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`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`IN THE MATTER OF Application Serial No. 76/191,346 filed January 8, 2001
`for the mark FAT SOLUTIONS
`
`PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE of November 13, 2001
`
`MARK NUTRITIONALS, INC.,
`
`Opposer,
`
`v.
`
`NUTRITION & FITNESS IMG, INC.,
`
`Applicant.
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`\/\é¥/$/\../Q/L/€
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`Hllllllllllllllllllllllflllllllllllllllllllllllll
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`O4-O5-2002
`us, pm, & TMOWM W Rcptm #11
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`Opposition No. 124,955
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`CONSENTED MOTION TO SUSPEND OPPOSITION PROCEEDINGS
`
`Nutrition & Fitness IMG, Inc. (“Applicant”), through its attorneys, pursuant to 37 C.F.R.
`
`§2.l l 7(a) and T.B.M.P. 510.02(a), requests that the Board suspend Opposition No. 124,955 until
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`final resolution of a pending lawsuit between the parties to this proceeding.
`
`On October 4, 2001, Applicant filed a Complaint for Declaratory Relief against Opposer
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`in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina regarding Opposer’s
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`alleged claim of trademark infringement. The lawsuit is captioned Nutrition & Fitness IMG, Inc.
`
`v. Mark Nutritionals, Inc., and has been docketed as Case No. 1:01CVOO924. A1 copy of the
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`complaint is attached hereto as Exhibit 1.
`
`The issues raised in the present proceeding are nearly identical to those raised in the
`
`pending civil action and a final decision in that action may be dispositive of all issues raised in
`
`

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`
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`this opposition. Proceedings before the Board may be suspended until the termination of a civil
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`action between the parties to the opposition which may be dispositive of the case. 37 C.F.R.
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`§2.11 7(a) and T.B.MP. 510. 02(a).
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`Counsel for Opposer, by letter dated February 28, 2002, has consented to this motion.
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`Accordingly, Applicant respectfully requests that the Board suspend this proceeding until
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`the final disposition of the pending civil action between the parties.
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`This request is being submitted in triplicate.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`By;
`
`3 ‘
`l1"~-J
`Randel Sggpringei
`
`David H. Read
`
`WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
`One West Fourth Street
`
`Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101
`
`Telephone: 3 3 6-721-3 747
`Facsimile: 336-726-6991
`
`Attorneys for Applicant
`
`

`
`
`
`Certificate of Service
`
`I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing CONSENTED MOTION TO SUSPEND
`
`OPPOSITION PROCEEDINGS has been served upon the attorney for Opposer by first class
`
`mail this 34 day of April, 2002, in an envelope addressed as follows:
`
`Allen J. Baden, Esquire
`Susan A. Smith, Esquire
`
`Kenyon & Kenyon
`333 West San Carlos Street, Suite 600
`
`San Jose, California 95110
`
`CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
`
`I hereby certify that an original and two copies of the foregoing CONSENTED MOTION
`
`TO SUSPEND OPPOSITION PROCEEDINGS is being deposited with the United States Postal
`
`Services as first-class mail in a postage prepaid envelope addressed to: Commissioner for
`
`Trademarks, Box TTAB, 2900 Crystal Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22202-3513, on April ,_?_,
`
`2002.
`
`Laurie A. :Ricci, Paralegal
`
`WINSTON l l26387vl
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`

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`
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT I
`FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA
`
`,
`.
`,
`Civil Action-No. -
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`'
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`-
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`~
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`'
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`) )
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`)
`)
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`) )
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`) )
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`NUTRITION & FITNESS IMG, INC.,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`V.
`
`MARK NUTRITIONALS, INC.,
`
`Defendant.
`
`—————-———J t:o1cvoa924
`
`COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY RELIEF
`
`For its complaint against Defendant Mark Nutritionals, Inc. (“MNI”), Plaintiff Nutrition
`
`& Fitness IMG, Inc. (“NFI”) states as follows:
`
`The Parties
`
`1.
`
`I Plaintiff NFI is a North Carolina corporation and has its principal place of
`
`business in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
`
`2.
`
`Upon information and belief, Defendant MNI is a Texas corporation, with its
`
`principal place of business in San Antonio, Texas.
`.
`Jurisdiction
`
`3.
`
`This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this action pursuant to 28 U.S.C.
`
`§ 2201 relating to actions for declaratory relief
`
`4.
`
`This Court has personal jurisdiction over MNI pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §1-
`
`' 75.4 and §l-75 .5, because, upon information and belief, MNI has conducted substantial business
`
`and solicitation activities in North Carolina.
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`

