throbber
Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Electronic Filing System. http://estta.uspto.gov
`ESTTA725420
`02/07/2016
`
`ESTTA Tracking number:
`
`Filing date:
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`Proceeding
`
`91217618
`
`Party
`
`Correspondence
`Address
`
`Submission
`
`Filer's Name
`
`Filer's e-mail
`
`Signature
`
`Date
`
`Defendant
`Trump Your Competition, Inc.
`
`ROD UNDERHILL
`ROD UNDERHILL ESQ
`PO BOX 1238
`JULIAN, CA 92036-1238
`UNITED STATES
`MP3Rod@aol.com
`
`Other Motions/Papers
`
`Rod Underhill
`
`MP3Rod@aol.com
`
`/RodUnderhill/
`
`02/07/2016
`
`Attachments
`
`Binder A-9.pdf(913546 bytes )
`
`

`
`
`
`ATTACHMENT 7
`ATTACHMENT 7
`
`

`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 1 of 35
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`ROBBINS GELLER RUDMAN
`& DOWD LLP
`JASON A. FORGE (181542)
`
`MOILrgrdlaw.com
`
` L. JENSEN (211456)
`rj ens en rgrdlaw.com
`HOM S R. MERRICK (177987)
`tmerrick rgrdlaw.com
`655 West roadway, Suite 1900
`San Diego, CA 92101
`Telephone: 619/231-1058
`619/231-7423 (fax)
`
`ZELDES HAEGGQUIST & ECK, LLP
`AMBER L. ECK (f77882)
`ambere((zhlaw.com
`HELENTI. ZELDES (220051)
`helenz zhlaw.com
`ALREN HAEGGQUIST (221858)
`alreenh zhlaw.com
`AARONM. OLSEN (259923)
`aarono@zhlaw.com
`625 Broadway, Suite 1000
`San Diego, CA 92101
`Telephone: 619/342-8000
`619/342-7878 (fax)
`
`Attorneys for Plaintiff and Proposed Class
`
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`
`SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
`
`ART COHEN, Individually and on
`Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated,
`
`vs.
`
`DONALD J. TRUMP,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`Defendant.
`
`Case No.
`
`'13CV2519
`
`DMS
`
`RBB
`
`CLASS ACTION
`
`COMPLAINT FOR VIOLATIONS OF
`18 U.S.C. § 1962(c)
`
`883445_1
`
`

`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 2 of 35
`
`Plaintiff Art Cohen ("Plaintiff'), by and through his attorneys, brings this action
`
`on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, against Donald J. Trump
`
`("Defendant" or "Defendant Trump"). Plaintiff alleges the following based upon
`
`information and belief, the investigation of counsel, and personal knowledge as to the
`
`allegations pertaining to him.
`
`NATURE OF THE ACTION
`
`1.
`
`Defendant ensnared Plaintiff and thousands of other student-victims in a
`
`fraudulent scheme nationwide to sell real estate seminars and mentorships ("Live
`
`Events") by trading on the Trump moniker. Defendant uniformly misled Plaintiff and
`
`the Class that they would learn Donald Trump's real estate secrets through him and
`
`his handpicked professors at his elite "University." The misleading nature of the
`
`enterprise is embodied by its very name. That is because, though Defendant promised
`
`"Trump University," he delivered neither Donald Trump nor a University.
`
`2.
`
`Defendant expressly set out to leverage Donald Trump's fame and
`
`expertise as a real estate mogul by creating "Trump University," which Defendant
`
`marketed as a premier institution of higher learning rivaling Wharton Business
`
`School, and with which Trump was so integrally involved, students would effectively
`
`be learning from him. 1 Defendant marketed Trump University as `the next best thing
`
`to being Trump's "Apprentice," referencing Trump's hit reality television series.
`
`3.
`
`In a promotional video for Trump University posted on YouTube,
`
`embedded in email blasts, and shown at Trump University Live Events (hereinafter,
`
`I the "Main Promotional Video"), Trump himself promised would-be student-victims:
`We're going to have professors and adjunct professors that are
`absolutely terrifc. Terrific people. Terrific brains. Successful. The
`best. We are going to have the best of the best. And, honestly, if you
`don't learn from them, if you don't learn front sne, if you don't learn
`from the people that we're going to be putting forward, and these are all
`people that are handpicked by jne, then, you're just not gonna make it in
`
`1 (cid:9)As detailed herein, Trump University changed its name to Trump Entrepreneur
`Initiative on June 2, 2010.
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`883445_1 (cid:9)II (cid:9)
`
`- 1 -
`
`

