Opinion ID: 474082
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: For Defendants

Text: 47 The Defendants contend that Hustler's appeal is frivolous and request costs and attorneys' fees pursuant to 17 U.S.C. Sec. 505, 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1912 and Fed.R.App.P. 38. Section 505 of Title 17 provides that courts may award reasonable costs and attorneys' fees to the prevailing party in an infringement action. 17 U.S.C. Sec. 505 (emphasis added). Thus, this court may make an award for services rendered on appeal. See Russell v. Price, 612 F.2d 1123, 1132 (9th Cir.1979), cert. denied, 446 U.S. 952, 100 S.Ct. 2919, 64 L.Ed.2d 809 (1980). An award of attorneys' fees to the defendant represents a penalty for the institution of a frivolous or bad faith suit. Jartech, Inc. v. Clancy, 666 F.2d 403, 407 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 459 U.S. 879, 103 S.Ct. 175, 74 L.Ed.2d 143 (1982). An appeal is frivolous if the result is obvious or the arguments presented are wholly without merit. NLRB v. Catalina Yachts, 679 F.2d 180, 182 (9th Cir.1982). 48 Hustler's arguments, however, are not ludicrous as the Defendants find them, nor is there evidence to support their contention that Hustler brought the appeal merely as a means of further harassment. In fact, there is some merit to Hustler's appeal. Accordingly, we deny the Defendants' request for attorneys' fees and costs.