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`
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`5.
`
`Venue is proper in the Middle District of North Carolina pursuant to 28 U.S.C.
`
`§§l39l(b),(c), as a substantial part of the events giving rise to the instant claims occurred in this
`
`district.
`
`FACTUAL BACKGROUND
`
`6.
`
`NFI distributes and sells a dietary supplement known as FAT SOLUTIONS PM,
`
`for which NFI has a pending trademark application U.S. Ser. No. 76,191,346 for “FAT
`
`SOLUTIONS”.
`
`7.
`
`MNI is the purported owner of various “Body Solutions” trademarks, including,
`
`but not limited to U.S. Reg. No.’2,013,742, and pending trademark application Nos. U.S. Ser.
`
`77,109,426, 76,026,780 and 76,108,021. MNI makes and sells weight
`
`loss ‘products in
`
`conjunction with said Body Solutions trademarks nationwide.
`
`8.
`
`By letter to NFI dated April 16, 2001, MNI accused NFI’s FAT SOLUTIONS
`
`PM product of infringing MNI’s Body Solutions trademarks. A copy of MNI ’s letter is attached
`
`hereto as Exhibit A.
`
`9.
`
`On or about May 17, 2001, counsel for NFI respondedto MNI’s accusations of
`
`trademark infiingement by denying any potential infringement of MNI’s trademarks. A copy of
`
`NFI’s response letter to MN1 is attached hereto as Exhibit B.
`
`10.
`
`On September 28, 2001, MNI again accused NFI’s FAT SOLUTIONS PM
`
`product of infiinging MNI’s Body Solutions trademarks, and additionally accused NFI of trade
`
`dress
`
`infringement, unfair competition,
`
`and false advertising relating to NFI’s FAT
`
`SOLUTIONS PM label. MNI asserted that it had already sued numerous other companies on
`
`related claims and threatened to sue NFI for the above claims if NFI did not agree to MNI’s
`
`

`
`
`
`demands by October 4, 2001. MNI’s September 28, 2001 letter to NFI is attached hereto as
`
`Exhibit C.
`
`(Declaration of Non—Infringement of Body Solutions Trademarks)
`
`COUNT I
`
`l 1.
`
`NFI incorporates by reference the allegations of paragraphs 1 through 10.
`
`12.
`
`MNI’s threats and assertions against NFI, as set forth above, create an actual
`
`controversy pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2201 and entitle NFI to seek declaratory relief as to MNI’s
`
`asserted causes of action against NF].
`
`13.
`
`NFI’s FAT SOLUTIONS PM product does not infringe any of MNI’s Body
`
`Solutions trademarks as there is no likelihood of confusion of an appreciable number of
`
`ordinarily prudent consumers created by NFI’s use of the FAT SOLUTIONS PM name for its
`
`product.
`
`14.
`
`NFI is entitled to a declaratory judgment on non—infiingement of any trademark
`
`rights MNI might have in the Body Solutions trademarks set forth above.
`
`(Declaration of Non-Infringement of Body Solutions Trade Dress)
`
`COUNT II
`
`NFI incorporates by reference the allegations of paragraphs 1 through 14.
`
`NFI’s FAT SOLUTIONS PM product does not infringe any of MNTS Body
`
`15.
`
`16.
`
`Solutions trade dress rights as there is also no likelihood of confusion of an appreciable number
`
`of ordinarily prudent consumers between FAT SOLUTIONS PM and Body Solutions created by
`
`NFI’s FAT SOLUTIONS PM trade dress.
`
`17.
`
`NFI is entitled to a declaratory judgment on non—infi1'ngement of any trade dress
`
`rights MNI might have in its Body Solutions weight loss products.
`
`COUNT III
`
`