`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 3 of 35
`
`terms of the world of success. And that's okay, but you're not gonna
`make it in terms of success.
`
`4.
`
`Defendant mass mailed to Plaintiff and the Class a "Special Invitation
`
`from Donald J. Trump" to the free introductory Live Event, adorned with the Trump
`
`University coat of arms and promising: "My hand-picked instructors and mentors
`
`will show you how to use real estate strategies
`
`...." The letter continues that with
`
`"ongoing support from your own Team of Trump Experts — you'll have what you
`
`need to succeed!" The letter closes with Donald J. Trump's name, signature, and
`
`Trump University's address at 40 Wall Street, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10005.
`
`5.
`
`Trump gave himself a prominent, if not exclusive, role in the national
`
`advertising campaign for "Trump University." However, Trump did not fulfill the
`
`promises he made to student-victims around the country — he did not teach students
`
`his coveted real estate investing "secrets" at the Live Events, he did not contribute in
`
`any meaningful way to the curriculum for the Live Events, and he did not handpick
`
`the Live Event seminar instructors and mentors who "taught" student-victims at 3-day
`
`Live Events and Elite mentorship programs — both of which were upsells from the free
`
`introductory Live Event called the "Preview."
`
`6.
`
`Almost immediately after Trump founded Trump University, the New
`
`York State Education Department ("NYSED") wrote to Donald Trump on May 27,
`
`2005, warning him that using the name "University" was illegal without a license, and
`
`asked Trump to stop using the name "Trump University." Instead of complying,
`
`Defendant's agents created a fictitious office in Dover, Delaware, and then Defendant
`
`continued to brazenly operate illegally out of his 40 Wall Street office in New York,
`
`New York for five years. On March 30, 2010, the NYSED wrote to Donald Trump
`
`and again advised that use of the title "University" in the name of his corporation was
`
`"misleading" and illegal. On June 15, 2010, NYSED wrote to Trump University
`
`2 (cid:9)Emphasis is supplied and citations and internal quotation marks omitted here
`and throughout, unless otherwise noted.
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`
`
`28
`
`883445_1 (cid:9)II (cid:9)
`
`- 2 -
`
`

`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 4 of 35
`
`1 directing Defendant to cease any further training until Trump University obtained a
`
`2
`
`license to operate as an institution of higher learning. The NYSED demanded: "All
`
`3 current students should be refunded" and warned that failure to comply with the law
`
`4 "may result in disciplinary action." Defendant did not give students refunds, but did
`
`5 stop offering and selling Live Events shortly thereafter in or about August 2010.
`
`6 However, Defendant has made multiple statements that he intends to resume Trump
`
`7 University courses in the future.
`
`(cid:9)7
`
`8
`
`. (cid:9)At least 11 Attorneys General and the U.S. Department of Justice have
`
`9 received numerous complaints about Trump University; the Texas Attorney General's
`
`10 investigation into misleading advertisements by Trump University ultimately led to
`
`11 the suspension of Live Events in that state; and a year after the filing of a related class
`
`12 action in this Court, the New York Attorney General launched an investigation into
`
`13 Trump University's deceptive practices. And, due to Defendant's misleading
`
`14 advertisements and marketing of Trump University as a "University," the Better
`
`15 Business Bureau ("BBB") refused to accredit Trump University and gave it a D- grade
`
`16 due to the many complaints lodged by consumers.
`
`(cid:9)8
`
`17
`
`. (cid:9)Plaintiff brings this class action on behalf of himself and all other
`
`18 ~ similarly-situated consumers who purchased Trump University Live Events
`
`19 throughout the United States, asserting violations of the Racketeer Influenced and
`
`20 Corrupt Organizations Act ("RICO Statute"), 18 U.S.C. § 1962(c).
`
`(cid:9)9
`
`21
`
`. (cid:9)Plaintiff seeks damages and equitable relief on behalf of himself and the
`
`22 Class, including, but not limited to: treble their monetary damages; restitution;
`
`23 injunctive relief; punitive damages; costs and expenses, including attorneys' and
`
`24 expert fees; interest; and any additional relief that this Court determines to be
`
`25 necessary or appropriate to provide complete relief to Plaintiff and the Class.
`
`(cid:9)J
`
`26
`
`URISDICTION AND VENUE
`
`(cid:9)1
`
`27
`
`0. This Court has original jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action
`
`28 pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331, because Plaintiff's claims arise under the RICO Statute,
`
`883445_1 (cid:9)11 (cid:9)
`
`- 3 -
`
`

