Source: https://www.scribd.com/document/57544701/iCloud-Complaint
Timestamp: 2018-11-14 08:08:09
Document Index: 113955490

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 43', '§ 1125', '§1051', '§ 1121', '§ 1331', '§ 1391', '§1125', '§ 43', '§ 1125']

iCloud Complaint | I Cloud | Cloud Computing
Uploaded by Brad McCarty
Robert J. Itri (Bar No. 10938) Charles E. Runyan (Bar No. 019277) GALLAGHER & KENNEDY, P.A. 2575 East Camelback Road Phoenix, Arizona 85016-9225 Telephone: (602) 530-8000 Facsimile: (602) 530-8500 Email: rji@gknet.com Chuck.runyan@gknet.com Attorneys for Plaintiff I Cloud Communications, LLC UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF ARIZONA I Cloud Communications, LLC, an Arizona Limited Liability Company, Plaintiff, v. Apple, Inc., a California Corporation, Defendant. Plaintiff I Cloud Communications, LLC (“iCloud Communications”), for its complaint against Defendant Apple Inc. (“Apple”) alleges as follows: NATURE OF THE ACTION 1. This action seeks preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, monetary No. COMPLAINT
relief, and attorneys’ fees based on Apple’s i) federal unfair competition and false designation of origin in violation of § 43 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a); and ii) Arizona state trademark infringement, unfair competition, and injury to business reputation in violation of Arizona common law. PARTIES 2. Plaintiff iCloud Communications is an Arizona limited liability corporation
most highly valued technology company in the world. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 4. These causes of action arise under the Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. §§1051-
jurisdiction over this action under 15 U.S.C. § 1121 and 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1338 and 1367(a). 6. This Court has specific personal jurisdiction over Apple because Apple has
purposefully committed acts within this District from which these claims arise and/or has committed tortuous acts outside of the District knowing that such acts would cause injury in this District. This Court’s general personal jurisdiction over Apple flows from Apple’s continuous, systematic and routine business contacts within Arizona and the Arizona District. 7. Venue is proper in this district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391 because a
substantial part of the events giving rise to the claims occurred in this District. GENERAL ALLEGATIONS Cloud Computing 8. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) has defined
“cloud computing” as follows: Cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, ondemand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. NIST SP 800-145. 2
More generally stated, “cloud computing” refers to applications and
services offered over the Internet. The “cloud” reference is a metaphor derived from the cloud image used to represent the Internet in computer network diagrams and is a simplification of the complex series of network connections and systems involved in online services. Any user with an Internet connection can access the “cloud” and the services it provides. An example of a diagram depicting cloud computing is set forth below:
other “cloud computing” products and services, computer telephony (telecommunication) hardware and software for the electronic transmission of email, text, audio, video, photos, information, data, video conferencing, virtual video conferencing and other content via the internet and wireless data networks. 12. iCloud Communications’ software applications and customer data are
South America, Europe and the Middle East. iCloud Marks 14. iCloud Communications spends tens of thousands of dollars annually—in
excess of several hundreds of thousand of dollars since its formation in 2005—in regional, national and international, electronic, print and other advertising to promote its goods and services using the following marks and logos (the “iCloud Marks”). iCloud I Cloud Communications
Marks at tradeshows, in brochures, and in every communication and invoice it disseminates to customers and prospective customers. 16. By virtue of iCloud Communications’ long and extensive use of the iCloud
Marks, its advertising and promotional campaigns and expenditure of substantial monies thereon, iCloud Communications had, prior to June 6, 2011, established significant goodwill and valuable rights in and ownership to the iCloud Marks in connection with computer telephony and electronic data transmission and storage services. Apple’s Infringement of the iCloud Marks 17. Apple was formed on April 1, 1976, began to conduct business in Arizona
iCloud Marks to promote its new cloud computing telecommunications and data services. 19. On June 6, 2011, at Apple’s highly anticipated Worldwide Developer
Conference (“WWDC”), Apple's Chief Executive Officer, Steve Jobs, publicly announced the launch of its new cloud computing telecommunications and data storage platform “iCloud.”