`
`
`
`(Declaration of Relief as to MNI Claims of Unfair Competition by NFI)
`
`18.
`
`NFI incorporates by reference the allegations of paragraphs 1 through 17.
`
`19.
`
`NFI’s sales activities and label for its FAT SOLUTIONS PM product do not
`
`unfairly compete with MNI’s Body Solutions products.
`
`20.
`
`NFI
`
`is entitled to a declaratory judgment
`
`that
`
`it has not violated unfair
`
`competition laws relating to NFl’s sales and promotion of its FAT SOLUTIONS PM product.
`
`(Declaration of Relief as to MNI Claims of False Advertising by NFID
`
`COUNT IV
`
`21.
`
`22.
`
`NFI incorporates by reference the allegations of paragraphs 1 through 20.
`
`MNI has alleged that the following statement on NFI’s FAT SOLUTIONS PM
`
`label
`
`is false and misleading to consumers, and therefore violates 15 U.S.C. § ll25(a):
`
`“Compare to Body SolutionsTM_ Body Solutions” is a trademark of Mark NutritionalsTM.”
`
`23.
`
`Said statement on NFI’s FAT SOLUTIONS PM label
`
`is neither false nor
`
`misleading to consumers.
`
`24. NFI is entitled to a declaratory judgment that NFI’s reference to compare to Body
`
`Solutions” on its label
`
`is neither false nor misleading, and does not violate l5 U.S.C. §
`
`1l25(a).
`
`Prayer for Relief
`
`WHEREFORE, NFI prays for relief as follows:
`
`1.
`
`For declaratory relief that (i) NFI’s FAT SOLUTIONS PM product does not
`
`infringe any of MNI’s Body Solutions trademarks; (ii) NFI’s FAT SOLUTIONS PM product
`
`does not infiinge any of MNI’s Body Solutions trade dress rights; (iii) NFI’s sales activities and
`
`label for its FAT SOLUTIONS PM product do not unfairly compete with MNI’s Body
`
`

`
`
`
`Solutions products; and (iv) the “Compare to Body SolutionsTM” reference on NFl’s FAT
`
`SOLUTIONS PM label is neither false nor misleading to consumers, and does not violate 15
`
`U.S.C. § 1125(a).
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`For an award of costs in this suit;
`
`For such other and further relief as this Court may deem just and proper.
`
`Jury Demand
`
`Pursuant to Rule 38(b) of the Federal Rule of Civil Procedure, plaintiff demands a trial
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`by jury of any issue so triable.
`
`This the 4"‘ day of October, 2001.
`
`Charles A. Burke (NCSB No. 19366)
`
`David H. Read.(NCSB No. 25108)
`
`WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
`Post Office Drawer 84
`
`Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102
`
`Telephone: -(336) 721-3600
`
`Attorneysfor PlaintiffNutrition & Fitness IMG, Inc.
`
`

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`Dim: Dial: 212-908-6l26
`Email: dlnmmcy@kenyon.:om
`
`April 16, 2001
`
`Via Facsimile (910) 860-9742 and
`Certitzed Mail/Return Regemt Regueste
`
`.
`
`Mr. Richard J. Guy
`Nutrition & Fitness IMG. Inc.
`afkla NFI Dietary Supplements
`704 B Festus Avenue
`Fayetteville, NC 28303
`
`Re:
`
`FAT SOLUTIONS, ENERGY SOLUTIONS,
`DIET SOLUTIONS and JODIT SOLUTIONS
`Our Ref: 11308/66
`
`Dear Mr. Guy:
`We are writing on behalfcfour client Mark Nutritionals, Inc. (“Mark Nutrifioz1aJs”).
`
`cmarks BODY
`As you likely know. Mark Nu}:-itionals is the owner ofthe trad
`line. of dietary and
`SOLUTIONS” and ATOMIC ENERGY‘, used in connection with a popular
`ONS“ and
`’
`nutritional supplements. Mark Nutritionals’ ownership ofthe BODY SOLUTI
`marks is a matter ofpublic record, as evidenced by U.S. T‘radcmaIk
`ATOMIC ENERGY“
`anham Act, 15 U.S.C. §l05l et seq., you
`Registration Nos. 2,013-,7_42 and 2,417,631. Under the L
`which are valid and subsisfing, in
`are deemed to have constructive notice of these regisn-.-.'.ions,
`
`NYO1 359152 V1
`
`