`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 5 of 35
`
`1 18 U.S.C. § 1962. The Court has diversity jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1332 because
`
`2 Plaintiff resides in California, and Defendant resides in New York. This Court also
`
`3 has original jurisdiction over this action under the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005,
`
`4 28 U.S.C. § 1332(d)(2) ("CAFA"), as to the named Plaintiff and every Class Member,
`
`5 because the proposed Class contains more than 100 members, the aggregate amount in
`
`6 controversy exceeds $5 million, and Class Members reside across the United States
`
`7 and are therefore diverse from Defendant.
`
`(cid:9)1
`
`8
`
`1. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendant because he has
`
`9 significant minimum contacts with this State, and intentionally availed himself of the
`
`10 laws of California by transacting a substantial amount of business throughout the State
`
`11 and this District, including but not limited to, the promotion, marketing, advertising,
`
`12 and sale of Trump University Live Events throughout California and San Diego
`
`13 County, and on the Internet to consumers located throughout California and San
`
`14 Diego County.
`
`(cid:9)1
`
`15
`
`2. Venue is proper under 18 U.S.C. § 1965(a), because Defendant is subject
`
`16 to personal jurisdiction in this District as alleged above, and Defendant has agents
`
`17 located in this District.
`(cid:9)
`18
`
`19 A. (cid:9)Plaintiff
`
`PARTIES
`
`(cid:9)1
`
`20
`
`3. Plaintiff Art Cohen is a businessman and resident of the state of
`
`21 California. Cohen learned about Trump University in 2009 when he saw an
`
`22 advertisement in the San Jose Mercury News, which is delivered daily to his home.
`
`23 Cohen believes that he also received by mail a "special invitation" to Trump
`
`24 University from Donald Trump, which included 2 VIP tickets to the free seminar.
`
`25 Cohen was lured in by Donald Trump's name and reputation as a real estate expert.
`
`26 Cohen attended the Preview Live Event at the Fremont Marriott Silicon Valley in
`
`27 Fremont, California, on April 29, 2009, where Cohen was shown the Main
`
`28 Promotional Video. Based on Defendant's misrepresentations and material omissions
`
`883445_1 (cid:9)11 (cid:9)
`
`- 4 -
`
`

`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 6 of 35
`
`1 that he would receive Donald Trump's real estate secrets from his handpicked
`
`2 "professors" and mentors at his "University," Cohen purchased the $1,495 Fast Track
`
`3 to Foreclosure Real Estate Retreat, which he attended from May 8-10, 2009, at the
`
`4 Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel in Palo Alto. At the 3-day event, Cohen was upsold to the
`
`5 Gold Elite program, which he purchased on May 10, 2009, for $34,995, plus the
`
`6 interest and finance charges paid to his credit card.
`
`(cid:9)1
`
`7
`
`4. Plaintiff would not have paid for any of the Trump University programs
`
`8 had he known that he would not have access to Donald Trump's real estate investing
`
`9 secrets, that Trump had no meaningful role in selecting the instructors for the Live
`
`10 Events, and/or that Trump University was not a "University," as Defendant had
`
`11 represented to him.
`
`12 B. (cid:9)Defendant
`
`(cid:9)1
`
`13
`
`5. Donald J. Trump resides in the State of New York. Trump was a founder
`
`14 and Chairman, officer, director, managing member, principal and/or controlling
`
`15 shareholder of Trump University. Defendant Trump is also Chairman of the board of
`
`16 directors, President and CEO of the Trump Organization, a conglomerate of
`
`17 companies which includes Trump University.
`
`(cid:9)1
`
`18
`
`6. Defendant Trump received revenues paid to Trump University from
`
`19 Plaintiff and other Class Members through two or more shell companies, including
`
`20 DJT University Managing Member LLC (now DJT Entrepreneur Managing Member
`
`21 LLC), a New York Limited Liability Company, and DJT University Member LLC
`
`22 (now DJT Entrepreneur Member LLC), a New York Limited Liability Company.
`
`(cid:9)1
`
`23
`
`7. Defendant Trump has conducted substantial business within the State of
`
`24 I California, including this District.
`8. Defendant Trump approved, authorized, either specifically and/or tacitly
`25
`
`(cid:9)1
`
`26 directed, ratified and/or participated in the acts complained of herein engaged in by
`
`27 Trump University and its personnel.
`
`28
`
`883445_1 (cid:9)(I (cid:9)
`
`- 5 -
`
`

