Source: https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/california/casdce/3:2013cv02811/429326/1
Timestamp: 2017-09-23 11:16:34
Document Index: 265841197

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1121', '§ 5', '§ 1367', '§ 1121', '§ 1338', '§ 1338', '§ 1367', '§ 1391', '§1400', '§ 1114', '§ 1114', '§ 1125', '§ 1125', '§ 10', '§ 1117']

COMPLAINT with Jury Demand against Google, Inc for Hangingout, Inc. v. Google, Inc. :: Justia Dockets & Filings
Justia Dockets & Filings Ninth Circuit California California Southern District Court Hangingout, Inc. v. Google, Inc. Filing 1
COMPLAINT with Jury Demand against Google, Inc. ( Filing fee $400 receipt number 0974-6538453), filed by Hanginout, Inc. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Civil Cover Sheet)The new case number is 3:13-cv-2811-JAH-NLS. Judge John A. Houston and Magistrate Judge Nita L. Stormes are assigned to the case. (Skale, Andrew)(dlg) (cap). Modified on 11/27/2013 (dlg).
1 Andrew D. Skale (SBN 211096) askale@mintz.com 2 Justin S. Nahama (SBN 281087) jsnahama@mintz.com 3 MINTZ LEVIN COHN FERRIS GLOVSKY AND POPEO P.C. 3580 Carmel Mountain Road, Suite 300 4 San Diego, CA 92130 Telephone: (858) 314-1500 5 Facsimile: (858) 314-1501 6 Attorneys for Plaintiff HANGINOUT, INC. 7 8 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 9 SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 10 11 HANGINOUT, INC., a Delaware 12 corporation, Plaintiff, 13 14 vs. GOOGLE, INC., a Delaware 15 corporation, 16 Defendant. '13CV2811 JAH NLS COMPLAINT FOR: Case No. 1) TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT; 2) FEDERAL UNFAIR COMPETITION; AND 3) STATUTORY AND COMMON LAW UNFAIR COMPETITION [JURY DEMANDED] 17 18 Hanginout, Inc. (“Hanginout” or “Plaintiff”) brings this suit for trademark 19 infringement, federal unfair competition, and common law unfair competition against 20 Google, Inc. (“Google” or “Defendant”) and alleges as follows: THE PARTIES 21 22 1. Hanginout is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business 23 at 2712 Jefferson Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008. 24 2. Upon information and belief, Google is a Delaware corporation with its 25 principal place of business at 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 26 94043. 27 28 1 1 3. Defendant’s actions alleged herein were those of itself, its agents and/or 2 licensees. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 3 4 4. This Court’s jurisdiction rests upon 15 U.S.C. § 1121(a); 28 U.S.C. §§ 5 1338(a) & (b); and 28 U.S.C. § 1367(a). 6 5. This Court has jurisdiction over the federal trademark infringement and 7 false advertising claims pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1121(a) and 28 U.S.C. § 1338(a). 8 6. This Court has supplemental jurisdiction over the state law claims 9 pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1338(b) and § 1367(a) as all claims herein form part of the 10 same case or controversy. 11 7. Personal jurisdiction exists over the Defendant because it conducts 12 substantial business in California, has its principal place of business in California, and 13 therefore has sufficient contacts such that it would not offend traditional notions of 14 fair play and substantial justice to subject Defendant to suit in this forum. Defendant 15 purposefully directed its harmful conduct alleged below at this forum, and 16 purposefully availed itself of the benefits of California with respect to the claims 17 alleged herein. A substantial part of the protected intellectual property in this action 18 exists in this district. 19 8. Venue in this district is proper under 28 U.S.C. § 1391 and 28 U.S.C. 20 §1400 because a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claims 21 occurred in this district. 22 FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS 23 Hanginout’s Background and Products 24 9. Hanginout is a San Diego based technology company that has 25 developed, produced, owns, and commercialized mobile-video based communication 26 products. 27 28 2 1 10. Hanginout was formally founded in 2011, but developed its products at 2 least as early as approximately 2009. 3 11. Hanginout developed an interactive video-response platform with real- 4 time analytic solutions under the brand HANGINOUT. The platform analyzes 5 website demographics, usage, and audience interests. The platform enable users to 6 more effective develop, promote, and sell their brands by engaging, educating, and 7 entertaining their customers. 