A press release issued by Apple concurrently with Steve Job’s public
announcement at the June 6th WWDC describes Apple's vision for its “iCloud” platform. Among other things, the press release states that Apple’s iCloud will “wirelessly store your content in iCloud and automatically and wirelessly push it to all your devices.” It further states that the iCloud platform will wirelessly transmit and store at its data center email, text, audio, video, photos and other data. A copy of the Apple press release is attached hereto as Exhibit C. 21. Moreover, in one of its recent trademark filings with the United States
Patent and Trademark Office made on June 1, 2011, Apple stated its intent to use the “iCloud” mark in connection with, among other services: Telecommunications; telecommunication access services; communications by computer; communication between computers; delivery of digital music by telecommunications; electronic transmission of streamed and downloadable audio and video files via computer and other communications networks; delivery of messages by electronic transmission; delivery of digital music by telecommunications; electronic mail services; streaming of video content via a global computer network; electronic transmission of audio and video files via communications networks; information, advisory and consultancy services relating to all the aforesaid. A copy of the Apple’s U.S. application is attached hereto as Exhibit D. 22. In a similar filing with the Trademarks and Designs Registration Office of
the European Union made on May 31, 2011, Apple indicated its intent to use the “iCloud” mark in connection with, among other services: Telecommunications; communication and telecommunication services; telecommunication access services; communications by computer; communication between computers; electronic sending of data and documentation via the Internet or other databases…communication by computer, computer intercommunication; telex, telegram and telephone services; broadcasting or transmission of radio and television 6
programs;. . . provision of telecommunications access and links to computer databases and the Internet...delivery of messages by electronic transmission; provision of connectivity services and access to electronic communications networks, for transmission or reception of audio, video or multimedia content; provision of telecommunications connections to electronic communication networks… provision of telecommunications connections to the Internet or computer databases; electronic mail services; telecommunication of information (including web pages)…rental and hire of communication apparatus and electronic mail-boxes; electronic news services; electronic communications consultancy; facsimile, message collection and transmission services; transmission of data and of information by electronic means, computer, cable, radio, teleprinter, teleletter, electronic mail, telecopier. A copy of the Apple’s E.U. filing is attached hereto as Exhibit E 23. Apple has, since the June 6th announcement, widely promoted its proposed
“iCloud” services across numerous marketing channels, including print and electronic 14 media and on its website, www.apple.com, and through the use of the domain name 15 icloud.com. 16 24. 17 are identical to or closely related to the goods and services that have been offered by 18 iCloud Communications under the iCloud Marks since its formation in 2005. However, 19 due to the worldwide media coverage given to and generated by Apple's announcement of 20 its “iCloud” services and the ensuing saturation advertising campaign pursued by Apple, 21 the media and the general public have quickly come to associate the mark “iCloud” with 22 Apple, rather than iCloud Communications. 23 25. 24 for its cloud computing telecommunications and data services, Apple was aware of or 25 was willfully blind to iCloud Communications’ use of and rights in the iCloud Marks. 26
The goods and services with which Apple intends to use the “iCloud” mark
Upon information and belief, at the time Apple elected to adopt “iCloud”
and well known history of knowingly and willfully treading on the trademark rights of others—a history which began as early as the 1970s when Apple was first sued for trademark infringement by the Beatles record label, Apple Corp. Although the case was settled on the condition that Apple not enter into the music business, Apple entered into the music business in the 1990s and was sued again. 27. Apple’s early flagship product—the Macintosh computer—also ran afoul of
the trademark rights of both McIntosh Labs, a high-end stereo equipment maker, and a software company named Management and Computer Services, Inc. (MACS). Apple’s former CEO John Sculley reported that Apple paid nearly $2 million (nearly 3 decades ago) to extricate itself from the legal mess it created by its adoption of the Macintosh label. 28. Apple was sued another time for trademark infringement due to its adoption