`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 7 of 35
`
`(cid:9)
`1
`
`COMMON FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
`
`2 A. The Scheme
`
`(cid:9)1
`
`3
`
`9. Defendant Trump and others, including but not limited to, the former
`
`4 President of Trump University, Michael Sexton, devised and executed a scheme to
`
`5 make tens of millions of dollars by marketing Trump University as both: (1) a learning
`
`6 institution with which Donald Trump was so integrally involved that students would
`
`7 effectively be learning from him because, among other reasons, they would be
`
`8 learning his real estate secrets from instructors whom he had handpicked; and (2) an
`
`9 actual university with a faculty of professors and adjunct professors.
`
`(cid:9)2
`
`10
`
`0. This "Scheme" was fueled by a national advertising campaign, the
`
`11 cornerstone of which was the Main Promotional Video. Defendant Trump caused the
`
`12 Main Promotional Video to be published to YouTube online so it would be viewed by
`
`13 prospective student-victims throughout the country. Trump University operated an
`
`14 extensive advertising campaign with an annual budget at one time of $6 million, and a
`
`15 database of over one million current and potential customers, which it targeted with
`
`16 frequent email blasts. These e-blasts contained misrepresentations and/or links to
`
`17 view the Main Promotional Video on YouTube, and/or Trump University's Facebook
`
`18 page, Twitter account, and/or LinkedIn profile. When Trump University introduced
`
`19 the Donald Trump "signature" campaigns (featuring Donald Trump's signature in
`
`20 letters and ads) including "Are YOU My Next Apprentice?" and "Learn From the
`
`21 Master," consumer responses jumped by over 50%. And though personnel knew it
`
`22 was false to claim the instructors were handpicked by Defendant Trump, Defendant
`
`23 continued to use this catch-phrase as a marketing hook.
`
`(cid:9)2
`
`24
`
`1. Other methods and means that Defendant Trump and others used to
`
`25 execute and perpetuate the Scheme included the following:
`(cid:9)
`26
`
`(a) Defendant Trump reviewing and approving advertisements before
`
`27 I they were released, which featured quotes from Defendant Trump himself, such as: "I
`28
`
`883445_1 (cid:9)II (cid:9)
`
`- 6 -
`
`

