in an amount to be determined by the Court.
59. TerriKelly seeks injunctive relief to prevent the irreparable harm
Skechers infringement has caused and will continue to cause if not enjoined.
FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
(California Unfair Competition)
(California Common Law and Cal. Bus. and Prof. Code 17200 et seq.)
60. TerriKelly repeats the allegations above as if fully set forth herein.
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61. Skechers actions constitute unlawful and/or unfair business practices
in violation of California Business & Professions Code 17200 et seq.
62. By virtue of the acts complained of herein, Skechers has intentionally
caused a likelihood of confusion among the consumers and public, injured
TerriKellys business reputation, and has unfairly competed in violation of
California Business & Professions Code 17200 et seq.
63. Skechers is using a slogan that is identical to TerriKellys YOGA
PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark and is likely to cause confusion.
64. Skechers acts complained of herein constitute unlawful, unfair,
malicious, or fraudulent business practices, which have injured and damaged
TerriKelly.
65. Upon information and belief, the acts of Skechers were done
knowingly, willfully, and maliciously with the intent to trade upon the good will of
TerriKelly.
66. Skechers, by its actions, has irreparably injured and damaged
TerriKelly. Such irreparable injury will continue unless Skechers is permanently
enjoined by this Court from further violation of TerriKellys rights, for which
TerriKelly has no adequate remedy at law.
FIFTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
(Unjust Enrichment)
67. TerriKelly repeats the allegations above as if fully set forth herein.
68. The acts of Skechers complained of herein constitute unjust
enrichment as Skechers is benefitting from the valuable goodwill of TerriKellys
YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark at TerriKellys expense.
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PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHERFORE, TerriKelly respectfully requests the Court to award TerriKelly the
following relief:
A. That the Court render a final judgment in favor of TerriKelly and
against Skechers on all claims for relief herein;
B. That Skechers be adjudged to have infringed TerriKellys rights in and
to its federally registered and common law YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark;
C. That the Court render a final judgment declaring Skechers has willfully
violated the provisions of 15 U.S.C. 1125(a) by infringing TerriKellys rights in
the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark;
D. That the Court render a final judgment declaring that Skechers has
violated California Business & Professions Code 17200 et seq. by unfairly
competing with TerriKelly and that Skechers actions were done willfully and
knowingly;
E. That the Court render a final judgment declaring Skechers has violated
California common law by unfairly competing with TerriKelly and that Skechers
actions were done willfully and knowingly;
F. That Skechers, its officers, principals, agents, servants, employees,
attorneys, successors, and assigns and all other persons in active concert or
participation with any of them who receive actual notice of the injuction by personal
service or otherwise, be forthwith permanently enjoined from:
1. using the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark, or any other
mark, symbol, or design that is confusingly similar to the YOGA
PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark on or in connection with its
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footwear or any other goods, including but not limited to flip
flops;
2. filing any applications for registration of any trademarks
confusingly similar to TerriKellys YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR
FEET mark;
3. falsely designating the origin of Skechers goods;
4. unfairly competing with TerriKelly in any manner whatsoever;
5. causing a likelihood of confusion or injury to TerriKellys
business reputation; and
6. manufacturing, using, displaying, distributing, or selling any
goods that infringe the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET mark;
G. That Skechers be required to account to TerriKelly for any and all
profits derived by Skechers and all damages sustained by TerriKelly by virtue of
Skechers actions complained of herein;
H. That Skechers be ordered to pay over to TerriKelly all damages
TerriKelly has sustained as a consequence of the acts complained of herein, subject
to proof at trial;
I. That TerriKelly be awarded damages pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1117,
together with prejudgment and post-judgment interest;
J. That Skechers actions be deemed willful and that this case be deemed
exceptional and the amount of damages be trebled and that the amount of profits be
increased by as many times as the Court deems appropriate, pursuant to 15 U.S.C.
1117;
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K. That an award of reasonable costs, expenses, and attorneys fees be
awarded to TerriKelly pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1117; and
L. Such other and further relief as this Court may deem just.
Respectfully submitted,
FISH & RICHARDSON P.C.
Dated: May 13, 2015 By: /s/ Lisa M. Martens
Lisa M. Martens
Nancy L. Ly
Attorneys for Plaintiff TerriKelly, LLC
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COMPLAINT
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DEMAND FOR TRIAL BY JURY
Pursuant to Rule 38(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiff
TerriKelly hereby requests a trial by jury on all claims and issues so triable.
Respectfully submitted,
FISH & RICHARDSON P.C.
