Empire Declaration
Empire Declaration
Empire Declaration
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WESTERN DIVISION
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX
TELEVISION, a division of
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM
CORPORATION, a Delaware company,
et al.,
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Plaintiffs,
v.
EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC., a
California corporation,
Defendant.
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Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 2 of 176 Page ID #:650
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title
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Exhibit 10: Front & Back Covers Of DVD Set Empire: The Complete First
Season ........................................................................................................................................ 135
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Exhibit 11: DVD Set Empire: The Complete First Season ...................................................... 136
Exhibit 12: Labels Of DVDs Of Ten Episodes Of Season 2 Of Empire .................................. 137
Exhibit 13: DVDs Of Ten Episodes Of Season 2 Of Empire ................................................... 142
Exhibit 14: Front & Back Covers Of Album Empire: Original Soundtrack From
Season 1 ..................................................................................................................................... 143
Exhibit 15: CD of Album Empire: Original Soundtrack
From Season 1 ........................................................................................................................... 144
Exhibit 16: Front & Back Covers Of Album Empire: Original Soundtrack Season
2 Volume 1 ................................................................................................................................. 145
Exhibit 17: CD of Album Empire: Original Soundtrack
Season 2 Volume 1 ..................................................................................................................... 146
Exhibit 18: Excerpts Of Amazon.com Sales Page For Empire: Music
From The Pilot .......................................................................................................................... 147
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LENS DECL. ISO MSJ
CASE NO. 2:15-CV-02158 PA(FFMX)
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 3 of 176 Page ID #:651
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attorney in the law firm of OMelveny & Myers LLP, and counsel for plaintiffs and
Summary Judgment. I have personal knowledge of the facts set forth herein and, if
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counsel, Peter Villar, requesting, pursuant to Local Rule 7-3, that the parties meet
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and confer on this motion. A true and correct copy of my L.R. 7-3 correspondence
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conferred telephonically with Mr. Villar to discuss Foxs anticipated motion for
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Complaint For Declaratory Relief (Dkt. 1), filed on or about March 23, 2015,
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Distribution, Inc.s Answer To Complaint (Dkt. 15), filed on or about June 4, 2015.
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On or about June 30, 2015, the parties held their Federal Rule of Civil
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Procedure 26(f) conference. During this conference, defendants counsel stated that
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on or about November 23, 2015. (Per paragraph 5(a) of the Courts Scheduling
Order (Dkt. 23), Fox is only submitting excerpts of discovery responses and other
question.)
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Jays expert report, without its exhibits, served on or about November 30, 2015.
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Johnsons expert report, without its exhibits, served on or about November 30,
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2015.
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and back covers of the DVD set Empire: The Complete First Season. Fox lodged
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herewith a true and correct copy of the DVD set Empire: The Complete First
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of the DVDs containing the episodes of Season 2 of Empire that have aired to date.
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Season 2, there are 10 separate DVDs. The first episode of Season 2 is labeled
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2AXP01, the second episode of Season 2 is labeled 2AXP02, the third episode
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of Season 2 is labeled 2AXP03, and so on. Fox lodged herewith a true and
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correct copy of these ten DVDs, with the DVDs being designated as Exhibit 13.
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Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 6 of 176 Page ID #:654
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and back covers of the album Empire: Original Soundtrack From Season 1, which
contains music from Empires first season. Fox lodged herewith a true and correct
copy of the Empire: Original Soundtrack From Season 1 album, with the CD being
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and back covers of the album Empire: Original Soundtrack Season 2 Volume 1,
which contains music from the first ten episodes of Empires second season. Fox
lodged herewith a true and correct copy of the Empire: Original Soundtrack Season
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the amazon.com sales page for Empire: Music From The Pilot, which contains
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music from Empires pilot episode (i.e., the first episode of the first season). The
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soundtracks from each episode of Empire from Season 1 follow this format, with
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the amazon.com sales page for Empire: Music From A Man Sinned Against, which
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contains music from the ninth episode of Empires second season. The soundtracks
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from each episode of Empire from Season 2 follow this format, with the album art
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defendants website.
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Empire Distribution, Empire Distributions owner, Ghazi Shami, and Foxs Empire
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Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 7 of 176 Page ID #:655
approximately 6,000 followers, and Ghazi Shamis Instagram account had less than
5,000 followers. Foxs Empire Instagram account had over 1.6 million followers.
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I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed on December 15, 2015, at Los Angeles, California.