`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 8 of 35
`
`1 can turn anyone into a successful real estate investor, including you. — Donald
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`Trump."
`
`(b) Using Defendant Trump's name, photos and/or quotes for all Live
`
`Events, website and advertising, and the website home page displayed a large photo of
`
`Defendant Trump along with the message from him: "Are YOU My Next Apprentice?
`
`Prove it to me!"
`
`' (') 7 7 ,{ P (cid:9) Calf fora free consultation (cid:9)
`1
`•
`Li N I V I IL S I 'I Y (cid:9) 5) it 5. U.:~i • .; (cid:9) .,• 5
`
`~E Rcn
`
`Afteni a F1,ue Course
`
`It (cid:9)Trio
`
`F, r.4d lr ~ : cy ar
`
`yv
`
`Find a class near you
`
`[Enter zip code
`
`Lecirn w -,alth St (cid:9)es
`('rift F~Ie: i 1r1r (cid:9):Irk I
`
`Creative Financing
`Techniques for Today's
`Market
`
`o ~ • May 05, 2010
`
`at6PM EST &9PMAEST
`
`Get iF ancia Ad ice
`
`Ohs .10: kenhd ThirTy
`~ (cid:9) t (cid:9)- (cid:9)r:.iiith ~ 3ltli
`
`1
`
`cirrus. 6rc -nixed tyre
`
`' ' (cid:9)
`7{i1 rsurrgi
`
`- _-.°<oi s
`
`(dial I iirdyyt FREE r=;inrt.
`
`Get started
`
`Enter your email (cid:9)1
`
`(d) Using advertisements featuring Defendant Trump and his image
`
`with quotes such as: "Don't think you can profit in this market? You can. And I'll
`
`show you how. Learn from my handpicked experts how you can profit from the
`
`23
`
`largest real estate liquidation in history."
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`(e)
`
`Sending emails to thousands or tens of thousands consumers from
`
`Trump University's one million customer database that featured Defendant Trump's
`
`photo with the words: "Are you My Next Apprentice," and stated: "76% of the
`
`world's millionaires made their fortunes in real estate. Now it's your turn. My father
`
`did it, I did it, and now I'm ready to teach you how to do it too." The signature block
`
`883445_1 (cid:9) — 7 —
`
`

`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 9 of 35
`
`at the bottom of the email read, Donald J. Trump, Chairman, Trump University, and
`
`above that is Defendant Trump's actual signature.
`
`From: Tw.mp tlnWerstly <en'aitdi tr rrumpun vor sily.am>
`To: branton
`Sent: Thu, April Oh, 2(110 12:06:00 PM (cid:9)- (cid:9) -
`Subject: Enooprer+eurs Needed to be toy Ned Apprentice
`
`I want people who want success.
`
`II you Think BIG and beliove you've got what it takes to succeed, I want youl
`
`76°r, of the world's mflllonnires mach their
`fortunes In reel estate. Now Its your turn. My
`father did It. I did It, and new I'm ready to teach
`you how to do If too.
`
`
`
`
`
`iK
`
`,tin
`
`sd
`
`s (cid:9)r
`
`
`
`-" ~.
`
`,~ ,y' (cid:9)-,
`. (cid:9)
`. (cid:9)~ £ s, (cid:9)r x,.,:.:
`
`
`I'm also going to give you my
`"Secrets of Real Estate Marketing"
`inventor to0lklt in $50 Value)
`absolutely FREE when you attend.
`rr't A. (cid:9)1: time, . ae tt!rg i3 obey
`O
`ilntited and dry Trump Workshops
`ulwpyo fill an It
`
`My :cam of Font eslata exports ai Rump Ucivorsity is
`coming to your area in the pout law cays to conduct
`my Free Intro Apprenticeship Wmksh:p. It you think
`you've got what It takes to bony pout Apprentice,
`step up and attend, You shoold also bring along a
`rusted partner. Th{s Is YOUR cpporlunity to create
`weaith anti take cenfrol of your own financial return
`with proven strato0los that work in the current real
`estate market.
`
`Attend the Free Intro Approeltoeshlp Workshop to
`learn how te. (cid:9)-
`
`Buy proportion from bank; at DEEP dismounts
`Use sired sales to CONTROL property
`I- (cid:9)Increase your tinxcche. POWER vnlh bvorege
`Negottoto PROFITABLE dosis that steel your
`peals
`
`0. (cid:9)Att.uod and tnon now to develop the
`CONFIDENCE to succeed I, rent estate
`
`See you at the Copt
`
`Dnnu d J Trump
`Crmrtman, Tromp Universlty
`
`(f) (cid:9)Sending signed letters through the mails to consumers nationwide,
`I with Defendant Trump's name and signature at the bottom, stating: "[N]o course
`offers the same depth of insight, experience and support as the one bearing my name.
`
`. My hand-picked instructors and mentors will show you how to use real estate
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`strategies to: [s]upplement or even replace your income, [s]ecure your long-term
`
`27
`
`financial future ... [s]tart profiting today! Now is the time to create your financial
`
`28
`
`legacy. You can do it, even if you only have five or ten hours a week to spare. With
`
`883445_1 (cid:9)II (cid:9)
`
`— 8 —
`
`