8 12. The HANGINOUT application is a novel social-media application that 9 gives users the ability to easily build and publish personal video profiles 10 complimented with a video publishing tool to create mobile video content. 11 13. Utilizing the HANGINOUT application, a user can explore, find and 12 follow interesting people, celebrities and personalities, ask them questions and 13 receive instant personal video responses. 14 14. The HANGINOUT application also gives users the unique ability to 15 field questions from anyone in the application, record and publish responses, and 16 share them from anywhere at any time. Federal Trademark Applications for Hanginout 17 18 15. Given the importance of the brand HANGINOUT, Hanginout filed for 19 U.S. trademark applications on July 12, 2012. 20 16. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office assigned Hanginout Application 21 Serial No. 85674801 (attached hereto as EXHIBIT A) for the HANGINOUT word 22 mark and Application Serial No. 85674799 (attached hereto as EXHIBIT B) for the 23 HANGINOUT design mark (collectively HANGINOUT marks). 24 17. The pending trademark applications for the HANGINOUT marks covers 25 the following goods and services: “Computer application software for mobile devices 26 for sharing information, photos, audio and video content in the field of 27 telecommunications and social networking services” in International Class (“IC”) 009 28 3 1 and “Telecommunications services, namely, providing online and telecommunication 2 facilities for real-time and on-demand interaction between and among users of 3 computers, mobile and handheld computers, and wired and wireless communication 4 devices; audio, text and video broadcasting services over the Internet or other 5 communications networks, namely, electronically transmitting audio clips, text and 6 video clips; electronic messaging services enabling individuals to send and receive 7 messages via email, instant messaging or a website on the Internet in the field of 8 general interest; providing online forums for communication on topics of general 9 interest; providing an online forum for users to share information, photos, audio and 10 video content to engage in social networking” in IC 038. Google Launches Google Hangouts 11 12 18. On information on belief, on May 15, 2013, Google officially launched 13 its new messaging platform titled “Hangouts.” 14 19. On information and belief, Google’s “Hangouts” is a social-media based 15 video-chat service that enables both one-on-one and group chats. Hangouts can be 16 accessed through the Gmail or Google+ websites, or through mobile applications 17 available for Android and iOS. 18 20. On April 26, 2013, Google filed an application to register the mark 19 “Hangouts,” Application Serial No. 85916316. 20 21. Google’s “Hangouts” mark is nearly identical to Hanginout’s 21 HANGINOUT mark in both appearance and sound. 22 22. On information and belief, mirroring Hanginout’s products, Google’s 23 “Hangouts” trademark application sought to cover nearly identical mobile-video 24 based communication products including: 25 a. “Downloadable software for publishing and sharing digital media and 26 information via global computer and communication network; instant 27 messaging software; communications software for electronically 28 4 1 exchanging voice, data, video and graphics accessible via computer, 2 mobile, wireless, and telecommunication networks; computer software 3 for processing images, graphics, audio, video, and text; computer 4 software development tools; computer software for use in developing 5 computer programs; video and audio conferencing software” (IC 009); 6 b. “Telecommunications services, namely, electronic transmission of data 7 and digital messaging via global computer and communication 8 networks; providing online forums, chat rooms and electronic bulletin 9 boards for transmission of messages among users in the field of general 10 interest; digital multimedia broadcasting services over the Internet, 11 namely, posting, displaying, and electronically transmitting data, audio 12 and video; providing access to computer databases in the fields of 13 general interest; instant messaging services; voice over ip (VOIP) 14 services; video and audio conferencing services conducted via the web, 15 telephone, and mobile devices; communications by computer terminals; 16 local and long distance telephone services; mobile telephone 17 communication services” (IC 038) 18 c. “Entertainment services, namely, providing temporary use of non- 19 downloadable interactive multiplayer and single player games played via 20 global computer and communication networks” (IC 041); 21 d. “Providing temporary use of on-line non-downloadable software for 22 publishing and sharing digital media and information via global 23 computer and communication networks; Providing temporary use of on- 24 line non-downloadable software development tools; Providing 25 temporary use of on-line non-downloadable software for use as an 26 application programming interface (API); Providing a web hosting 27 platform for others for organizing and conducting meetings, social 28 5 1 events and interactive text, audio, and video discussions; Providing an 2 on-line network environment that features technology that enables users 3 to share data; computer software consulting; application service provider 4 (ASP) services featuring computer software for transmission of text, 5 data, images, audio, and video by wireless communication networks and 6 the Internet; application service provider (ASP) services featuring 7 computer software for electronic messaging and wireless digital 8 messaging” (IC 042). 9 23. On July 30, 2013, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office suspended 10 Google’s Hangout application because of the HANGINOUT mark. The suspension 11 notice is attached hereto as EXHIBIT C. 12 24. The suspension notice concluded that if the HANGINOUT mark 13 registers, Google may be prevented from receiving a trademark registration for 14 “Hangouts” based on likelihood of confusion with the HANGINOUT mark. 15 25. Google continues to aggressively market its Hangouts product. 16 26. Hanginout is informed and believes, and based thereon alleges, that 17 Google has advertised Google’s Hangouts to replicate Hanginout’s products’ 18 capabilities. For example, Google has described its product capabilities as: 19 20 21 22 23 24 a. “Bring your conversations to life with photos, email, and video calls for free.” b. “Turn any Hangout into a live video call with up to 10 friends or simply search for a contact to start a voice call from your computer.” c. “Hangouts work the same everywhere- computers, Android, and Apple devices – so nobody gets left out.” 25 26 27 28 6 1 FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION 2 TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT 3 (15 U.S.C. § 1114 et seq. and Common Law) 4 27. Hanginout incorporates by reference all other paragraphs contained in 5 this Complaint. 6 28. Google’s Hangout mark is identical or substantially similar in sound, 7 appearance and meaning to Hanginout’s HANGINOUT marks. 8 29. Google has used the HANGINOUT marks or a confusingly similar 9 variation of them, in connection with the sale, offering for sale, distribution or 10 advertising of goods and/or services. 11 30. Google’s wrongful use of the HANGINOUT marks constitutes 12 trademark infringement of Hanginout’s HANGINOUT marks, has caused significant 13 confusion in the marketplace, and is likely to cause both confusion and mistake, 14 along with being likely to deceive consumers. 15 31. Google’s infringement of Hanginout’s marks was willful and with 16 knowledge that such its use of the “Hangout” mark would or was likely to cause 17 confusion and deceive others. 18 32. As a direct and proximate result of Google’s trademark infringement, 19 Hanginout has been damaged within the meaning of 15 U.S.C. § 1114 et seq. 20 33. As a direct and proximate result of Google’s trademark infringement, 21 Hanginout has been damaged within the meaning of 15 U.S.C. § 1125 et seq. 22 34. Hanginout has suffered damages in an amount to be established after 23 proof at trial. 24 35. Hanginout is further entitled to disgorge Google’s profits for its willful 25 sales and unjust enrichment. 26 27 28 7 1 36. Hanginout’s remedy at law is not adequate to compensate for injuries 2 inflicted by Google. Thus, Hanginout is entitled to temporary, preliminary and 3 permanent injunctive relief. 4 SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION 5 FEDERAL UNFAIR COMPETITION 6 (15 U.S.C. § 1125 et seq.) 7 37. Hanginout incorporates by reference all other paragraphs contained in 8 this Complaint. 