Source: https://www.scribd.com/doc/92602706/92406442-Zynga-v-Kobojo-SAS
Timestamp: 2016-12-03 23:23:12
Document Index: 72145778

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1114', '§ 112', '§ 1115', '§ 112', '§ 14247', '§ 17200', '§ 1114', '§ 14247', '§ 1051', '§ 1114', '§ 1331', '§ 1116', '§ 1367', '§ 1391', '§ 1114', '§ 1114', '§ 1125', '§ 1125', '§ 1125', '§ 1125', '§ 1125', '§ 14247', '§ 17200', '§ 17200', '§ 1117', '§ 1117']

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 . 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Larry W. McFarland (Bar No. 129668) E-Mail: lmcfarland@kmwlaw.com Dennis Wilson (Bar No. 155407) E-Mail: dwilson@kmwlaw.com David K. Caplan (Bar No. 181174) E-Mail: dcaplan@kmwlaw.com Christopher T. Varas (Bar No. 25708.0) E-Mail: cvaras@kmwlaw.com KEATS McFARLAND & WILSU$L~P 9720 Wilshire Boulevard Penthouse Suite Beverly Hills, California 90212 Telephone: (310) 248-3830 Facsimile: (310) 860-0363 Attorneys for Plaintiff ZYNGAINC.
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RICHARD W. WIEKJNG
CLERK, U.S. DISTRICT COURT ORTHERN
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UNITED. STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA SAN FRANCISCO DIVISION
ZYNGA INC., a Delaware Corporation, Plaintiff,
1l01.2'\I;TQO~2 3 6
KOBOJO SAS, a French business entity, Defendant.
(1) TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT UNDER 15 U.S.C. § 1114(1); (2) TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT UNDER 15 U.S.C. § 112S(a); (3) FALSE DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN UNDER 15 U.S.c. § 1115(a); (4) FEDERAL DILUTION UNDER 15 U.S.C. § 112S(c); (5) CALIFORNIA DILUTION UNDER CAL. BUS. & PROF. CODE § 14247 (6) CALIFORNIA COMMON LAW TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT; (7) CALIFORNIA COMMON LAW PASSING OFF AND UNFAIR COMPETITION; (8) VIOLATION OF CAL. BUS. & PROF. CODE § 17200; DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
CASE NO. _ COMPLAINT
PlaintiffZynga
Inc. ("Zynga") brings this Complaint against Defendant Kobojo SAS
("Defendant") for injunctive relief and damages under the laws of the United States and the State of California. Summary of the Case and Allegations Common to All Causes of Action 1. This case involves the willful violation ofZynga's trademark rights by a competitor
seeking to exploit Zynga's hard-earned reputation in the social gaming space. 2. Zynga is the world's largest social gaming company and is the premier publisher of
social games. Zynga's games are available on social networking platforms such as Facebook, as well as on mobile platforms such as Android and Apple's iOS (incorporated into Apple's iPhone and iPad products). 3. Since it was founded in 2007, Zynga has created and published the world's most
successful social games, including its famous family of 'VILLE games. These games include, but are not limited to, CASTLEVILLETM, CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® (collectively the '''VILLE Family of Games".) The names and respective trademarks of the 'VILLE Family of Games are alleged in detail below, and are collectively referred to herein as the '''VILLE Family of Marks". 4. Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games consists ofthe most popular online and mobile
games in the world. For example, the social gaming site App Data reported in January 2012, that Zynga's CITYVILLE® was the most-played game on Facebook with more than 49,000,000 monthly active users. As of the time of App Data's reporting, Zynga's CASTLEVILLETM was in second place with more than 35,000,000 monthly active users. Zynga's FARMVILLE® was in third place
22 with more than 33,000,000 monthly active users. At the same time, several ofZynga's other
23 24 25 'VILLE games also continued to have more than 1,000,000 monthly active users - e.g., PETVILLE® had 2,000,000 monthly active users, YOVILLE® and FISHVILLE® each had more than 1,500,000 monthly active users, and FRONTIERVILLETM had more than 1,000,000 monthly active users. In sum, more than 100,000,000 people play Zynga'sfamous every month on Facebook and other social websites and mobile platforms. 'VILLE Family of Games
28 - 1CASE NO.