`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 10 of 35
`
`1 our simple instructions and practice exercises — and ongoing support from your own
`
`2 Trump Team of Experts — you'll have what you need to succeed!"
`
`(Second
`
`3 emphasis in original). The letter closed with Donald J. Trump's name, signature, and
`
`4 address, at 40 Wall Street, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10005.
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`(g)
`
`Sending substantially-similar signed letters through the mails to
`
`consumers nationwide addressed as "Dear Friend" from Donald Trump promising:
`
`"Come to my free class. In just 90 minutes, my hand-picked instructors will share my
`
`techniques, which took my entire career to develop," and signed "Sincerely, Donald
`
`Trump" with Defendant Trump's signature. (Emphasis in original). The letter
`
`enclosed two "VIP" tickets to an upcoming Preview Live Event in the consumer's
`
`11
`
`area.
`
`(h) Delivering to student-victims, who were in the midst of the Trump
`
`University $1,495 Fulfillment Live Event and whom Trump University was trying to
`
`persuade to sign up for the Elite program, a personalized (addressed to them by name)
`
`letter from Donald J. Trump. The letter bore the Trump logo at the top of the letter
`
`and the words "From the Office of Donald J. Trump." The letters stated:
`
`Success in real estate begins with great training and proven
`strategies. Without education you don't stand a chance.
`
`I know how to make money in real estate. I've been doing it for a
`long time with a lot of success. My family has been a leader in real estate
`since my father — Fred Trump — started building residential homes in
`New York City 75 years ago. My father was my mentor and he taught
`me a lot. Now I want to teach you how to make money in real estate. fo
`be my apprentice you need to Think BIG and really want to succeed.
`More than anything, you need to take action.
`
`Do YOU have What It Takes to Be My Next Apprentice?
`
`I only work with people who are committed to succeed. I founded
`Trump University back in 2005 to teach go-getters how to succeed in
`real estate. My team at Trump University is filled with real estate experts
`. proven winners. We're the best of the best and we know what
`works. If you think you have what it takes to be my next apprentice,
`prove it to me.
`
`We've trained thousands of real estate investors over the years and
`we know you will be most successful when you work with a partner...
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`883445_1 (cid:9)
`
`- 9 -
`
`

`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 11 of 35
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`If you 're serious about making money and safeguarding your
`future, learn to invest in real estate. Trump University will teach you
`how. We'll give you the best training and the confidence to succeed. If
`you think you've got what it takes to be my next Apprentice, come prove
`it to me and my team.
`
`4
`
`The letter closes with "See you at the top!" And, it is signed, "Donald J. Trump,
`
`5
`
`~ Chairman, Trump University."
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`(i)
`
`Promising students that "[t]here are many real estate investment
`
`'seminars available but this is the only one designed by Donald Trump ' s personal
`
`advisors , to show you step -by-step how to create quick cash immediately , and how to
`
`build a large monthly cash flow WITHOUT using any of your own money or credit."
`
`(j)
`
`Enforcing the uniform deceptive portrayal of Trump University
`
`I through policies and procedures , including Marketing Guidelines , the PlayBook, and
`standardized PowerPoint presentations and scripts that instructors were contractually
`
`13
`
`required to use. For example , the Marketing Guidelines were designed to "ensure
`
`14
`
`brand, tone and message across all Trump University's marketing efforts." The
`
`15
`
`"tone" required by those Marketing Guidelines was to "Think of Trump University as
`
`16
`
`a real University with a real Admissions process, i . e., not everyone who applies, is
`
`17
`
`accepted ." The Guidelines also required that personnel use the term "faculty" which
`
`18
`
`was to be marketed as comprised of Donald Trump ' s "top experts."
`
`19
`
`(lc) (cid:9)Sending scripts containing misrepresentations to instructors for use
`
`20
`
`at the Live Events through the interstate wires, such as the Preview Script sent from
`
`21
`
`Michael Sexton to primary instructors , including James Harris and Stephen Goff. The
`
`22
`
`speaker was required to use the official Trump University script and PowerPoint, and
`
`23
`
`not make any changes without prior authorization pursuant to the PlayBook and
`
`24
`
`his/her contract. Defendant Trump has concealed this speaker script that was used to
`
`25
`
`execute his Scheme. Excerpts of the concealed speaker script include:
`
`26
`
`27,
`
`28
`
`883445_1 (cid:9)II (cid:9)
`
`- 10 -
`
`