`
`
`
`KENYON & KENYON
`
`Mr. Richard J. Guy
`
`April 16. 2001
`Page - 2 -
`full force and effect, and pursuant to 15 U.S.C. §11l5, evidence of the validity and registration of
`these marks, ofMark Nutritionals’ ownership ofthe marks, and of Mark Nutritionals’ exclusive
`right to use these marks in commerce throughout the United States. Mark Nutritionals has
`A
`devoted substantial resources to the marketing and sales ofits products, and in protecting its
`intellectual property rights in and to its marks. Accordingly, Mark Nutrifionals is vigilant in
`protecting these marks against unauthorized and infringing uses.
`
`register the marks DIET SOLUTIONS. ENERGY SOLUTIONS, FAT SOLUTIONS and JOINT
`SOLUTIONS (collectively, the “Infringing Marks”), with the US. Patent and Trademark Office.
`The goods and services listed in connection with all ofthese applications are “dietary
`supplements." We also believe that your company is in the business of selling dietary
`supplements focusing on weight loss, which makes you a direct competitor ofour client.
`The use and registratior1 ofthe Infringing Marks is certain to cause confusion and
`deception among the trade and purchasing public as to the murce of origin ofthe products sold in
`connection with the Infringing Maria. The Infringing Marks are strongly similar to the BODY
`SOLUTIONS” mark, and appear to be part ofthe same line of products. Exacerbating the
`situation is the added similarity between the ATOMIC ENERGY“ mark and ENERGY
`SOLUTIONS. Moreover, BODY SOLUTIONS“ proucts are marketed as “joint support"
`‘ products —— which makes your JOINT SOLUTIONS mark even more confusingly similar. The
`numerous similarities between these marks raises serious questions concerning your intent in
`adopting these strikingly similar marks.
`'
`
`Furthermore, use of your marks will dilute the distinctive quality of our c1icnt’s BODY
`SOLUTIONS“ and ATOMIC ENERGY’ marks. In short, your actions constitute federal and
`state trademark infringement, false description and designation of origin, and trademark dilution,
`as well as common law ‘unfair competition and passing off, for which your company could be
`subject to severe monetary damages.
`
`Mark Nutritionals will not tolerate violations of its proprietary rights. We therefore
`demand that you immediately and permanently (i) cease and desist from any and all further use of
`the Infringing Marks, or any other trademark, service mark, domain name or trade name which is
`confusingly similar to our client’s ttadernarks; (ii) voluntarily abandon with prejudice the
`applications to register the Infringing Marks and any other applications to register any trademark,
`service mark, domain name or trade name which is confusingly similar to any of our client's
`trademarks; and (iii) promptly destroy all products, tags, labels, packages, containers,
`advertisements, brochures, catalogues, tlyers, signs and other materials which make use in whole
`or in part of the Infringing Marks.
`
`Please provide your written assurance that you have complied or will comply with our
`demands within seven (7) days of the date ofthis letter. Unless we receive a satisfactory
`
`NYD1 359152 V 1
`
`

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`
`
`‘
`‘
`4
`
`.
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`‘
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`1
`‘
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`;
`E
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`KENYON S; KENYDN
`
`Mr. Richard J. Guy
`April 16, 2001
`Page - 3 -
`
`that time, we will assume that you intend to comiuue violating our client’ 5 rights,
`response by
`and we will advise our client to pursue whatever actions or remedies are appropriate.
`is without prejudice to any and all of Mark N\m'itionals' rights and
`The foregoing
`remedies in connection with this matter, which are hereby expressly reserved.
`Sincerely.
`
`KENYON & KENYON
`W C
`David A. Lammey
`
`cc:
`
`Mark Nulritionals, lnc.
`James B. Rosini, Esq.
`Dana R. Kaplan, Esq.
`
`NY01 3591232 V 1
`
`

`
`mx:_m:.m
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`
`

`
`
`
`CARLYIE
`
`SANDRIDGE
`
`8: RICE
`A FRoFESSloNAL LIMITED
`LIABILITY COMPANY
`
`200 War Second Street
`Winston—S.4Iem, NC 27l0l
`
`Mailing Address:
`Post Office Drawer 84
`Winston-Salem, NC 27 I02
`Telephone: (336) 72l«3600
`Fax: (336) 72l_3660
`Web site: www.wcsr.com
`
`May 17, 2001
`
`_
`‘Ra“_<_1°‘S- SPMECT
`_
`Direct Dlaii (336) 721-3747
`Dlrcct Fax: (336) 7266991
`E-mail: RSpringer@wcsr.com
`
`David A. Lammey, Esquire
`Kenyon &, Kenyon I
`One Broadway
`New York, NY 10004-1050
`
`R53 Mark Nutritionals, Inc. ' Trademark Matter
`
`
`Dear Mr. Lammey:
`
`This firm represents Nutrition & Fitness IMG, Inc. (“NFI”). Our client has sent
`us a copy of your letter to Richard Guy at NFI dated April 16, 2001, and has asked us to respond.
`Please note that NFI regards its trademarks as valuable assets, and takes both its intellectual
`property rights and those of others very seriously. NFI has no intention of infringing upon
`anyone’s trademark rights,
`including those of Mark Nutritionals,
`Inc. Nevertheless, after
`reviewing your letter, we conclude that your claims have no merit, and accordingly, our client
`will not agree to any of the demands you have made.
`
`If you wish to discuss this matter further, or have additional informationthat ‘we
`_
`should consider, please let me know.
`
`Very truly yours,
`
`I214-=l>
`
`Randel S. Springer
`
`RS S : lkh
`
`cc:
`
`Mr. Richard Guy
`
`,
`.
`ATLANTA / GREENVILLE. sc / CHARLOTTE / WINSTON-SALEM / RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK / RALEIGH / WASHING'l'ON,DC
`
`

`
`mic:O
`
`3
`
`
`

`
`
`
`giigcsfibtosiréfvenr. Svrgsggi
`Tm. 4osi975.75oo
`‘Fi7T46€§?§'.7<T1
`
`E-MAIL: SSM1TH@KENYON.(I3M
`Am. REF. No. 11308.1 13
`
`KENYON 8:: KENYON
`
`INTELLECTUAL
`PROPERTY LAW
`
`September 28, 2001
`
`By Overnight Mail
`
`Richard J. Guy
`Chairman and Founder
`
`Nulri lion and Fitness Independent Marketing Group, Inc.
`704 B Festus Avenue
`
`Fayetteville, North Carolina 28303
`
`Re:
`
`Unauthorized and Deceptive Use ofBODY soLtmoNs® Trademark
`
`Dear Mr. Guy
`
`This firm is intellectual property counsel to Mark Nutritionals, Inc., a leading
`manufacturer and seller of dietary supplements and nutritional products. Mark Nutritionalsis the
`owner of the trademark BODY SOLUTIONS for a line of dietary supplements. Mark
`Nutritionals’ ownership of the BODY SOLUTIONS mark is a matter ofpublic record, as
`partially evidenced by U.S. Trademark Registration No. 2,013,742. Under the Lanharn Act, 15
`U.S.C. §lO51 et seq. , Nutrition and Fitness Independent Marketing Group, Inc. (“NFI") is
`deemed to have constructive notice of this registration, which is valid and subsisting, in fiill force
`and effect, and pursuant to 15 U.S.C. §11l5, is evidence of the validity and registration of the
`mark, ofMark Nutritionals’ ownership of the mark, and of Mark Nutn'tionals' exclusive right to
`use the BODY SOLUTIONS mark in commerce throughout the United States.
`
`Mark Nutritionals recently learned that NFI claims that its FAT SOLUTIONS product is
`comparable to Mark Nutritionals’ BODY SOT IITIONS product. Specifically, the FAT
`SOLUTIONS product label contains the statement “Compare to BODY SOLUTIONS” using
`Mark Nutritionals’ trademark, trade dress and logo. This use ofMark Nutritionals’ proprietary
`marks constitutes infiingement ofMark Nutritionals’ trademark fights and false advertising
`under federal and state laws.
`
`The claim that FAT SOLUTIONS is comparable to BODY SOLUTIONS is false and
`misleading. The BODY SOLUTIONS founula is a unique and propfietary formula. The FAT
`SOLUTIONS formula is vastly different from the BODY SOLUTIONS formula in virtually all
`aspects. In fact, not one ingredient is present at the same or similar level as any nfthe ingredients
`contained in BODY SOLUTIONS. Thus, to state that the products are in any way comparable is
`false advertising on its face. Furthermore, the product efficacy and performance results produced
`by BODY SOLUTIONS are attributable to its precise formulation and three-phase program, and
`
`28352_l DOC
`
`

`
`
`
`KBNYON 8: K1-ZNYON
`
`Richard J. Guy
`September 28, 2001
`Page 2
`
`therefore, it is literally false for NFI to state that FAT SOLUTIONS, which is vastly different
`from BODY SOLUTIONS, produces comparable results. NFI is engaging in false, deceptive and
`misleading advertising with respect to its claim regarding BODY SOLUTIONS.
`
`Section 43 of the Lanham Act provides as follows:
`
`(1)
`
`(2)
`
`Any person who, on or in connection with any goods or services, or any container
`for goods, uses in commerce any work, term, name, symbol, or device, or any
`combination thereof, or any false designation of origin, false or misleading
`description of fact, or false or misleading representation offact, which —
`In commercial advertising or promotion, misrepresents the nature, characteristics,
`qualities or geographic origin of his or her or another person’: goods, services, or
`commercial activities.
`
`Shall be liable in a civil action by any person who believes that he or she is or is likely to
`be damaged by such act. 15 U.S.C. § ll25(a)(l)(B).
`.
`
`To prevail on a false advertising claim, a plaintiff must show that the defendant’s
`statements are either literally false, that is false on their face, or implicitly false, that is literally
`true, but likely to mislead or confuse. Here, there is no question that the alleged active
`ingredients in FAT SOLUTIONS are not comparable to the active ingredients in BODY
`SOLUTIONS. Thus, NFI’s claim that its product is comparable to BODY SOLUTIONS
`constitutes both literal and implicit false advertising under the Lanham Act and affords Mark
`Nutritionals with a viable cause of action against NFI for its false advertising claims.
`
`Mark Nutritional: has additional claims against NFI under federal and state laws,
`including trademark infringement under 15 U.S.C. § 1116, trademark dilution under 1125(6), and
`deceptive trade practices under state laws. Mark Nuuitionalsnever authorized NFI to use the
`BODY SOLUTIONS mark, trade dress or logo on its packaging. This use, coupled with NFI’s
`obvious attempted afiiliation with BODY SOLUTIONS by naming its product FAT
`SOLUTIONS, demonstrates NFI’s willful violation of Mark Nutritionals’ rights in an effort to
`mislead consumers for its own commercial gain.
`
`Mark Nutritionals will not tolerate this blatant violation of its proprietary rights and‘
`therefore demands that NFI immediately and permanently cease and desist from all further ‘use of
`Mark Nutritionals’ BODY SOLUTIONS mark (and any similar variant thereof) and from
`making any claims or false statements regarding Mark Nutritionals and its products.
`Accordingly, Mark Nutritionals demands that NFI immediately (21) remove all products from
`stores containing the offending label; Cb) direct stores holding any inventory containing the
`offending label to immediately ship all such inventory back to NH; and (c) destroy all products,
`labels, packages, containers, advertisements, brochures, and other materials that make use in
`whole or in part of the BODY SOLUTIONS mark or any similar variant thereof.
`
`Mark Nutritionals vigilantly protects its trademark rights and pursues those who make
`
`28352__l.DOC
`
`

`
`
`
`KENYON 8: KENYON
`
`Richard J. Guy
`September 28, 2001
`Page 3
`
`false and misleading statements about Mark Nutritionals’ products. To that end, Mark
`Nutritionals has commenced numerous actions in federal court to stop such infringing activity,
`and, in every case, Mark Nutritionals has been successful.
`
`Mark Nutritionals considers this to be an extremely serious matter and therefore demands
`NFI’s response to this letter by no later than 5p.m. on Thursday, October 4, 2001. Failing
`NI-'I’s strict compliance with these demands, Mark Nutritionals will be forced to evaluate its
`vfilable legal options, including litigation in federal court, seeking the remedies and damages
`available to it under federal and state laws, without further notice to NFI.
`
`The foregoing is without prejudice to any and all of Mark Nutzitionals’ rights and
`remedies in connection with this matter, which are hereby expressly reserved
`
`
`
`cc:
`
`Mark Nutrifionals, Inc.
`James E. Rosini, Esq.
`Michelle M. Marsh. Esq.
`
`28352__l DOC
`
`

`
`
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF ORTH CAROLINA
`
`
`Re: Case V J
`,1;
`
`
`
`
`NOTICE OF GHT TO CONSENT
`TO THE EXERCISE OF CIVIL JURISDICTION
`
`BY A MAGISTRATE JUDGE
`
`Your attention is invited to Title 28 U.S.C. § 636(c).
`
`You are hereby notified that if all parties to a civil case consent, the United States
`
`magistrate judges of this district court, in addition to their other duties, may conduct a trial
`
`pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c)(1) and order the entry of a final judgment.
`
`Your decision to consent, or not to consent, to the referral of your case to a United States
`
`magistrate judge for trial and entry of a final judgment must be entirely voluntary. The judge
`
`or magistrate judge to whom the case has been assigned will not be informed of your
`
`decision unless all parties agree that the case may be referred to a magistrate judge for these
`
`specific purposes. A less than unanimous decision will not be communicated by my office
`
`to either the judge or magistrate judge.
`
`Copies ofthe form for the "Consent to Proceed Before a United States Magistrate Judge"
`
`are available from my office.
`
`OCT - 4 2003
`
`Date
`
`J .P. CREEKMORE, Clerk of Court
`
`

`
`
`
`UNITED V"-\TES DlS'l‘RlC.'T C
`
`OU RT
`
`
`
`83.10b(a) ofthc Rules of Practice and Procedure of this (hurl.
`settlement conference.
`
`

`
`
`
`:
`
`JULY 19, 1999
`
`US DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA
`MEDIATOR LIST
`
`NAME & CONTACT INFORMATION
`
`
`M. Ann Anderson
`POB 93
`Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
`(336) 368-9621
`
`Robert F. Baker
`
`SPEARS BARNES BAKER WAINIO BROWN & WHALEY
`POB 891
`Durham, NC 27702
`(919) 682-5721
`
`EXPERTISE AREAS
`
`
`tort, civil rights, labor
`
`COFIITBCI, LOFI
`
`PAGE 1
`
`VITAE
`
`yes
`
`yes
`
`I10
`
`I10
`
`yes
`
`1'10
`
`yes
`
`yes
`
`contract, tort, property rights, banking
`
`contract, tort, labor, property rights
`
`contract, tort, civil rights, labor (individual employment)
`
`contract, tort, property rights, banking
`
`contract, tort, civil rights, property rightsllandlord/tenant)
`
`contract, tort, civil rights
`
`contract, tort, civ. rights. labor, prop. rights, sec., environ.
`
`yes
`
`contract, tort, property rights
`
`yes
`
`Ronald Barbee
`BARBEE JOHNSON & GLENN
`POB 21401
`Greensboro, NC 27420
`(336l 379-1630
`
`Billy R. Barr
`POB 1203
`
`Mt. Airy, NC 27030
`(336) 789-2274
`
`Judith G. Behar
`
`437 West Friendly Avenue
`Greensboro, NC 27401
`I336) 373-8465
`
`E William D. Bernard
`1 101 North Columbia St.
`
`‘ Chapel Hill, NC 27514
`‘ (919) 968-1111
`
`Dorothy C. Bernholz
`I 1202 Roosevelt Drive
`‘ Chapel Hill, NC 27514
`‘ I919l 962-1303
`
`‘ Donald H. Beskind
`
`IBLANCHARD TWIGGS ABRAMS & STRICKLAND, P.A.
`3POD 30
`Raleigh, NC 27602
`1919) 828-4357
`
`iWilliam A. Blancato
`
`‘MCCALL DOUGHTON & BLANCATO, P.L.L.C.
`633 W. Fourth St., Ste. 150
`Winston-Salem, NC 27101
`-I336) 725-7531
`
`Richard T. Boyette
`ICRANFILL, SUMNER, HARTZOG
`igos 27808
`.
`Raleigh, NC 27611-7808
`I919) 828-5100
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`PAGE 2
`
`VITAE
`
`yes
`
`yes
`
`HO
`
`HO
`
`yes
`
`yes
`
`no
`
`yes
`
`I10
`
`V85
`
`1
`
`JULY 19, 1999
`
`US DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA
`MEDIATOR LIST
`
`NAME & CONTACT INFORMATION
`
`EXPERTISE AREAS
`
`-
`Anthony M. Brannon
`NEWSOME, GRAHAM, HEDRICK & KENNON, F’.A.
`E POB 51579
`} DURHAM, NC 2771-1579
`I (919) 490-0500
`
`Kenneth S. Broun
`UNIVERSITY or N. c. SCHOOL OF LAW
`CB# 3380 Van Hecke-Wettach Hall
`;chape1 Hill, NC 27599-3380
`E19191 962-4112
`
`I;MeIvyn H. Brown, Jr.
`11°03 184
`
`gwallburg, NC 27373
`1(336I 720-9935
`
`Richard Lane Brown, Ill
`BROWN BROWN BROWN & STOKES
`POB 400
`Albemarle, NC 28002
`
`17041 982-2141
`
`Tlohn E. Bugg
`I308 2811
`Purham, NC 27715
`I919) 383-9431
`
`Robert M. Burroughs
`P05 4054
`
`Charlotte, NC 28226-4064
`17041 362-2121
`
`Frank A. Campbell
`P,OB 2248
`
`contract, tort, property rights, environmental
`
`contract, tort, civil rights
`
`contract, tort, civil rights
`
`contract, tort, property rights, banking, environmental
`
`CODUBCI
`
`COFIUBCI, 101?, real DFODBTIY
`
`CODUBCI, ION
`
`contract,t0rt,civil rights,labor,prop.rights,antitrust,envir0nmental
`
`qreensboro, NC 27402
`(336) 275-3511
`
`I H
`
`ugh 8. Campbell, Jr.
`2030 Carillon Bldg.
`227 West Trade St.
`ciuarlone, NC 28202
`(704) 372-1282
`
`A. Canoutas
`P03 967
`Wilmington, Nc 28402-0967
`I91 OI 762-2448
`
`Karen Estelle Carey
`WIOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE
`PQD 84
`Winston-Salem, NC 27120
`(3361 721-3536
`
`NONE CHECKED
`
`construction law, environmental
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`JULY 19, ‘I999
`
`US DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF NORTI-I CAROLINA
`MEDIATOR LIST
`
`; NAME & CONTACT INFORMATION
`
`EXPERTISE AREAS
`
`1 D. Anderson Carmen
`1 BELL, DAVIS & PITT, P. A.
`1 635 West Fourth St.
`‘[ POB 21029
`1 Winston-Salem. NC 27120-1029
`1 (336) 722-3700
`
`contract, tort, civil rights property rights, banking
`
`William P. H. Cary
`BROOKS PIERCE MCLENDON HUMPHREY & LEONARD
`I POB 26000
`
`labor, employment discrimination
`
`t0ft
`
`CODTIBCI, tort
`
`PAGE 3
`
`VITAE
`
`yes
`
`yes
`
`yes
`
`yes
`
`\/GS
`
`HO
`
`yes
`
`yes
`
`[10
`
`lGreensboro, NC 27420
`313361271-3115
`
`George C. Christie
`‘DUKE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
`‘Poe 90360
`
`‘Durham, NC 27708-0360
`11919) 684-2976
`
`g1<1m Church
`11 1 17 Marshall Street
`Raleigh, NC 27604
`(919) 832-8423
`
`Penise S. Cline
`MOORE 81 VAN ALLEN, PLLC
`EOE 25507
`Raleigh. NC 27511
`(9I9I 828-5243
`
`\l/incent P. Collura
`45 Fearrington Post
`Pittsboro, NC 27312
`
`L919) 933-2184
`
`Reginald F. Combs
`FOB 25008
`
`V}/inston-Salem, NC 27114-5008
`(336) 768-1130
`
`James L. Conner, III
`Old Durham Library Office Building
`311 East Main St.
`
`Durham, NC 27701
`(911 9) 683-8688
`
`Sejira A. (Sally) Conti
`1308 3463
`
`chapel Hill, NC 27515
`(919) 967-3375
`
`contract, civil rights, labor, property rights
`
`' yes
`
`contract, tort, property rights
`
`contract, tort, prop. rights, antitrust banking, sec.
`
`Contract, tort, property rights, environmental
`
`contract, property rights, banking, environmental
`
`R. ‘Cameron Cooke
`JOHNSON, TANNER, COOKE, YOUNCE & MOSELEY
`POB 3486
`
`ALL CATEGORIES
`
`Greensboro, NC 27402
`I336) 379-0123
`
`

`
`
`
`l\
`l1
`
`JULY 19. 1999
`
`US DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA
`MEDIATOR LIST
`
`EXPERTISE AREAS
`
`PAGE 4
`
`VITAE
`
`contract, tort, civil rights, labor, banking, securities
`
`yes
`
`contract, tort, property rights, banking, environmental
`
`yes
`
`contract, tort, civil rights, banking, environmental
`
`yes
`
`contract, tort, civil rights, environmental
`
`contract, tort, civil rights, property rights
`
`yes
`
`yes
`
`contract, civil rights, labor, property rights, environmental
`
`no
`
`Thomas C. Duncan
`HILL, EVANS, DUNCAN, JORDAN & DAVIS
`
`contract, tort, [property rights
`
`3 NAME & CONTACT INFORMATION
`\l
`
`
`ll
`
`Mark O. Costley
`ADAMS, WALL & COSTLEY, L.L.P.
`3 POB 21007
`Greensboro, NC 27420-1007
`
`l John 0. Craig, lll
`POD 1150
`
`3 High Point, NC 27261-1150
`1 (336) 883-9156
`
`lAu|ey M. Crouch, Ill
`3 P08 4
`‘Wilmington, NC 28402
`11910) 762-0595
`
`;H. Lee Davis, Jr.
`iPOB 20039
`lwinston-saiem, NC 27120-0039
`§l332) 725-8385
`
`Dailey J. Derr
`POB 51266
`Durham, NC 27717
`?.l919l 493-5500
`
`‘R. D. Douglas, Jr.
`POB 419
`Greensboro, NC 27402
`I336) 378~O580
`
`George P. Doyle
`210 North Columbia Street
`Chapel Hill, NC 27514
`(919l 942-4162
`
`F]-’OB 989
`Cfireensboro, NC 27402
`(836) 379-1390
`
`Anne L. Duvoisin
`A Better Way
`
`Dispute Resolution Services
`2700 Old Sugar Road
`Durham, NC 27707
`(919) 493-5093