ViaView, Inc. v. Chanson
2:12-cv-01657
D. Nev.Nov 30, 2012Background
- ViaView filed ex parte TRO and PI in NV district court over ISANYONEUP domain rights and alleged infringement.
- Defendants operate infringing domains isanyoneup.net, isanyoneupnudes.com, isanyoneupvideos.com distributing involuntary pornography.
- Plaintiff owns ISANYONEUP mark, purchased domain and rights in April 2012, tying mark to anti-bullying campaign.
- Defendants allegedly use the ISANYONEUP name to direct traffic to their sites, harming Plaintiff’s brand.
- Court granted TRO and required registration/transfer actions to preserve status quo pending PI hearing.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Likelihood of success on the merits | Plaintiff will likely prove cybersquatting under ACPA | Chanson argues insufficient to show trademark ownership or bad faith | Plaintiff likely succeeds on ACPA claim. |
| Irreparable harm absent relief | Irreparable harm from ongoing infringement and diversion | Harm to Defendants minimal; sites remain functional | Irreparable harm presumed due to likelihood of success. |
| Balance of equities | TRO prevents brand tarnish and consumer confusion | TRO imposes minimal burden on Defendants | Equities favor Plaintiff. |
| Public interest | Prevents consumer confusion and protects mark integrity | No significant public detriment shown | Public interest favors TRO. |
Key Cases Cited
- Bosley Med. Inst., Inc. v. Kremer, 403 F.3d 672 (9th Cir. 2005) (cybersquatting framework and bad-faith intent factors)
- DaimlerChrysler v. The Net Inc., 388 F.3d 201 (6th Cir. 2004) (domain-name cybersquatting analysis)
- Two Pesos, Inc. v. Taco Cabana, Inc., 505 U.S. 763 (1992) (distinctiveness doctrine for marks)
- Official Airline Guides, Inc. v. Goss, 6 F.3d 1385 (9th Cir. 1993) (inherent distinctiveness/arbitrary marks)
- Interstellar Starship Servs., Ltd v. Epix, Inc., 304 F.3d 936 (9th Cir. 2002) (concept of inherently distinctive marks)
- Abercrombie & Fitch Co. v. Moose Creek, Inc., 486 F.3d 629 (9th Cir. 2007) (irreparable harm and likelihood of success linkage)
- Winter v. Natural Resources Def. Council, Inc., 555 U.S. 7 (2008) (four-factor test for preliminary injunctions)