9 38. Google has committed acts of unfair competition under 15 U.S.C. § 10 1125 et seq., including the practices and conduct referred to above. Not only does the 11 conduct alleged constitute trademark infringement, but it also purposefully attempts 12 to heighten the likelihood that consumers will be confused and an inaccurate 13 appearance of affiliation created. 14 39. As a direct and proximate result of Google’s wrongful acts, Hanginout 15 has suffered and continues to suffer substantial pecuniary losses and irreparable 16 injury to its business reputation and goodwill. As such, Hanginout’s remedy at law is 17 not adequate to compensate for injuries inflicted by Google. Accordingly, Hanginout 18 is entitled to temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief. 19 40. By reason of such wrongful acts, Hanginout is and was, and will be in 20 the future, deprived of, among others, the profits and benefits of business 21 relationships, agreements, and transactions with various third parties and/or 22 prospective business relationship. Google has wrongfully obtained profit and 23 benefits instead of Hanginout. Hanginout is entitled to compensatory damages and 24 disgorgement of Google’s said profits, in an amount to be proven at trial. 25 26 27 28 8 1 THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION 2 STATUTORY (Cal. B&P 17200 et seq.) AND COMMON LAW UNFAIR 3 COMPETITION 4 41. Hanginout incorporates by reference all other paragraphs contained in 5 this Complaint. 6 42. Google has committed acts of unfair competition, including the practices 7 and conduct referred to in this Complaint. These actions constitute unlawful, unfair 8 or fraudulent business acts or practices, and/or unfair, deceptive, untrue or misleading 9 business practices. The actions were done in connection with sales or advertising. 10 43. As a direct and proximate result of Google’s wrongful acts, Hanginout 11 has suffered and continues to suffer substantial pecuniary losses and irreparable 12 injury to its business reputation and goodwill. As such, Hanginout’s remedy at law is 13 not adequate to compensate for injuries inflicted by Google. Accordingly, Hanginout 14 is entitled to temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief. 15 44. By reason of such wrongful acts, Hanginout is and was, and will be in 16 the future, deprived of, among other damages, the profits and benefits of business 17 relationships, agreements, and transactions with various third parties and/or 18 prospective business relationship. Google has wrongfully obtained profit and 19 benefits instead of Hanginout. Hanginout is entitled to compensatory damages and 20 disgorgement of Google’s said profits, in an amount to be proven at trial. 21 45. Such acts, as alleged above, were done with malice, oppression and/or 22 fraud, thus entitling Hanginout to exemplary and punitive damages. 23 WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands the following relief for each cause of action 24 unless otherwise noted: 25 1. A judgment in favor of Hanginout and against Google on all counts; 26 2. A preliminary and permanent injunction from trademark infringement 27 and unfair business practices by Google; 28 9 1 3. Damages in an amount to be determined at trial; 2 4. Google’s unjust enrichment and/or disgorgement of Google’s profits; 3 5. Trebling of damages for willful infringement and unfair competition; 4 5. Exemplary and punitive damages (except as to relief for Cal. B&P 5 17200 et seq.); 6 6. Pre-judgment interest at the legally allowable rate on all amounts owed; 7 8. Costs and expenses; 8 9 Attorney’s fees and other fees under, among others, 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a) 9 et seq. as an exceptional case; 10 10. Restitution; and 11 11. Such other and further relief as this Court may deem just and proper. 12 Dated: November 26, 2013 13 MINTZ LEVIN COHN FERRIS GLOVSKY AND POPEO PC 14 15 By /s/Andrew S. Skale, Esq. Andrew D. Skale Justin S. Nahama 16 17 Attorneys for Plaintiff HANGINOUT, INC. 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 10 DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL 1 2 Plaintiff hereby demands a jury trial as to all issues that are so triable. 3 4 Dated: November 26, 2013 MINTZ LEVIN COHN FERRIS GLOVSKY AND POPEO PC 5 By 6 /s/Andrew S. Skale, Esq. Andrew D. Skale Justin S. Nahama 7 8 Attorneys for Plaintiff HANGINOUT, INC. 9 10 11 12 13 25328999v.1 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 11