`
`(cid:9)
`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 12 of 35
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`TI-11 III pUnivel-sity
`'Preview Script — Version 3.0
`
`Slide 01: Trump University Title Slide
`
`Slide 02: The Trump University Apprenticeship Program
`
`Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to welcome you to our presentation tonight on
`behalf of Mr. Donald Trump and Trump University. My name is (lecturer
`rranrej. I'm a member of the faculty at Trump University. Let's talk a little
`about Donald Trump.
`
`Slide 03: Trump Montage
`
`Who here thinks they know Donald Trump? Hands up. Very good. Let's play
`this little game to get you in the mood of things.
`
`ill
`(cid:9)
`12 1
`
`* (cid:9)* (cid:9)*
`
`I remember one to time Mr. Trump said to its over dinner, he said "real estate
`is the only market. that when there is a sale going on people run from the
`store". You don't vvKnrt to run from the store.
`* (cid:9)* (cid:9)*
`
`First we will show you Donald "Frump's negotiating system. Nobody
`negotiates better than Donald. We'll show you how he does it, why he does it,
`and how you can make it work for you. We will share with you marketing
`pieces for both finding and selling properties, and again I'll say this to you as I
`have before. One of the critical things is being able to got out of a property
`when the time is right for you. And that is what we'll show you how to do.
`
`* (cid:9)* (cid:9)*
`
`Slide 57: Risk Free Guarantee
`
`Making money may not be enough ror some of you. You have lost, thousands
`in the markets, but you worry about the $ 1495 that you pay here tonight-.
`
`('Trial Glasu): Some of you are still worried. You say: I am convinced that
`Trump University is the real deal. 1 am convinced that Donald Trump
`can teach inc how to make money in real estate. 1 am convinced that I
`don't have it chance of recovering my 401.1c losses unless I do something.
`
`* (cid:9)* (cid:9)*
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`8834451 (cid:9)II (cid:9)
`
`- 11 -
`
`

`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 13 of 35
`
`Slide 58: Take Control of Your Life
`
`When you enroll in Trump University and make use of our systems, specific
`knowledge and continuing support, you will be taking control of your life.
`You will create a new normal for yourself; one that is much morn enjoyable
`and rewarding than Your current situation.
`
`Follow the proven practices, philosophy and guidance of Donald 'frump.
`
`(1) (cid:9)Promising students in blogs posted on Trump University's website
`
`that Defendant Trump would be actively involved in Trump University and its
`
`courses:
`
`rew out of any desire to impart my business
`Trump University
`knowledge, accumulated over the years, and my realization that there is
`a huge demand for practical, convenient education that teaches success.
`
`I want the people who go to Trump University to succeed, and I
`plan to do tray part to help them. I'm not just putting my name on this
`in the curricula. The website,
`venture; I plan to be an active presence
`www.trumpuniversity.com , will include such features as "Ask Mr.
`the blog you're reading
`Trump," in which I answer your questions;
`now; video clips of me; and more. My words, ideas, and image will also
`be woven into the courses we create. The reason I'm playing such an
`active role in Trump University is that I truly believe in the power of
`education.. . . [T]he people who go to Trump University want to be
`successful, and I'm on their side.
`
`Another blog written under Defendant Trump's name promised: "Ihave to believe in
`
`whatever Iput my name on, and it has to reflect who I truly am. To do otherwise
`
`would be a disservice to me, my loyal customers, and prospective customers."
`
`(m) Promising that he would personally select and answer students'
`
`questions in a forum called "Ask Donald Trump," when the questions were selected
`
`and the answers written by a same ghost writer (who was not a real estate expert).
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`883445_1 (cid:9)II (cid:9)
`
`- 12
`
`