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________________________
Molly M. Lens
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Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 8 of 176 Page ID #:656
EXHIBIT 1
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 9 of 176 Page ID #:657
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Lens, Molly
Monday, November 23, 2015 8:54 AM
Villar, Peter N.
Gale, Paul L.; Bowler, John M.; [email protected]; Petrocelli, Daniel;
Biscay, Cameron H.; Ehlers, J. Hardy
Fox v. Empire Distribution
Peter We write to meet and confer in advance of our contemplated motion for summary judgment. We intend to
move for summary judgment on all claims based on the dispositive First Amendment defense; the lack of
likelihood of confusion; and the lack of famousness of Empire Distributions alleged marks. Pursuant to L.R.
7.3, please let us know when you are available to meet and confer. When you respond, please let us know if
you anticipate moving for summary judgment on any claims.
With respect to the schedule, as you should be aware, Judge Andersons scheduling order provides that the
current deadline for summary judgment hearings is February 1. The scheduling order separately encourages the
moving party to provide more than the minimum twenty-eight (28) day notice for such motions. This means,
under the current schedule, summary judgment motion(s) will be filed prior to the completion of
discovery. Further, the motions themselves will likely be filed shortly before the holidays, with oppositions
falling over the Christmas/New Year holidays.
In light of this, we propose the parties stipulate to an extension of the summary judgment hearing deadline to
February 29 (leaving all other case deadlines in place). This would allow the parties to complete discovery
prior to summary judgment briefing and, of lesser importance, avoid any holiday conflicts. While the parties
can meet and confer to discuss the specific schedule, we propose the following, working backwards from the
February 29 hearing date: January 25: deadline to move for summary judgment, contemporaneous with the
close of discovery; February 4: opposition date; February 12: reply date (given the holiday of February 15).
To the extent your client is not willing to agree that the parties should jointly request that Judge Anderson move
the hearing to February 29, we ask that Empire Distribution stipulate that it will not oppose our forthcoming
summary judgment motion on 56(d) grounds.
We ask for your response by 10:00 am tomorrow, which will allow the parties to present any agreement to
Judge Anderson for his consideration on Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Molly
______________________________
Molly M. Lens
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
1999 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: (310) 246-8593
Fax: (310) 246-6779
[email protected]
This message and any attached documents contain information from the law firm of O'Melveny & Myers LLP that may be
confidential and/or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not read, copy, distribute, or use this
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EXHIBIT 1
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EXHIBIT 2
Case Case
2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM
2:15-cv-02158 Document
Document
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COMPLAINT FOR
DECLARATORY RELIEF
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
Plaintiffs,
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v.
EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC., a
California corporation,
Defendant.
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COMPLAINT FOR
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1.
Fox brings this action to protect its intellectual property rights in and
to its breakout fictional television series Empire. Even though the series only
To date, each episode of Empire has attracted more viewers than the prior
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episodea feat that no other show in the last 23 years has accomplished. FBC
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the release of music therefrom, does not violate any of defendants purported
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trademark rights. This action has been necessitated by defendants meritless claims
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3.
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Delaware, having its principal place of business at 10201 West Pico Boulevard, Los
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Angeles, California 90064. TCFFC owns the intellectual property rights in and to
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the fictional television series Empire and the music therefrom, including copyright
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at 10201 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90064. FBC operates the
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Fox Network, a national broadcast television network with 203 affiliates reaching
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COMPLAINT FOR
DECLARATORY RELIEF
Case Case
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California 94103. On information and belief, defendant is a music record label and
music distribution company engaged in the business of live and recorded music
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2201 et seq.; under the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1125(a) and 1125(c); and
under state unfair competition law, California Business and Professions Code
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17200 et seq. This Court has federal question subject matter jurisdiction over
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the federal claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1331 and 1338(a) and 15 U.S.C.
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1121. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over the state law claim under 28
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because a substantial part of the events giving rise to Foxs claims against
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distributes, exhibits, and sells the purportedly infringing properties in this District;
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attempted to resolve the dispute with defendant in this District; and received threats
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directed its cease-and-desist letters to this District and also, on information and
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belief, distributes, promotes, and sells music under its alleged trademarks
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COMPLAINT FOR
DECLARATORY RELIEF
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Terrence Howard) is diagnosed with a fatal disease, viewers watch his ex-wife,
sons fight for future control over Lucious powerhouse music and entertainment
nightclub, make champagne and sneakers, and generate over $343 million in annual
revenue.
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attention, critical acclaim, and unprecedented ratings success. For example, Empire
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has set multiple viewership records since its debut. Its recently-aired season finale
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reached 16.7 million same-day viewers. This represented an entire season in which
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each episode attracted more viewers than the last. No program has accomplished
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even five weeks of consecutive viewership growth under the modern system for
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measuring viewership, in place for over two decades. FBC renewed Empire for a
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music includes original songs produced for the show by Grammy Award-winning
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songs following the broadcast of each new episode, and it recently released an
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Empire: The Original Soundtrack from Season 1, debuted as the number one
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album on the Billboard 200 chart for the week of March 28, 2015, beating out
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Madonnas new Rebel Heart album for the top slot. An earlier album, Empire:
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Music from the Breach, consisting of songs from Empires ninth episode, held the
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22nd spot on the Billboard 200 chart for the week of March 21, 2015.
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COMPLAINT FOR
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Empire.
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was initially denied by the United State Patent and Trademark Office (the
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DVD Empire. The USPTO has not yet taken action on defendants December 10,
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was initially denied by the USPTO due to a likelihood of confusion with Empire
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Fig. 1.
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Upon information and belief, the Empire Distribution logo does not
formed until June 2011, and the earliest that it claims to have used Empire
Distribution or Empire Recordings in commerce is January 1, 2010.
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displayed defendants website on the seventh page and a job posting on the sixth
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COMPLAINT FOR
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page. None of the other hits on the first six pages were related to defendant. And
the entries on the first six pages are predominantly for other record labels with
empire in their name, such as Empire Records, Royal Empire Records, American
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displayed defendants website as the fifth result, with none of the earlier entries
referring to defendant.
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entertainment field. For example, just in the State of California, there are
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Media Center; and Empire Publishing, Inc. There is even a film called Empire
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Records. Outside the State of California, as well as outside the entertainment field,
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Enterprises is the name of the fictional company at the heart of the series. The
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Soundtrack Music also prominently bears the Empire series logos along with other
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indicia from the series so that consumers can associate it with the television show.
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promote the series. These efforts included developing consistent branding. For this
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reason, Fox uses several, related logos to identify Empire and the music therefrom.
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COMPLAINT FOR
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The following two logos are exemplars of those used to promote the
series itself:
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Fig. 2.
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Fig. 3.
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The following two logos are exemplars of those used to promote the
Soundtrack Music:
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Fig. 4.
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Fig. 5.
DEFENDANTS CLAIMS
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for a then-record fifth straight week and claimed a total viewership of 11.9
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1125(a) of the Lanham Act. Defendant claimed that use of the word Empire
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whether the series and its music are somehow affiliated with defendant.
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dealer prone to murdering his friends threatens to tarnish [defendants] brand and
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trademark claims, asserted a new claim for unfair competition, and gave Fox three
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options to settle the claims made against it: (1) Fox could pay $5 million and
include artists that defendant represents as regular guest stars on the fictional
television series Empire; (2) Fox could pay defendant $8 million; or (3) Fox could
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Defendant has alleged that the fictional television series Empire and
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the related Soundtrack Music infringe its purported trademark rights in Empire,
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defendants conduct, Fox has a real and reasonable apprehension of litigation and
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property rights in the fictional television series Empire and the Soundtrack Music.
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from this Court that Foxs use of the word Empire in the title of its fictional
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television series, in connection with the fictional entity Empire Enterprises, and
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in connection with the Soundtrack Music does not infringe defendants trademark
rights, if any.
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has further made demands for millions of dollars to settle these purported claims.
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litigation and has been brought into adversarial conflict with defendant.
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property rights in the fictional television series Empire and the Soundtrack Music.
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rights and obligations with respect to the use of the word Empire.
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from this Court that Foxs use of the word Empire in the title of its fictional
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television series, in connection with the fictional entity Empire Enterprises, and
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COMPLAINT FOR
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(28 U.S.C. 2201 et seq. and Cal. Bus. Prof. Code 17200 et seq.)
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Defendant contends that Foxs use of the mark Empire in the title of
its fictional television series, in connection with the fictional entity Empire
competition. Defendant has further made demands for millions of dollars to settle
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this purported claim. By virtue of defendants conduct, Fox has a real and
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reasonable apprehension of litigation and has been brought into adversarial conflict
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with defendant.
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property rights in the fictional television series Empire and the Soundtrack Music.
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from this Court that Foxs use of the word Empire in the title of its fictional
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television series, in connection with the fictional entity Empire Enterprises, and
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in connection with the Soundtrack Music does not violate defendants trademark
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rights, if any.
