Opinion ID: 6928544
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: OAG versus Ashbyweb

Text: In 1987, advertisers mistakenly mailed six copies of Ashbyweb’s listing forms to OAG. OAG requested Ashbyweb to cease and desist using the phrase “USA TRAVEL PLANNER.” Ashbyweb did not comply. OAG then filed suit in the district court against Ashbyweb alleging four counts: 1) Federal Trademark Infringement in violation 15 U.S.C. § 1114(l)(a); 2) False Description and False Designation of Origin in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a); 3) Trademark Infringement and Unfair Competition under Oregon Common Law; and 4) Disseminating Material Containing False Description and False Representation of Defendants’ Business in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a). Ashbyweb counterclaimed, alleging that OAG fraudulently procured the second trademark, in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1120, and intentionally interfered with Ashbyweb’s business relations. Ashbyweb also raised two affirmative defenses: 1) laches; and 2) unclean hands in the allegedly fraudulent procurement of the second trademark. The district court issued a temporary restraining order enjoining Ashbyweb from using “THE TRAVEL PLANNER,” “USA TRAVEL PLANNER,” and “TRAVEL PLANNER USA” in the marketing, distribution and sales of its products. The court then denied OAG’s motion for a preliminary injunction. OAG appealed from this decision to the Ninth Circuit. We affirmed the district court’s denial of a preliminary injunction, but remanded for a determination whether the term “Travel Planner” has common law protection as a mark, and if so, whether OAG is entitled to permanent injunctive or other relief against Ashbyweb’s use of the term “Travel Planner.” Official Airline Guides, Inc. v. Goss, 856 F.2d 85, 88 (9th Cir.1988). Since our decision, OAG has registered its trademark “OAG TRAVEL PLANNER” without disclaiming the words “Travel Planner.” The district court therefore found it unnecessary upon remand to determine whether the term “Travel Planner,” standing alone, has common law protection as a mark. On September 14, 1990, over Ashbyweb’s objection, the district court bifurcated OAG’s claim for trademark infringement from Ash-byweb’s counterclaim for intentional interference with business relations. The trademark infringement claims were tried first in the district court without a jury. The court found that Ashbyweb’s use of the phrase “THE TRAVEL PLANNER” without the words “USA,” “ASHBYWEB,” or “CHURCHFIE LD” infringed OAG’s mark “OAG TRAVEL PLANNER.” The court permanently enjoined Ashbyweb from using “THE TRAVEL PLANNER,” standing alone, in its publications, listing forms, letterhead, advertising, or promotional materials. Ashbyweb was permitted, however, to continue using “THE TRAVEL PLANNER USA” and “USA TRAVEL PLANNER,” phrases which the district court held do not infringe any OAG trademark. Ashbyweb’s counterclaim for intentional interference with business relations was then tried to a jury, which returned a verdict for OAG. Ashbyweb’s counterclaim for fraudulent procurement of trademark was dismissed on summary judgment as time barred. Both sides appeal.