Opinion ID: 456012
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Intent of Defendants

Text: 68 Proof of exact copying, without any opposing proof, can be sufficient to establish a secondary meaning. Audio Fidelity, Inc. v. High Fidelity Recordings, Inc., 283 F.2d 551, 557 (9th Cir.1960). There is no logical reason for the precise copying save an attempt to realize upon a secondary meaning that is in existence. Id. at 558. In another case, we noted that: 69 It is well settled that plaintiffs were not obliged in order to make a case against the defendants to prove a wrongful intent .... But when the evidence does show or require the inference that another's name was adopted deliberately with a view to obtain some advantage from the good will, good name, and good trade which another has built up, then the inference of likelihood of confusion is readily drawn, for the very act of the adopter has indicated that he expects confusion and resultant profit. 70 Fleischmann Distilling Corp. v. Maier Brewing Co., 314 F.2d 149, 157-58 (9th Cir.1963) (citations omitted). 71 There is no question but that Fairbanks copied the name Shift Kit. In fact, the record indicates that Fairbanks copied virtually everything with regard to that product. It is clear that Fairbanks attempted to capitalize on the secondary meaning of Shift Kit in order to obtain an advantage from the good will built up by Transgo. 72 The other factors indicating secondary meaning considered by the jury were Transgo sales, its duration of exclusive use, and the promotional efforts of Mr. Younger. Transgo sales of products under the Shift Kit label were significant; they exceeded $5 million through 1978, see 1 McCarthy, Trademarks and Unfair Competition Sec. 15:10 (1973) (evidence may include number of sales). Prior to Fairbanks' entry into the market in 1976, Transgo exclusively had used the name Shift Kit for its products directed to the normal passenger car market for some thirteen years. See American Scientific Chemical, Inc. v. American Hospital Supply Corp., 690 F.2d 791, 793 (9th Cir.1982) (American Scientific's use of its name for over thirteen years was relevant to discussion of secondary meaning). Younger's lectures, shop visits, educational seminars, and the assistance given directly to rebuilders caused them to associate the name Shift Kit with Younger and Transgo. As we noted in American Scientific, reliance upon such personal contact, especially in a market that is specialized, limited and close-knit, is an important element in establishing secondary meaning for a descriptive term. Id.; see also 3 R. Callmann, The Law of Unfair Competition, Trademarks and Monopolies, Sec. 19.27 (4th ed. 1983). 73 There is substantial evidence to support the jury's finding of secondary meaning in this case.