of the name “Mighty Mouse” for computer devices despite Terrytoon’s famous trademark for the cartoon character of the same name. 29. In more recent times, Apple has been sued for its use of various marks
employing the “i” prefix in connection with various wireless technology goods and services. For example, Apple was sued by Cisco Systems, Inc. (“Cisco”) in 2007 for trademark infringement arising from Apple’s introduction of the iPhone. Cisco, which owned the mark “iPhone,” and Apple had been in licensing discussions for two years prior to the launch of the iPhone. Nonetheless, Apple ignored Cisco's trademark rights and announced the iPhone without first reaching any agreement with Cisco. 30. Upon information and belief, Apple also began using “iPad” without
LLC (“IMG”) for infringement of IMG’s federally registered “iAds” trademark after Apple launched its “iAd” mobile advertising program. 32. Apple’s announcement and launch of its “iCloud” cloud computing service
appears to be just one more example of Apple’s “act first and worry about the consequences later” approach to trademark use as even the most cursory Internet search—which could have easily been conducted by any of the legion of Apple’s inhouse marketing or legal staff—would have revealed the prior, long term usage of the iCloud Marks by iCloud Communications. 33. Moreover, as was the case of the “iPhone” and “iAd” marks, Apple
discreetly applied for a foreign trademark registration for ICLOUD months prior to the launch announcement on June 6, 2011 (Apple applied initially in Australia for iPhone, Canada for iAd and Jamaica for iCloud). That foreign ICLOUD application appears to now form the basis for the various iCloud applications for which Apple filed in the United States on June 1, 2011. Apparently, Apple is attempting to use a foreign jurisdiction’s laws to gain priority for its U.S. registrations while circumventing the notice and publication requirements for trademark applications filed here in the United States with respect to “intent-to-use” applications. 34. Apple also went through the motions of purchasing a U. S. trademark
registration for “iCloud,” Reg. No. 3,744,821, from a Swedish consulting company whose use of the mark post-dates that of iCloud Communications by two years. Moreover, upon information and belief, the Swedish company has continued offering the same services to the same customers under a similar mark. Thus, Apple’s acquisition of the mark iCloud appears to have been “in gross” and is, therefore, invalid.
Irreparable Harm Suffered by iCloud Communications Apple has used, and continues to use, “iCloud” in connection with its
efforts to advertise, market, and promote its cloud computing services throughout the world using many of the same marketing channels used by iCloud Communications. 36. Apple’s announcement of and the launch of its advertising campaign for its
iCloud service have so thoroughly swamped the reputation of iCloud Communications and the goodwill it had built up over the years in the iCloud Marks that is likely to cause—and has actually caused—confusion among consumers of cloud computing services and members of the general public as to the source of the parties’ goods and services. In fact, iCloud Communications has received numerous inquiries from both existing and prospective customers regarding whether it is now owned or affiliated with Apple. 37. Additionally, it is likely that consumers will be given the misimpression
that Apple, not iCloud Communications, is the source of the services offered under the iCloud Marks and/or that iCloud Communications is an unauthorized user of and is infringing upon Apple’s trademark rights. Such misimpressions will damage iCloud Communications’ reputation. 38. The loss of and damage to the goodwill in the iCloud Marks, the damage
to iCloud Communication’s reputation and confusion among consumers is likely to continue—and, in fact, intensify—unless Apple is enjoined from its use of the mark “iCloud.” FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION False Designation of Origin and Unfair Competition Violating 35 U.S.C. §1125(a) iCloud Communications repeats and realleges all allegations contained in
designated to the public the source and origin of their products, goods and services. Apple’s unauthorized use of the mark iCloud is likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake, or to deceive consumers as to Apple’s affiliation, connection or association with iCloud Communications and as to the true origin, sponsorship and approval of iCloud Communication’s services and rights in and authorization to use the iCloud Marks. 41. Apple’s acts constitute unfair competition and false designation of origin
violating § 43 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125. 42. 43. Apple’s acts have been willful. iCloud Communications has been damaged by, and Apple has profited
from, Apple’s wrongful conduct in an amount to be proven at trial. 44. Monetary relief alone is inadequate to fully address the irreparable injury
that Apple’s illegal actions have caused and will continue to cause to iCloud Communications if this court does not enjoin Apple. iCloud Communications is, therefore, entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to stop Apple’s unfair competition. SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION Unfair Competition Violating Arizona Common Law 45. iCloud Communications repeats and realleges all allegations contained in
paragraphs 1 to 44 and by this reference incorporates them here. 46. Apple’s acts in using the mark iCloud has deceived, misled and confused
iCloud Communications’ rights in the iCloud Marks, which will irreparably harm iCloud
in commerce in Arizona in a way that has caused and likely will continue to cause consumer confusion as to iCloud Communications' association with, affiliation with, or sponsorship of Apple and their products, goods and services. 51. Apple’s acts have been willful and in conscious disregard of the trademark
from, Apple’s wrongful conduct in an amount to be proven at trial. 53. iCloud Communications is entitled to damages and enhanced damages in
that Apple’s illegal actions have caused and will continue to cause to iCloud Communications if this Court does not enjoin Apple. iCloud Communications is therefore entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to stop Apple’s unfair competition.
paragraphs 1 to 54 and by this reference incorporates them here. 56. Apple’s use of the iCloud mark is confusingly similar to and constitutes
infringement of iCloud Communications' Marks. Apple’s use injures iCloud Communications' business reputation because consumers will believe that iCloud Communications is affiliated with or related to or has the approval of Apple, and any adverse reaction by the public to Apple and the quality of its products and the nature of its business will injure the business reputation of iCloud Communications. 57. Apple’s use of the iCloud Mark is likely to cause, and has caused,
this irreparable injury that Apple’s illegal actions have caused and will continue to cause iCloud Communications if not enjoined. iCloud Communications is therefore entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to stop Apple’s use of the iCloud mark. PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE, iCloud Communications prays for judgment in its favor and against Apple as follows: A. preliminarily and permanently enjoining Apple, its servants, agents and employees and all other persons in active concert or participation with 13
Apple and their respective successors and assigns, from directly or indirectly: 1) using the iCloud name or marks similar to iCloud, or any Internet domain name or any other name or mark confusingly similar to the iCloud Marks, in any manner or form, or any other reproduction, counterfeit, copy or colorable imitation of such marks either alone or in combination with any other designation, or in connection with any advertising, marketing, promotion, offer for sale, or sale of Apple’s telecommunications services throughout the United States and the world; 2) expressly or impliedly representing itself to customers, potential customers, suppliers, potential suppliers, or the general public to be affiliated with iCloud in any way; 3) representing by words or conduct that any product or services provided, offered for sale, sold, advertised, or rented by Apple and supplied, authorized, sponsored or endorsed by or otherwise connected with iCloud Communications; and 4) competing unfairly with iCloud Communications in any manner;
restraining order or injunction, a report in writing, under oath, setting forth in detail the manner and form in which Apple has complied with the terms of the injunction; D. order Apple to pay iCloud Communications: 1) all profits, gains and advantages obtained from Apple’s unlawful conduct, in an amount to be determined at trial; 2) all monetary damages sustained, and to be sustained, by iCloud Communications as a consequence of Apple’s unlawful conduct, including lost profits and reasonable royalties, in an amount to be determined at trial; and 3) iCloud Communications’ costs and disbursements of this action, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and otherwise; E. finding Apple’s acts have been willful and, therefore, order that Apple’s profits or Plaintiff’s damages, whichever is greater, be trebled; F. awarding interest on the above damage awards; G. invalidating U.S. Trademark Reg. No. 3,744,821 as having been abandoned due to its “in gross” transfer to Apple; H. ordering Apple to transfer to iCloud Communications the iCloud.com domain name; and I. awarding such other relief as the Court may deem just and proper. JURY DEMAND iCloud Communications demand a trial by jury on all issues so triable.
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