Dated: May 13, 2015 By: /s/ Lisa M. Martens
Lisa M. Martens
Nancy L. Ly
Attorneys for Plaintiff TerriKelly, LLC
Case 3:15-cv-01086-GPC-DHB Document 1 Filed 05/13/15 Page 21 of 30
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COMPLAINT
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TABLE OF EXHIBITS
Page #
Exhibit A ..4
Exhibit B ..13
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EXHIBIT A
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Exhibit A - Page 1
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Exhibit A - Page 2
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TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET
Electronic Version v1.1Stylesheet Version v1.2
SUBMISSION TYPE: NEW ASSIGNMENT
NATURE OF CONVEYANCE: ASSIGNMENT OF THE ENTIRE INTEREST AND THE GOODWILL
CONVEYING PARTY DATA
Name Formerly Execution Date Entity Type
Terri Kelly 05/07/2015 INDIVIDUAL: UNITED STATES
RECEIVING PARTY DATA
Name: Terrikelly LLC
Street Address: 1 Pauma Lane
City: Palm Desert
State/Country: CALIFORNIA
Postal Code: 92260
Entity Type: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: CALIFORNIA
PROPERTY NUMBERS Total: 1
Property Type Number Word Mark
Registration Number: 4730442 YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET
CORRESPONDENCE DATA
Fax Number: 8587775545Phone: 8587775545Email: [email protected] will be sent to the e-mail address first; if that is unsuccessful, it will be sent using a fax number, if provided; if that is unsuccessful, it will be sent via US Mail.Correspondent Name: Jamie SheldenAddress Line 1: 1760 Suite F, PMB 220 Airline HighwayAddress Line 4: Hollister, CALIFORNIA 95023
NAME OF SUBMITTER: Jamie Shelden
Signature: /Jamie Shelden/
Date: 05/07/2015
Total Attachments: 1 source=Scan0009#page1.tif
RECEIPT INFORMATION
Exhibit A - Page 3
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ETAS ID: TM340652Receipt Date: 05/07/2015 Fee Amount: $40
Exhibit A - Page 4
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EXHIBIT B
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March 25, 2015 Via email: [email protected] and Fax: 310.557.1540 Marshall A. Lerner Kleinberg & Lerner, LLP 1875 Century Park E, Suite 1150 Los Angeles, CA 90067-2502 Re: Sketchers USA Inc.s Infringement of the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET Trademark Dear Mr. Lerner: This firm represents Terri Kelly of Palm Desert, CA in connection with trademark and other matters. We are writing regarding your client, Sketchers USA Inc. IIs (Sketchers) unauthorized use of the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET tagline in connection the companys television and social media advertising campaign for Sketchers new STRETCH FIT womens shoes. Our client, Terri Kelly, launched her footwear company back in November 2013 introducing her own line of comfort flip flops under the TERRI KELLY trademark. With a focus on simplicity and comfort, the TERRI KELLY line has quickly become the popular favorite casual footwear amongst the yoga crowd and others. A few months later, the company began using the tagline/trademark YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET in connection with the TERRI KELLY line of flip flops. Ms. Kelly adopted the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET tagline and trademark in January 2014 and since then the company has actively promoted the trademark in connection with its footwear on its website at www.terrikelly.com, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and in other social media. TERRI KELLY footwear is sold directly through the companys website as well as in specialty boutiques around the country and online at Zulily and 11Maine. The products are promoted nationwide via the Outdoor Retailers trade show in Salt Lake City, the Wanderlust yoga festival in Squaw Valley, and at various fairs and festivals. TERRI KELLY flip flops were also recently featured as an editors pick in LA Yoga Magazine. Ms. Kelly owns United States trademark application serial number 86290872 for the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET trademark covering footwear. The application was published for opposition on February 17, 2015 and we expect the registration to issue shortly.
Exhibit B - Page 1
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Jamie R. Shelden, Esq. 1760 Suite F, PMB 220, Airline Highway Hollister, CA 95023
858.777.5545 (office and fax) [email protected]
My client has invested a great deal of time, money and effort promoting its footwear and in building an outstanding reputation for high quality, high comfort products. As a result of the companys extensive advertising and social media marketing efforts, the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET tagline and trademark has come, in short order, to embody substantial and valuable goodwill. It has recently come to Ms. Kellys attention that Sketchers began an apparently nationwide advertising campaign for its new line of stretchable shoes using the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET tagline. It also appears that the tagline is trending on Twitter in connection with Sketchers new footwear line. As my client has substantial nationwide rights in this trademark based on prior use and based on her federal trademark application, Sketchers use of the identical tagline in connection with virtually identical products is likely to cause confusion among consumers as to the source and/or sponsorship of your clients footwear products. Any continued use of the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET trademark by Sketchers constitutes trademark infringement in violation of federal law and state laws governing trademark infringement and unfair business practices. While we would like to believe that Sketchers was unaware of Ms. Kelly rights in the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET trademark when the company chose to use the tagline in their nationwide television advertising campaign, a cursory Google search quickly reveals multiple references to Ms. Kellys products and the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET trademark. Until the Sketchers television campaign, in fact, all Google search references were to Ms. Kellys company, and no others. As I am sure you will understand, in order to protect her rights, my client cannot permit Sketchers to continue to use the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET trademark in any television, print, online or other advertising spots. To avoid any consumer confusion, my client requires that Sketchers agree in writing that the company will immediately cease all use the trademark and pull the currently running television ad campaign and any other promotional uses of the YOGA PANTS FOR YOUR FEET tagline immediately. We have copied litigation counsel on this notice and will expect immediate written confirmation no later than Friday, March 27, 2015 that Sketchers will resolve this matter as requested. Your clients prompt attention to this matter will prevent the need for further legal action by my client. Sincerely,
Jamie R. Shelden, Esq. cc: Terri Kelly
Exhibit B - Page 2
Case 3:15-cv-01086-GPC-DHB Document 1 Filed 05/13/15 Page 30 of 30
Exhibits.pdfExhibit AAssignment.pdfLocal DiskAssignment
Exhibit B