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Zynga has consistently promoted the 'VILLE Family of Games together as a family,
identified by the distinctive 'VILLE suffix. Among other things, Zynga has advertised the 'VILLE Family of Games on Zynga.com and Facebook using such slogans as "Welcome to the home of Zynga's
vuu"
games," "Zynga - home of the Ville," "What's your Ville?" and "Join the Ville
Family." Zynga has promoted the 'VILLE Family of Games to millions of potential consumers through advertisements and promotions. As a result ofZynga's extensive marketing efforts and the unmatched success of its 'VILLE Family of Games, Facebook users and other users of online social games throughout the United States have come to associate immediately the distinctive 'VILLE Family of Marks with Zynga. 6. Zynga's games compete on websites and mobile platforms with hundreds of social
games. Unfortunately, following the success of the 'VILLE Family of Games, a number of entities have attempted to adopt names that combine a word that connotes the particular game's theme, on the one hand, with the distinctive and famous 'VILLE suffix, on the other. Such entities thereby seek to use names that will confuse consumers, trade off ofZynga's popularity, and exploit the goodwill Zynga has developed in the 'VILLE Family of Marks. Zynga has diligently policed its rights in the 'VILLE Family of Marks against such would-be infringers, including through the use of cease-and-desist letters and, where necessary, by instituting opposition proceedings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. 7. Defendant is no different from these other infringers. Following the launches and
phenomenal successes ofZynga's CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, ETVILLE® and YOVILLE® games, Defendant developed an EgyptianP themed social game and chose to call it PYRAMIDVILLE. Not surprisingly, PYRAMIDVILLE already has drawn comparisons to several games within Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games. 8. There can be no question that Defendant was fully aware ofZynga's success and
Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games prior to selecting the name for its similarly themed game. For example, on information and belief, more than one of Defendant's principals had installed and played various games within Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games prior to the release of PYRAMIDVILLE.
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Defendant's awareness ofZynga and Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games, and success, is further evidenced by Defendant's adoption ofa
deliberate attempt to trade offZynga's
logo that itself evokes the logos that Zynga uses for several of its 'VILLE Family of Games: Plaintiff Zynga:
Zynga is informed and believes, and on that basis alleges, that with Zynga's game
titles fully in mind, and rather than selecting a name that distinguished its product from the most popular competing games in the market, Defendant selected PYRAMIDVILLE. Like Zynga's
'VILLE Family of Marks, this name combines a term connoting the game's theme ("pyramid"), with
_ COMPLAINT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19· 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
the distinctive 'VILLE suffix. Moreover, the game itselfis ofthe same general type offered by Zynga under its famous 'VILLE Family of Marks, is offered online and in the same marketing channels as Zynga's games, and is geared toward the same consumers as Zynga's own 'VILLE Family of Games. 11. Defendant's hitching on the fame ofZynga's 'VILLE Family of Games has been
noted throughout the social gaming community. Attached hereto as Exhibit A are true and correct copies of just a few online articles and other Internet content highlighting Defendant's trading off of Zynga's 'VILLE games. 12. . Zynga never authorized Defendant to use the distinctive 'VILLE suffix that identifies
Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games, nor would it authorize a game name likely to cause consumer confusion and diminish the value of the 'VILLE Family of Marks. 13. When Zynga contacted Defendant regarding its concern that Facebook users are
likely to believe, erroneously, that PYRAMIDVILLE is a member ofZynga's 'VILLE Family of Games, Defendant refused to stop its confusing use of the 'VILLE suffix, 14. Instead, Defendant has recently expanded its infringing PYRAMIDVILLE game by
launching a mobile version of PYRAMIDVILLE on Apple's iOS and on the iPhone and iPad - i.e., on platforms in which consumers can access many of Zynga's games (including several within Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games). 15. One popular social gaming website - no doubt recognizing the similarity between the
PYRAMIDVILLE name and Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks - reported on Defendant's expansion with the headline "Pyramidville Adventure, or FrontierVille in Egypt, Slated for iPhone, iPad." A true and correct copy of this article is included in Exhibit A. FRONTIERVILLETM the is name of one ofZynga's popular games, and it is important to note that Zynga did not endorse, and instead objects to, the characterization of the PYRAMIDVILLE game as related in any way to Zynga's own FRONTIERVILLETM game. 16. Because Defendant has refused to remove the 'VILLE suffix from its title and is in
the process of greatly expanding the scope of its infringement, Zynga has filed this lawsuit in order
- 4CASE NO .
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to ensure that Defendant does not continue to create consumer confusion and exploit the goodwill that Zynga has developed in its distinctive 'VILLE Family of Marks. N~re~~C~ 17. This is an action for violation of the federal Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1114(1),
1125(a) and 1125(c) as well as California common law and Cal. Bus. & Prof Code §§ 14247 and 17200. The Parties 18. Plaintiff Zynga is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of
Delaware and has its principal place of business in San Francisco, California. 19. Zynga is informed and believes, and on that basis alleges, that Defendant is a French
business entity with its principal place of business in Paris, France. Jurisdiction and Venue 20. This action arises under the trademark laws of the United States, 15 U.S.C. § 1051, et
seq., particularly under 15 U.S.C. §§ 1114 and 1125, the common law of trademark infringement,
passing off and unfair competition and California statutory dilution and unfair competition law. This Court has jurisdiction of the federal claims under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338, and 15 U.S.c.§§ 1116, 1121, and 1125. This Court has supplemental jurisdiction of the state law claims under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1367(a) and 1338(b), those claims being joined with a substantial and related claim under the Trademark Laws of the United States and so related to the federal claims that they form part of the same case or controversy and derive from a common nucleus of operative fact. 21. Zynga is informed and believes and on that basis alleges that this Court has personal
jurisdiction over Defendant, which has numerous and substantial contacts with this District. Zynga is informed and believes, and on that basis alleges, that among other things: a. Defendant markets its PYRAMIDVILLE game to users located in this District; b. Consumers located in this District have played, and continue to play, Defendant's PYRAMIDVILLE game; players who are located in this
c. Defendant collects revenue from PYRAMIDVILLE District; -5-
CASE NO._....,.-- __
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d. Defendant hosts its PYRAMIDVILLE game on Amazon Web Services servers located in this District; e. Defendant causes its PYRAMIDVILLE game to be advertised on and distributed through Facebook, which is a website located in this District; f. Defendant causes its PYRAMIDVILLE game to be advertised through Twitter, a service and website located in this District; g. Defendant processes payments from PYRAMIDVILLE users, including payments in United States Dollars, through PayPal, a company located in this District; h. Defendant has entered into one or more contracts with third parties, including contracts relating to PYRAMIDVILLE, that subject Defendant to personal jurisdiction in this judicial district;
One of Defendant's co-founders, who is currently Defendant's Vice President of Products and Strategy, is located in this District; Defendant maintains a substantial English-language presence on the Internet, including an English language Facebook Community Page at the Internet address http://www.facebook.comIPyramidVilleEN website at http://ko bojo .com. and significant portions of Defendant's
Venue is proper in this district under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b) and (c). Intradistrict Assignment
This being an intellectual property action, the Court's Assignment Plan provides for
assignment of this action on a district-wide basis. To the extent this action may be deemed to have arisen in a particular county within this District, that county is San Francisco County on the grounds that a substantial part of the events or omissions that give rise to Zynga's claims occurred in San Francisco County, where Zynga is located. First Cause of Action (Federal Trademark 24. Infringement
-15 U.S.C. § 1114(1)
Zynga repeats, realleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1-23 as though fully set forth in
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Zynga owns United States Federal Trademark Registration No. 3994661 for the
trademark and service mark CITYVILLE® in International Class 41, a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B. The CITYVILLE® mark is one ofZynga's 'VILLE Family
of Marks, which Zynga uses in connection with its famous social games on Facebook and other platforms. 26. As a result of Zynga's substantial marketing and promotional efforts and the
tremendous success of Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games generally, and CITYVILLE® specifically, users of social games immediately associate the distinctive CITYVILLE® mark with Zynga. 27. Zynga owns United States Federal Trademark Registration No. 3861880 for the
trademark and service mark FARMVILLE® in International Classes 9 and 41 and United States Federal Trademark Registration No. 3861862 for the trademark and service mark FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)® in International Classes 9 and 41; true and correct copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibit C. The FARMVILLE® mark and FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)® mark are two of Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks, which Zynga uses in connection with its famous social games on Facebook and other platforms. 28. As a result ofZynga's substantial marketing and promotionalefforts and the
tremendous success ofZynga's
'VILLE Family of Games generally, and FARMVILLE® and
FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)® specifically, users of social games immediately associate the distinctive FARMVILLE® and FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)® marks with Zynga. 29. Zynga owns United States Federal Trademark Registration No. 3840284 for the
trademark and service mark FISHVILLE® in International Classes 9 and 41, a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit D. The FISHVILLE® mark is one ofZynga's 'VILLE
Family of Marks, which Zynga uses in connection with its famous social games on Facebook and' other platforms. 30. As a result ofZynga's substantial marketing and promotional efforts and the
tremendous success of Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games generally, and FISHVILLE® specifically, users of social games immediately associate the distinctive FISHVILLE® mark with Zynga.