`
`(cid:9)
`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 14 of 35
`
`T F& U J4 '
`GESCIiU H4
`tt€~ tvtftSIrY (cid:9) 88, krc 5953
`
`(cid:9)
`
`
`
`ctty (cid:9)'
`
`
`
`Ask Donald Trump
`
`Have: you avai Wdoiudto cat u flonaLUcwnp a quostt0u2
`t,&Ws Four is carrel
`
`tltc£fitg lC(J 1 -13'tJii'7 { (cid:9)d 11'tllt*tl"aQ''..i
`i 7'{tro k'i is
`; ;u; (cid:9)tini::raC'.'1
`
`6;i: '.atlt) aat€ t 51it'stbuta aC+cti€"r iTi!rir;ji
`tu3 (cid:9); t:.4 ht i%..5+:f, -duce. itir4 i )e-a s I , Mimi - ON, itS
`ti ;,b ir € ro most talsariestiii;a arxi •tire i grteatiuits. T-.r;:
`0 •_€~E?Iu the ti stgw;AW (cid:9)art (cid:9)crt in t1tJ D r ttatrl
`;, iarYt} t.3btaal" tOOi, CU (cid:9)to ;').ir t~.;u,Mara (rt ar,:;tvcieCl ~
`Sit@pic. ,`,lfn cuft32.flt aalS\ rS postei Aa1 the (Ptif114' ~.f~'(~'.
`
`Y.
`
`(cid:9)Pry rt t ttlbsrti uuu this tsa+ute
`
`
`
`s
`
`.E. t: (cid:9)..£`~
`
`' `e `•" ~'x :~ .w (cid:9) writ (cid:9) :.k (cid:9) f (cid:9) `<
`:.......:..:. (cid:9).
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`I B. (cid:9)The Truth
`
`18
`
`22. Defendant knew that these representations were false, that Defendant
`
`19
`
`Trump was not actively involved in Trump University's Live Events, did not select or
`
`20
`
`interview Trump University's Live Event instructors or mentors, that Defendant
`
`21
`
`Trump offered no input into the actual instruction provided to Trump University's
`
`22
`
`student-victims, that a ghost writer wrote the Donald Trump blogs and wrote most or
`
`23
`
`all of the answers to the "Ask Donald Trump" questions and that Trump University
`
`24
`
`did not have a faculty of professors and adjunct professors, but rather independent
`
`25
`
`contractors paid commissions for sales. In other words, Defendant promised Trump
`
`26
`
`University, but delivered neither Donald Trump nor a University.
`
`27
`
`28
`
`883445_1 (cid:9)II (cid:9) - 13 -
`
`

`
`Case 3:13-cv-02519-DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 10/18/13 Page 15 of 35
`
`(cid:9)1
`
`1
`
`. (cid:9)Not Donald Trump
`
`(cid:9)2
`
`2
`
`3. Though Defendant Trump represented that he would be so integrally
`
`3 involved that Trump University was effectively learning from him, Defendant
`
`4 Trump's involvement was "completely absent," as Defendant Trump has admitted in
`
`5 court filings. Defendant Trump had virtually no involvement in determining, nor was
`
`6 he even aware of, what the instructors actually taught or what the courses were.
`
`(cid:9)2
`
`7
`
`4. Though Defendant Trump represented that all of Trump University's
`
`8 instructors would be handpicked by him, thus implying that students would get the
`
`9 next best thing to Defendant Trump himself, it was Sexton and COO David
`
`10 Highbloom who interviewed the instructors and was in charge of hiring instructors. It
`
`11 was also Sexton — not Defendant Trump — who would know what, if any, education,
`
`12 professional experience, testing, and/or licenses was required of instructors. In most
`
`13 cases, Defendant Trump did not even know who the instructors or mentors were, nor
`
`14 had he met them.
`
`(cid:9)2
`
`15
`
`5. Though the entirety of Defendant Trump and Trump University's
`
`16 marketing and advertising campaigns were centered around Defendant Trump's real
`
`17 estate expertise and access to Defendant Trump's coveted real estate "secrets," Trump
`
`18 University did not teach Donald Trump's real estate "secrets" as promised. Rather,

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket