Document: 510 U.S. 517 FOGERTYv.FANTASY, INC. No. 92-1750. Supreme Court of United States. Argued December 8, 1993. Decided March 1, 1994. After petitioner Fogerty's successful defense a copyright infringement action filed against him by respondent Fantasy, Inc., the District denied his motion for attorney's fees pursuant to 17 U. S. C. § 505, which provides in relevant part that such an "the court may... award reasonable fee prevailing party as costs." The Appeals affirmed, declining abandon its "dual" standard awarding 505 fees—under plaintiffs are generally awarded matter course, while defendants must show original suit was frivolous or brought bad faith—in favor so-called "evenhanded" approach, no distinction is made between and defendants. Held: Prevailing be treated alike under 505; parties only court's discretion. Pp. 522-535. (a) Fantasy's arguments dual rejected. Section 505's language gives hint differently than Nor does this Court's decision Christiansburg Garment Co. v. EEOC, 434 412, construed virtually identical from Title VII Civil Rights Act 1964, support different treatment. normal indication fee-shifting statutes with similar should interpreted overborne factors relied upon noticeably absent context Copyright Act. legislative history In addition, two Acts' goals objectives not completely similar. incentives bringing meritorious lawsuits impecunious "private attorney general" who can ill afford litigate their claims more resources. However, Act's primary objective encourage production literary, artistic, musical expression public good; plaintiffs, well defendants, run gamut corporate behemoths starving artists. argument approach best serves policy encouraging litigation expresses one-sided view purposes. Because law ultimately purpose enriching general through access creative works, it peculiarly important law's boundaries demarcated clearly possible. Thus, defendant seeking advance defenses encouraged them same extent claims. Fantasy also errs urging supports based on principle ratification. Neither studies submitted Congress considered revisions Act, nor cases referred those studies, there settled construction provision 1909 522-533. (b) Also rejected enacted "British Rule," allows automatic recovery exceptional circumstances. word "may" connotes discretion fees, would pretermit exercise since legislates strong background American Rule—which requires bear own unless otherwise—it have surely drawn explicit statutory comment had intended adopt British Rule 505. While precise rule formula making determinations equitable exercised "in light considerations [this Court] has identified." Hensley Eckerhart, 461 424, 436-437. 533-535. 984 F. 2d 1524, reversed remanded. REHNQUIST, J., delivered opinion Court, BLACKMUN, STEVENS, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, KENNEDY, SOUTER, GINSBURG, JJ., joined. THOMAS, concurring judgment, post, p. 535. CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR NINTH CIRCUIT Kenneth I. Sidle argued cause petitioner. With briefs were Vincent H. Chieffo Julia L. Ross. Lawrence Robbins respondent. brief Carlos T. Angulo, Malcolm Burnstein, Norman G. Rudman.* CHIEF JUSTICE REHNQUIST Court. 1 1976, any may . costs."1 question presented case what standards inform action—a produced conflicting views Courts Appeals. 2 Petitioner John Fogerty musician, who, late 1960's, lead singer songwriter popular music group known "Creedence Clearwater Revival."2 1970, he wrote song entitled "Run Through Jungle" sold exclusive publishing rights predecessors-in-interest later obtained assignment. disbanded 1972 subsequently published another recording label. 1985, registered "The Old Man Down Road," released album distributed Warner Brothers Records, Inc. Respondent sued Fogerty, Brothers, affiliated companies3 alleging Road" merely new words.4 claim went trial jury returned verdict Fogerty. 3 action, moved motion, finding frivolously faith required Circuit precedent defendant.5 1524 (CA9 1993), declined existing Ninth treats differently. Under standard, commonly termed faith.6 contrast, some follow defendants.7 Third Circuit, example, ruled "we do require faith, we mandate allowance concomitant every case, but evenhanded approach." Lieb Topstone Industries, 788 151, 156 (1986). 4 We granted certiorari, 509 903 (1993), address area federal resolve conflict Circuit's exemplified Circuit.8 reverse. 5 advances three followed case. First, contends when read our decisions construing language, rule. Second, asserts treating comports "objectives" "equitable considerations" underlying whole. Finally, indicates ratified "uniformly" lower courts each these turn. 6 language—"the costs"—gives But 412 (1978), differentiation treatment 7 provided court, discretion, allow costs ." 42 2000e-5(k). earlier held, interpreting cognate II 2000a-3(b), plaintiff "should ordinarily recover special circumstances render unjust." Newman Piggie Park Enterprises, 390 400, 402 (1968). This found statutes, intent achieve use "`private attorney[s] general.'" Ibid. Christiansburg, supra, determined at work civil defendant. noted plaintiff, like Park, chosen instrument vindicate `a highest priority.'" S., 418. admittedly sparse indicate applied 8 points Flight Attendants Zipes, 491 754, 758, n. (1989), "fee-shifting statutes' `strong indication' they alike." here think Act.9 respect fees. 1976 carried forward verbatim very little discussion.10 House Report simply: 9 "Under section left makes clear neither `the States officer thereof.'" R. Rep. 94-1476, 163 (1976).11 10 See 94-473, 145 (1975) (same). Other commentators paucity See, e. g., Cohen Virginia Electric & Power Co., 617 Supp. 619, 621 (ED Va. 1985), aff'd other grounds, 247 (CA4 1986). Jaszi, And All That—The Defendant's Dilemma, 55 Law Contemp. Prob. 107, 107-108, nn. (1992). 11 Acts likewise Oftentimes, context, sought redress balance part, provide lawsuits, favorably terms good public. infra, 527. been "[e]ntities sue artists; true prospective defendants." Cohen, 622-623. 12 thus conclude respondent's fail.12 13 next argues policies served "dual approach" fees.13 most common reason advanced that, encourages infringement. McCulloch Albert E. Price, 823 316, 323 1987) ("Because assertion colorable claims, deter infringement, make whole, plaintiff") (citations omitted); Diamond Am-Law Publishing Corp., 745 142, 148 (CA2 1984) Indeed, relies heavily argument. flawed because purposes one discourage means goal first place, always holder copyright; often times, hold copyrights too, hand. 2d, 155 (noting many [copyright] holders"). 14 More importantly, complex, measured, simply maximizing number suits Constitution grants power "To promote Progress Science useful Arts, securing limited Times Authors Inventors Right respective Writings Discoveries." Const., Art. I, cl. 8. recognized monopoly privileges authorized, "intended motivate activity authors inventors reward," nature serve good. Sony Corp. America Universal City Studios, 464 417, 429 (1984). For Twentieth Century Music Aiken, 422 (1975), discussed follows: 15 scope holder's reflects competing interest: Creative rewarded, private motivation promoting broad availability literature, music, arts. immediate effect secure fair return `author's' labor. ultimate aim is, incentive, stimulate artistic creativity good." (Footnotes omitted.) 16 reiterated theme Feist Publications, Rural Telephone Service 499 340, 349-350 (1991), where said: reward labor authors, `[t]o Arts.' To end, assures right expression, others build freely ideas information conveyed work." (Citations 18 seek variety before us, increased exposure could, result, further pieces. Thus bit much prosecution copyright. 19 finally urges relying Lorillard Pons, 575, 580 (1978) ("Congress presumed aware administrative judicial interpretation statute re-enacts without change ."). surveys great 116 (1976 ed.), "it firmly established" plaintiff's vexatious purpose. Brief 40-45. Furthermore, former studying W. Strauss, Damage Provisions Law, Study 22 (hereinafter Strauss Study), Brown, Operation Law: An Exploratory Study, 23 Brown Studies Prepared Subcommittee Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, 86th Cong., Sess. (H. Judiciary Comm. Print 1960). 20 Before turning import decided summarize briefly factual Lorillard, whence comes statement relies. There whether lost wages Age Discrimination Employment 1967 (ADEA). enacting statute, provided, inter alia, provisions ADEA "enforced accordance `powers, remedies procedures'" specified sections Fair Labor Standards (FLSA), 81 Stat. 604, 29 626(b). 580. FLSA, right. ADEA, "Congress exhibited both detailed knowledge FLSA willingness depart regarded undesirable inappropriate incorporation." Id., 581. 21 Here, deal discussion begins quote A. Weil, 530-531 (1917), explanation "discretionary fees": "`The amount money frequently involved letigation [sic], especially trifling. expense [sic] considerable. Unless, therefore, financial protection litigant, if successful, pay defend rights, even valid, situation opposed justice. It increasingly person forces engage counsel vindicate, defend, engagement opponent .'" 31. study then notes pending bills contemplate concludes simple "[t]he judiciously courts." Ibid.14 constitute endorsement standard. 24 supplement and, survey practitioners about practical workings Act.15 endorse At point, "courts usually all unsuccessful `synthetic, capricious otherwise unreasonable,' losing raised real issues fact law." 85.16 25 Our review prior itself leads us standard" could aware. note initially least reported stated Marks Leo Feist, 460, 1925) gave "absolute discretion," after voluntarily dismissed suit). appears majority frivolousness expressly described test terms.17 fact, pre-1976 endorsed Breffort I Had Ball 271 623 (SDNY 1967).18 hardly sort uniform might endorsed. 26 summary, Congress, 27 reject now turn petitioner's Rule." consistent neutral reasons Rule. 28 just plain disapproving cuts arguing says mindful Unlike Britain regularly party, country otherwise, Alyeska Pipeline Wilderness Society, 421 240, 247-262 (tracing origins development Rule); 758. modified find impossible believe more, Such bold departure traditional practice comment. Cf. Isbrandtsen Johnson, 343 779, 783 (1952) ("Statutes invade presumption favoring retention long-established familiar principles, except contrary evident"). Not surprisingly, held (or predecessor statute) adopted 30 several party. alike, "There determinations," instead 436-437 (1983).19 erroneously petitioner, defendant, stringent applicable judgment reversed, remanded proceedings opinion. 31 so ordered. Notes: * Jonathan Marshall, William Pecau, Jon Stark, Stephen P. Fox, Roland Griffin Hewlett-Packard amicus curiae reversal. Jack Chris Ottenweller, Charles Blanchard Apple Computer, affirmance. full: "In title, full thereof. Except Creedence Revival (CCR), recently inducted into Rock Roll Hall Fame, greatest rock roll groups time. leader, CCR developed distinctive style dubbed "swamp rock" media due southern blues feel. 4-5; see Questions Answers Los Angeles Times, Jan. 12, 1993, F, col. Pursuant agreement indemnified reimbursed incurred defending action. 4, addition claim, asserted state Lanham These trial. various counterclaims summary judgment. related findings, stated: "Although facts did present textbook scenario indeed liable allegedly infringed. `knowledge creativity' mean subconscious copying supported claim." App. Pet. Cert. A-31 (citation omitted) By predicating showing difficult awards plaintiffs. explained hand, receive presence complex novel issue litigates vigorously faith... ."McCulloch (1987). instant explained: [the standard] avoid chilling incentive thereby give Act." 1532. oral argument, voiced dissatisfaction used describe differing rules Circuits. Tr. Oral Arg. Counsel objected implication terms—that somehow fair. point taken rhetorical sense, will continue sake convenience Seventh, Columbia Circuits whereby greater burden placed See,e. 148-149 1984); Video Views, Studio 21, Ltd., 925 1010, 1022 (CA7), cert. denied, 502 861 (1991); Reader's Digest Assn., Conservative Digest, 821 800, 809 (CADC 1987). On Fourth Eleventh identified following Circuit. Sherry Manufacturing Towel King Florida, 822 1031, 1034-1035, (CA11 1987); 620-623 Additionally, theChristiansburg until 1978. 1909, ed.) change, however, mandatory "full costsshall allowed." (emphasis added). changed As indicates, knows how desires. That amend respecting lends 505—district patent trademark fields, closely copyright, party-neutral approach. Those contain added proviso "exceptional cases." 35 285 (patent) ("The party"); 1117 (trademark) Consistent manner criteria. patent, see,e. Eltech Systems PPG 805, 811 (CA Fed. 1990) ("[T]here difference patentees infringers litigation"). trademark, see, Motown Productions, Cacomm, 849 781, 786 1988) (exceptional include prosecuted defended faith); Scotch Whisky Assn. Majestic Distilling 958 594, 599 (CA4) (finding plaintiffs), 506 862 four interests standard: (1) promotes vigorous enforcement Act; (2) distinguishes wrongdoers blameless; (3) enhances predictability certainty providing relatively certain benchmark fees; (4) affords sufficient footnote, lists exemplifying courts' None explicitly offer Cases cited involving defendants:Overman Loesser, 205 521, 524 1953) (denying "no appeal pursued faith" principal [was] law"); Official Aviation Guide Associates, 162 541, 543 (CA7 1947) hard fought and... problem Rosen Lowe's 785 (defendant prevailed; fees); Advertisers Exchange, Anderson, 144 907 (CA8 1944) defective notice); Lewys O'Neill, 49 603, 618 1931) (awarding "wholly synthetic"); Metro Associated Services, Webster Graphic, 117 224 (ND Iowa copyright); Lowenfels Nathan, 73, 80 1932) earnest advocate side... not... possibly find" plagiarism defendant); Jerome Century-Fox Film 71 914, 915 1946) "[could] understand driven litigation, although theory [the] proof"), D. 190 1947), aff'd, 165 784 1948). plaintiffs: Hinkley, 199 313, 316 1952) attempted inflate exaggerate claim), 344 921 (1953); Ziegelheim Flohr, 119 324, 329 (EDNY 1954) (court "since fairly publishers [prayer books] copy rather other, book domain, honestly, mistakenly, believed illegally attempting monopolize printing ancient prayers"); Edward B. Borst Pub. 110 913 (NJ discretionary); Stein Rosenthal, 103 227, 232 (SD Cal. $3,500 "reasonably necessary plaintiffs' copyright"); Northern Record Distributing 105 393, 401 assessed court); White Kimmell, 94 502, 511 1950) (copyright holder, declaratory elaboration); M. Witmark Sons Pastime Amusement 298 470, 482-483 (EDSC 1924) moderate noting "would too character surrounding it; but, allowed cases, probably result denial owners"). Jewell-LaSalle Realty Buck, 283 202 (1931), involve addressed damages 1081. extent, focuses prospect settle cases. Based interview sources, concluded likelihood getting problematic factor" goes litigate. 85. report observations "are exhaustive subject" "[attorney's fees'] deterrent ill-founded outside inquiry."Id., 85-86. Citing toCloth Hyman, 146 185, 193 1956) (it proper motive "vex harass defendant," utterly lacks merit). included cites Eisenschiml Fawcett 246 598, 604 (CA7) (reversing abuse entirely merit close law), 355 (1957); Shroeder Morrow 372, 378 Ill. 1976) (refusing "prosecuted success"), rev'd 566 1977); Kinelow Photography Business, 270 851, 855 1967) "lacking merit," "unreasonable capricious"); Burnett Lambino, 206 517, 518-519 1962) (granting "asserted demonstrably lacking unreasonable"); Cloth merit); Loews, Broadcasting System, 131 165, 186 1955) "was nice one," authorities squarely guide litigants counsel"), 239 532 1956), 356 43 (1958); Krafft 38 1022, 1023 Pa. 1941) faith," evidence demonstrated appropriation); synthetic"). prompting necessity differ determining award."Breffort, Supp., 627. support, prevention obviously factor; all, represents penalty imposed institution baseless, frivolous, unreasonable suit, instituted faith." already explained, 527, narrow fails adequately consider role played 621-622 evolution Second concluding supposedly rests frivolousness—"[the rule] culmination long line bootstrapping nothing something"). Some suggested nonexclusive listed "frivolousness, motivation, unreasonableness (both legal components case) need particular compensation deterrence."Lieb agree faithful manner. 32 33 my view, flatly inconsistent analysis (1978). disagree analysis, adopts correct concur 34 states .." 2000e-5(k) (1988 ed., III). construes observes, "virtually language." Ante, 522. today's decision, vastly meanings. provision, "ordinarily circumstances," whereas "upon unreasonable, foundation," id., 421. today, alike," "attorney's discretion." 534. 36 Interestingly, mention, let alone discuss, Christiansburg's analysis. began considering argument: 37 "Relying meaning statute,' [petitioner] provision] admits interpretation: `A basis plaintiff.'" summarily contention, stating permissive discretionary invite, require, mechanical construction." opined "provide[s] whatever either fees." deleted). Turning embodied statute's history, 418-420, counseled position—a position "untenable," 419. 39 Today, confronting identical" precisely "mechanical" "untenable." standard," ante, 533, "gives defendants," replaces district apply deciding 534-535, 19. 40 faced provisions, given "plain language" instance, "untenable" other. employ terminology quite uncertain (that construction) meaning"). 41 robs clarity command application." Doggett States, 647, 669 (1992) (THOMAS, dissenting). repeatedly inconsistency decisions. Burlington Dague, 557, 562 ("case `reasonable' applies uniformly all" using term); Ruckelshaus Sierra Club, 463 680, 691 (1983) ("similar pari passu"); 433, (the "set forth authorized `prevailing party' "). (1989) ("fee-shifting alike"); Northcross Board Ed. Memphis Schools, 427, 428 (1973) (per curiam) ("[S]imilarity [attorney's fee] passu"). recognizes 523, govern guided Christiansburg—the statute—do adoption context. 522-525. mistaken premise—a premise implicit —that construe depends history. Although equities normally takes account," 761, "equities" cannot dictate language. "Our task text, improve it." Pavelic LeFlore Marvel Entertainment Group, Div. Cadence Industries 493 120, 126 (1989). When text clear, interpretive inquiry ends. Connecticut Nat. Bank Germain, 503 249, 254 astray, reconcile Christiansburg. Rather, acknowledge mistakenly cast aside considerations. 522, 533. states, suggests determination appropriate courts. conclusion finds costs. ... [T]he (Emphasis added.) 44 stare decisis "special force" interpretation, Patterson McLean Credit Union, 164, 172 hesitant overrule impose recovery. Hensley, 429, (42 1988 III)); Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Citizens' Council Clean Air, 483 711, 713, (1987) 7604(d)). call hesitation overruling dubious precedent, demand expanded outer limits." Helling McKinney, 25, (1993) (Thomas, therefore decline extend contexts. Court—at rationale—refuses extension,

Category: 5