___:_----,---,---- _ COMPLAINT
Zynga owns United States Federal Trademark Registration No. 4072420 for the
trademark and service mark PETVILLE® in International Classes 9 and 41, a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit E. The PETVILLE® mark is one ofZynga's 'VILLE Family
of Marks, which Zynga uses in connection with its famous social games on Facebook and other platforms. 32. As a result ofZynga's substantial marketing and promotional efforts and the
'VILLE Family of Games generally, and PETVILLE® specifically,
users of social games immediately associate the distinctive PETVILLE® mark with Zynga. 33. Zynga owns the United States Federal Trademark Registration No. 3773188 for the
trademark and service mark YOVILLE® in International Classes 9 and 41, a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F. The YOVILLE® mark is one ofZynga's 'VILLE Family
of Marks, which Zynga uses in connection with its famous social games on Facebook and other platforms. 34. As a result ofZynga's substantial marketing and promotional efforts and the
'VILLE Family of Games generally, and YOVILLE® specifically,
users of social games immediately associate the distinctive YOVILLE® mark with Zynga. 35. In addition to the individual CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FISHVILLE®,
PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® marks, the 'VILLE suffix has acquired distinctiveness within the market for social games as an indicator of source. Users of social games immediately associate the 'VILLE suffix with Zynga and its reputation for creating dynamic and high-quality social games. 36. Defendant's use in commerce of the name PYRAMIDVILLE in connection with a
social game that competes with Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games, including CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FISHVILLE®, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE®, constitutes trademark infringement of the registered CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® marks, and each of them, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1114(1). Defendant's use of PYRAMID VILLE is likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake, or to deceive Facebook users and other users of social games, who are likely to believe erroneously that PYRAMIDVILLE originates from the same source as the games CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, - 8.CASE NO.
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FISHVILLE® PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® or is otherwise affiliated, connected, or associated with Zynga, or sponsored or approved by Zynga, when in fact it is not. 37. Defendant has knowingly and willfully infringed Zynga's trademark rights by
deliberately exploiting the substantial goodwill associated with Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks generally, and specifically with the registered marks CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®,F ARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE®, and each of them. Zynga is informed and believes and on that basis alleges that Defendant selected the name PYRAMIDVILLE with the express intent to cause confusion and to deceive consumers into believing that PYRAMIDVILLE is one of, or otherwise associated with, Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games. 38. Zynga has no adequate remedy at law. Defendant's conduct as alleged herein has
caused and ifnot enjoined will continue to cause irreparable harm to Zynga's rights in its CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® marks, and to its business reputation and goodwill, as well as damages in an amount that cannot be accurately computed at this time but will be proven at trial. Second Cause of Action (Federal Trademark Infringement- 15 U.S.c. § 1125(a) 39. Zynga repeats, realleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1-38 as though fully set forth in
this cause of action. 40. The CITYVILLE® mark is one ofZynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks, which Zynga
uses in connection with its famous social games on Facebook and other platforms. 41. As a result ofZynga's substantial marketing and promotional efforts and the
'VILLE Family of Games generally, and CITYVILLE® specifically,
users of social games immediately associate the distinctive CITYVILLE® mark with Zynga .: 42. two ofZynga's The FARMVILLE® mark and FARl'vfVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)® marks are 'VILLE Family of Marks, which Zynga uses in connection with its famous social
games on Facebook and other platforms.
~~_=~
As a result ofZynga's
substantial marketing and promotional efforts and the
'VILLE Family of Games generally, and FARMVILLE®
specifically, users of social games immediately associate the distinctive FARMVILLE® and FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)® marks with Zynga. 44. The FISHVILLE® mark is one of Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks, which Zynga
uses in connection with its famous social games on Facebook and other platforms. 45. As a result ofZynga's substantial marketing and promotional efforts and the
'VILLE Family of Games generally, and FISHVILLE® specifically,
users of social games immediately associate the distinctive FISHVILLE® mark with Zynga. 46. Zynga owns Federal Trademark Application Serial No. 77894903 for the trademark
and service mark FRONTIERVILLETM in International Classes 9 and 41 and Federal Trademark Application Serial No. 85187815 for the trademark and service mark FRONTIERVILLE (Stylized)TM in International Class 41. True and copies of the application records for these applications from the Patent and Trademark Office Electronic Search System Database are attached hereto as Exhibit G. The FRONTIERVILLETM mark and FRONTIERVILLE two ofZynga's (Stylized)TM mark are
'VILLE Family of Marks, which Zynga uses in connection with its famous social
games on Facebook and other platforms. 47. As a result of Zynga's substantial marketing and promotional efforts and the 'VILLE Family of Games generally, and FRONTIERVILLETM and
FRONTIERVILLE (Stylized)TM specifically, users of social games immediately associate the distinctive FRONTIERVILLETM and FRONTIERVILLE (StylizedFM marks with Zynga. 48. The PETVILLE® mark is one ofZynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks, which Zynga
uses in connection with its famous social games on Facebook and other platforms. 49. As a result ofZynga's substantial marketing and promotional efforts and the
users of social games immediately associate the distinctive PETVILLE® mark with Zynga. 50. The YOVILLE® mark is one ofZynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks, which Zynga
uses in connection with its famous social games on Facebook and other platforms. - 10CASE NO.
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users of social games immediately associate the distinctive YOVILLE® mark with Zynga, 52. In addition to the individual CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY (Stylized)TM,
ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, FRONTIERVILLE
PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® marks, the 'VILLE suffix has acquired distinctiveness within the market for social networking games as an indicator of source. V sers of social games immediately associate the 'VILLE suffix with Zynga and its reputation for creating dynamic and high quality social games. 53. Defendant's use in conunerce of the name PYRAMIDVILLE in connection with a
social game that competes with Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games, including the games CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE®, constitutes trademark infringement of Zynga's rights in the 'VILLEFamily of Marks,
as well as Zynga's rights in the CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, FRONTIERVILLE (Stylized)TM, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® marks, and each of them, and unfair competition pursuant to 15 V.S.C. § 1125(a). Defendant's use of PYRAMID VILLE is likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake, or to deceive Facebook users and other users of social games, who are likely to believe erroneously that PYRAMIDVILLE originates from the same source as Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games, including without limitation the games CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® or is otherwise affiliated, connected, or associated with Zynga, or sponsored or approved by Zynga, when in fact it is not. 54. Defendant has knowingly and willfully infringed Zynga's trademark rights by
deliberately exploiting the substantial goodwill associated with Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks, and with the CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, FRONTIERVILLE (Stylized)TM, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® marks, and each ofthem. Zynga is informed and believes and on that basis alleges that with the express intent to cause confusion and to
- 11 CASE NO.
Defendant selected the name PYRAMIDVILLE
-=-=-::--==-~=
deceive Facebook users and users of other social games into believing that PYRAMIDVILLE is one of, or otherwise associated with, Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games. 55. Zynga has no adequate remedy at law. Defendant's conduct as alleged herein has
caused and if not enjoined will continue to cause irreparable harm to Zynga's rights in the 'VILLE Family of Marks, as well as its rights in the CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, FRONTIERVILLE (Stylized)TM, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® marks, and each of them, and to its business reputation and goodwill, as well as damages in an amount that cannot be accurately computed at this time but will be proven at triaL Third Cause of Action (Federal False Designation of Origin - 15 V.S.c. § 1125(a)) 56. Zynga repeats, realleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1-55 as though fully set forth in
this cause of action. 57. Zynga owns the trademark rights in the distinctive 'VILLE Family of Marks for use
in connection with social networking games, including without limitation the games CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE®, which are played on Facebook, as well as other platforms. 58. As a result of Zynga's substantial marketing and promotional efforts, as well as the 'VILLE Family of Games, the 'VILLE suffix has acquired
distinctiveness within the market for social games as an indicator of source. Users of social games immediately associate the 'VILLE suffix with Zynga and its reputation for creating dynamic and high quality social networking games. 59. Consumers who come across the PYRAMID VILLE game are likely to believe,
erroneously, that PYRAMIDVILLE is another new addition to, or is otherwise affiliated with, Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games, 60. Defendant's use in commerce of the suffix 'VILLE for a social game that competes
with Zynga's famous 'VILLE Family of Games generally, and with the games CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® specifically, - 12 CASE NO .---------=--=-=-=-=--c-=-:::: COMPLAINT
1. constitutes a false designation of origin pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a). Defendant's use of 2 3 PYRAMIDVILLE is likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake or to deceive users of social games into believing that Defendant's "'VILLE game" originates from the same source as Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games generally, and the games CITYVILLE®,F ARMVILLE®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® specifically, or is otherwise affiliated, connected, or associated with Zynga, or sponsored or approved by Zynga, when in fact it is not. 61. Defendant has knowingly and willfully infringed Zynga's trademark rights by
deliberately exploiting the substantial goodwill associated with Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks, as well as the goodwill associated with the CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, FRONTIERVILLE (Stylizedj'>', PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® marks, and each of them. Zynga is informedand believes that Defendant selected the name PYRAMIDVILLE with the express intent to cause confusion and to deceive Facebook users and users of other social games into believing that PYRAMID VILLE is one of, or otherwise associated with, Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Garnes. 62. Zynga has no adequate remedy at law. Defendant's conduct as alleged herein has
10 11 12 l3 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
caused and if not enjoined will continue to cause irreparable harm to Zynga's rights in its 'VILLE Family of Marks, and to its business reputation and goodwill, as well as damages in an amount that cannot be accurately computed at this time but will be proven at trial. Fourth Cause of Action (Federal Dilution -15 U.S.C. § 1125(c» 63. Zynga repeats, realleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1-62 as though fully set forth in
this cause of action. 64. Zynga owns the trademark rights in the distinctive 'VILLE Family of Marks for use
in connection with social networking garnes, including without limitation the games CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE®, which are
played on Facebook as well as other platforms. 65. Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks is famous in that it is widely recognized by the goods and services.
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general consuming public of the United States as a designation ofZynga's - 13 -
CASE NO. __
Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks became famous throughout the United States prior to any use in commerce of the name PYRAMIDVILLE by Defendant or any of its predecessors. 66. Defendant's use of the name PYRAMIDVILLE in connection with a social game is
likely to impair the distinctiveness ofZynga's
famous 'VILLE Family of Marks by causing an
association in the minds of consumers arising from the similarity between the name PYRAMIDVILLE and Zynga's famous 'VILLE Family of Marks. 67. Defendant's use of the name PYRAMIDVILLE in connection with a social game is
likely to harm the reputation ofZynga's 68.
famous 'VILLE Family of Marks.
Defendant has knowingly and willfully sought to dilute Zynga's famous 'VILLE
Family of Marks. Zynga is informed and believes that Defendant selected the name PYRAMIDVILLE with the express intent to associatePYRAMIDVILLE 'VILLE Family of Marks in the minds of consumers. 69. Zynga has no adequate remedy at law. Defendant's conduct as alleged herein has with Zynga's famous
caused and ifnot enjoined will continue to cause irreparable harm to Zynga's rights in its 'VILLE Family of Marks, and to its business reputation and goodwill, as well as damages in cannot be accurately computed at this time but will be proven at trial. Fifth Cause of Action (California Statutory Dilution - Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 14247) 70. Zynga repeats, realleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1-69 as though fully set forth in
this cause of action. 71. Zynga owns the trademark rights in the distinctive 'VILLE Family of Marks for use
in connection with social networking games, including without limitation the games CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE®, which are played on Facebook as well as other platforms. 72. Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks is famous in that it is widely recognized by the
general consuming public in California as a designation of source for Zynga's goods and services. Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks became famous in California prior to any use in commerce of the name PYRAMIDVILLE by Defendant or any of its predecessors. - 14CASE NO .
----=--=-=-=-=--:-:::--::=
Defendant's use of the name PYRAMIDVILLE in connection with a social game is
likely to impair the distinctiveness of Zynga's famous 'VILLE Family of Marks by causing an association in the minds of California consumers arising from the similarity between the name PYRAMlDVILLE and Zynga's famous 'VILLE Family of Marks. 74. Defendant's use of the name PYRAMIDVILLE in connection with a social game is
likely to harm the reputation ofZynga's consumers. 75.
famous 'VILLE Family of Marks among California
Family of Marks. Zynga is informed and believes that Defendant selected the name PYRAMIDVILLE with the express intent to associate PYRAMIDVILLE withZynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks in the minds of California consumers. 76. Zynga has no adequate remedy at law. Defendant's conduct as alleged herein has famous
caused and ifnot enjoined will continue to cause irreparable harm to Zynga's rights in its 'VILLE Family of Marks, and to its business reputation and goodwill, as well as damages in an amount that cannot be accurately computed at this time but will be proven at trial. Sixth Cause of Action (California Common Law Trademark Infringement) 77. Zynga repeats, realleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1-76 as though fully set forth in
Defendant's conduct as alleged herein constitutes trademark infringement of the
'VILLE Family of Marks, as well as the CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, FRONTIERVILLE (Stylizedj'P', PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® marks, and each of them, under California common law.
Defendant has knowingly and willfully infringed Zynga's trademark rights by
deliberately exploiting the substantial goodwill associated with Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks, as well as the CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, FRONTIERVILLE (Stylizedj'P', PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® marks, and each of them. Zynga is informed and believes and on that basis alleges that - 15 CASE NO.,
----::::-:::::-:::-=-:-::::=
Defendant selected the name PYRAMIDVILLE with the express intent to cause confusion and to deceive Facebook users and users of other social games into believing that PYRAMIDVILLE is one of, or otherwise associated with, Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games. 80. Zynga has no adequate remedy at law. Defendant's conduct as alleged herein has
caused and if not enjoined will continue to cause irreparable harm to Zynga's rights in the 'VILLE Family of Marks, and its rights in the CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, FRONTIERVILLE (Stylized)TM, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® marks, and each of them, and to its business reputation and goodwill, as well as damages in an amount that cannot be accurately computed at this time but will be proven at trial. Seventh Cause of Action (California Common Law Passing Off and Unfair Competition) 81. Zynga repeats, realleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1-80 as though fully set forth in
this cause of action. 82. Defendant's conduct as alleged herem constitutes passing offand unfair competition
under California common law. 83. Defendant has knowingly and willfully infringed Zynga's trademark rights by
deliberately exploiting the substantial goodwill associated with Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks, as well as the CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, FRONTIERVILLE (Stylized)TM, PETVILLE® and YOVILLE®marks, and each of them. Zynga is informed and believes and on that basis alleges that
Defendant selected the name PYRAMIDVILLE with the express intent to cause confusion and to deceive Facebook users and users of other social games into believing that PYRAMIDVILLE is one of, or otherwise associated with, Zynga's 'VILLE Family of Games. 84. Zynga has no adequate remedy at law. Defendant's conduct as alleged herein has
caused and ifnot enjoined will continue to cause irreparable harm to Zynga's rights in its 'VILLE Family of Marks, as well as its CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, FRONTIERVILLE (Stylizedj''Y, PETVILLE®
----"-..."...,-~...,....,,,.__=
and YOVILLE® marks, and each of them, and to its business reputation and goodwill, as well as damages in an amount that cannot be accurately computed at this time but will be proven at triaL Eighth Cause of Action (California Statutory Unfair Competition - Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200) 85. Zynga repeats, realleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1-84 as though fully set forth in
this cause of action. 86. Defendant's conduct as alleged herein constitutes unfair competition in violation of
Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200. 87. Zynga has no adequate remedy at law. Defendant's conduct as alleged herein has
caused and ifnot enjoined will continue to cause irreparable harm to Zynga's rights in its 'VILLE Family of Marks, as well as its CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, FRONTIERVILLE (Stylizedj'P', PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® marks, and each of them, and to its business reputation and goodwill. PRAYER FOR RELIEF Wherefore, Zynga prays for judgment as follows: A. That the Court enter a finding that use by Defendant of the name PYRAMIDVILLE
infringes Zynga's rights in the 'VILLE Family of Marks, as well as its rights in the CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, FRONTIERVILLE (Stylizedj'?', PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® marks, and each of them; B. That the Court enter a finding that use by Defendant of the name PYRAMIDVILLE famous 'VILLE Family of Marks by blurring and by
is likely to cause dilution ofZynga's tamishment; C.
That the Court enter a preliminary injunction and a permanent injunction prohibiting
Defendant, as well as its members, organizers, predecessors, successors, agents, employees, representatives and all persons corporations or other entities acting in concert or participation with Defendant from:
Using the name PYRAMIDVILLE and throughout the United States;
in connection with any social game in California
--=-=-=-=--=-==
Infringing any ofZynga's
intellectual property rights in its 'VILLE Family of Marks
and in the CITYVILLE®, FARMVILLE®, FARMVILLE BY ZYNGA (& Design)®, FISHVILLE®, FRONTIERVILLETM, FRONTIERVILLE (StylizedF'", PETVILLE® and YOVILLE® marks, and each of them;
Continuing to engage in any activity that is likely to dilute the value ofZynga's 'VILLE Family of Marks; Engaging in any conduct that tends falsely to represent that, or is likely to confuse, mislead or deceive members of the public to believe that the actions of Defendant or any of its members, organizers, predecessors, successors, agents, employees, representatives and all persons corporations or other entities acting in concert or participation with Defendant are sponsored, approved, or licensed by Zynga, or are in any way connected or affiliated with Zynga;
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 . 23 24 25 26 27 28
Affixing, applying, annexing, or using ill connection with the manufacture, distribution, advertising, sale, andlor offering for sale or other use of any goods or services, a false description or representation, including words or other symbols, tending to falsely describe or represent such goods as being those of Zynga, including without limitation the 'VILLE suffix;
VI. Vll.
Otherwise competing unfairly with Zynga in any manner; and Effecting assignments or transfers, forming new entities or associations or utilizing any other device for the purpose of circumventing or otherwise avoiding the prohibitions set forth in subparagraphs (i)-(vi) above.
That the Court award Zynga damages in accordance with applicable law, including
without limitation three times the amount of any and all profits realized by Defendant from the use of the PYRAMIDVILLE name in accordance with 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a); E. That the Court fmd that this is an exceptional case and award Zynga its reasonable
attorneys' fees and costs of suit pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a); II II - 18 CASE NO.
---===-=---=-=:
F, 2 3 4 5 6 7
That the Court retain jurisdiction of this action for the purpose of'enablingZynga to
.apply to the Court at any time for such further orders and interpretation or execution ofanyorder entered in this action, for the.modiflcationcflany-such order;fortheenforcementorcompliance therewith and for thepuntshmentof'any vioJationsthereof;and
For such other and further reliefast)1e Courtmay deem.just and equitable,
pLAINTIFF ZYNGA HERE8'Y:OEMANJ)SATRlALBY
gDated:
May 4,2012 DennisL, WIlson KClltsMcFarland &, WilsonLLP Att()rneys for Pialntlff ZYNGAINC',
CASE NO.~"",:""
__,.,;._""""",,,===:,,:,:,:: ..··COMPLA.INT
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