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A.
For a declaration that Foxs use of the word Empire in the title of its
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COMPLAINT FOR
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ii.
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competition law;
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servants, employees, attorneys, successors and assigns, and all persons, firms and
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corporations acting in concert with it, from making false statements and
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representations to third parties asserting that Fox has violated its trademark rights,
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if any;
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C.
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D.
For such other and further relief as the Court deems just and equitable.
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MARVIN S. PUTNAM
OMELVENY & MYERS LLP
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By:
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COMPLAINT FOR
DECLARATORY RELIEF
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MARVIN S. PUTNAM
OMELVENY & MYERS LLP
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By:
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COMPLAINT FOR
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Exhibit
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EXHIBIT
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ID #:22
Page ID
MICdEL 0 rOEBS JR
#:674
TROUTVAN
SANDERS LLP
rT
TT N A X T
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Bank of Amerc:Pza
GOD Peach:ree Streel NE. Se 52D0
AIata Geog:a 303D-2218
404 885.3DDD &ephone
Iroutmansanders corn
Re:
Our firm represents Empire Distribution Inc. (Empire), a well-known music record
label and music distribution company that has released albums in a wide variety of genres, but
specifically focusing on hip hop, rap, and R&B, under the marks EMPIRETM, EMPIRE
DISTRIBUTIONTM and EMPIRE RECORDINGSTM (the Marks) (see http://empLre or
www.empiredistribution.com). Over the past five years, Empire has become one of the largest
distributors and producers of digital music in the country. It has had numerous Billboard charting
releases from well-recognized artists under its label, having partnered with notable artists such as
Kendrick Lamar, Migos. The Foreign Exchange and Snoop Dogg. Songs released by EMPIRE
RECORDINGS have earned platinum and gold records, and the label has sponsored sold-out
showcases under its name at events such as South by Southwest.
Empire, under both the RECORDINGS and DISTRIBUTION Marks, has built
relationships across the music industry to successfully record, promote, and distribute platinumand gold-certified records. As part of its partnership with Universal/Republic Records, Empire
Recordings was recognized by the Recording Industry Association of America for its role in
selling over 1,500,000 records for the artist Sage the Gemini. (See Attachment A.) The Marks
have been prominently used in press releases and coverage of those records. Separately, Empire
Recordings is engaged in an ongoing relationship with Atlantic Records to co-develop,
distribute, and market artists. Through its partnership with eOne and others, Empire has
distributed, marketed, and sold thousands of physical records under its Marks domestically and
around the world.
Beyond this widespread exposure, the Marks have been the subject of broad advertising
and promotional campaigns and online presence. The Marks became a recognized symbol for
ATLANTA
RALEIGH
2$ 70947 lv I
5EIJING
RICHf.IOND
CHARLOTTE
SAN DJEGO
CHICAGO
HONG KONG
NEW YORK
ORANGE COUNTY
PORTLAND
SHANGHAI
TYSONS CORNER
VIRGINIA BEACH
WASHINGTON! DC
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EXHIBIT
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TROUTMAN
Case
Case
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ID #:23
Page ID
SANDERS
#:675
Gerson A. Zweifach
February 16, 2015
Page 2
quality music and music services years ago. (See Attachment B.) As a result, the Marks are well
known among the relevant consuming public as identifying Empires goods and services. Due to
the tremendous amount of valuable goodwill Empire has developed in the Marks, it cannot
tolerate the unauthorized use of its Marks, because such unauthorized use is likely to cause
confUsion among the public as to the source, origin, sponsorship, or affiliation of services
identified by the Marks, but not authorized by Empire.
The recent debut of FOXs television program Empire has created significant confusion
with Empires products and services in the marketplace. As you know, the program follows the
fictional hip hop music label named Empire Enterprises. Numerous consumers, artists and
business partners have expressed confusion to Empire with regards to whether the Empire
program has any affiliation or business relationship with Empire, which it does not. FOXs use
of the Empire mark below in all upper case letters, the same font treatment as our client, has
significantly exacerbated this confusion.
EMPIRE
EMPIRE
I
I au
11
FOXs use of a city skyline graphic in conjunction with the Empire mark, a combination
originating with our client, in both marketing materials and merchandise has made the confusion
between the two titles inescapable.
EMPIRE
Moreover. FOX advertises, distributes and sells music under the Empire mark.
Because this music shares the same search terms as Empires music, and the musical genres are
identical, the albums and songs have been positioned in close proximity in online stores such as
ilunes, Google Play. Amazon.com, Spotify and Rdio. (See Attachment B.) This further
perpetuates damaging public confusion.
The federal Lanham Act and similar state laws prohibit FOXs use of a trademark in
comiection with the advertising or sale of any goods or services when such use is likely to cause
2470937 lvi
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SANDERS
#:676
Gerson A. Zweifach
February 16, 2015
Page 3
confusion as to the source of those goods or services. 15 U.S.C. 1114, 1125(a). The Lanham
Act also prohibits any person or entity from using a word or name in a manner that is likely to
cause confusion as to the affiliation, connection or association with another person or entity.
FOXs unauthorized use of the Marks has already confused and is likely to continue to confuse
members of the public into believing that you are an approved licensee of or otherwise affiliated
with Empire, the very type of deception that these laws prohibit. Moreover, Empires ponrayal
of a label run by a homophobic drug dealer prone to murdering his friends threatens to tarnish
the brand and harm the goodwill built by our client. Remedies provided for under the Lanham
Act include injunctions and monetary damages.
Empire requests that within seven (7) calendar days of the date of this letter FOX
respond to set a meeting to discuss these legal issues. If we do not receive a timely response, we
will assume FOX does not wish to pursue a resolution in this matter and will advise Empire
accordingly.
We also request that FOX immediately preserve all documents, data, and tangible things
(hereafter Records) in its possession, custody, and control that are potentially relevant to the
subject matter of this dispute, including all electronically stored information, and not destroy,
delete, erase or over write any such materials. The scope of preservation should include, at a
minimum, all Records relating to the conception, development, and launch of the Empire
program; all communications and other materials exchanged regarding the selection of the
Empire program name and its logo; and all cost and financial Records relating to the creation and
roll-out of the program.
This letter does not contain a full analysis of all of the legal issues related to this matter
and is made without any waiver of any rights or remedies which are expressly reserved.
Sincerely,
24 7094 7 Iv)
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Page ID
#:677
Bcc (via e-mail only):
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Page ID
#:678
ATTACHMENT A
The EMPIRE RECORDINGS Mark in use alongside the Republic Records mark in their RIAA
certified platinum plaque commemorating their sale of over 1,000,000 copies of the record Gas
Pedal.
2470947 lvi
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The EMPIRE RECORDINGS Mark in use alongside the Republic Records mark in their RIAA
certified platinum plaque commemorating their sale of over 500,000 copies of the record Red
Nose.
2470947 Iv]
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#:680
Vaw in iTunes
S 1.29
Genres Hip-Hop/Rap. Music
Released: Aug 05. 201l
cE 2014 Empire Recordings
and At antic Recording
Corporation for the Unted
States and WEA International
24 7094 7 lvi
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Page ID
#:681
ATTACHMENT B
P.
SS
ghazi
28 nonlhs ago
The movement is ALWE & WEI.L
KEMP1RE #A3C
blgtoneB25
Yes sirE
Jaytee7fl7
Every nonth!!r
I
-
ghazl
Depend on me rke the :st & 15th!
cb41
jayteelD7
Cc! Dc keg or
Pf
EL JPIRE
I
S. U
YI
stakchlppaz
Keep pushin
Hj
EMPIRE
a:,?
Ironlciheking
An Empire Mark was promoted online and in person at the A3C hip hop festival in October
2012.
24 70947 1 vi
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ID #:30
Page ID
#:682
BIB EATSTAA
S
cdbaby
A fl
ghazl
2lnonthsago
5belrs
tune
In.
EMPIRE
UVEONLINE
13Th
18
ulIle S
i.e
II
monstaville
That Is so dope!!III
abdnamu.Ic
MONDAY MAY
MUSIC
1J.iaid
oIi..m
DISTRIBUTON-MONDAY
ac.
3 May
20(3
httMMI4:kI
U_Cr..
21
An Empire Mark was used to promote the company as a leader in the music recording,
promotion, and digital distribution space as part of a Beatstars seminar in May 2013.
24 7094 7
23
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#:683
ghaz
20 months go
EMPIRE The Evolution Of Music #betawardsweekend
#youngcallfornle #monster #empl.re
-
L
F1
J
davetop.zni
Ye yo whet up Giiezl
27o!
ttsplttln
I needed to be there
echomenagerDo
When Is your #lllpra
An Empire Mark was included among other prominent music and consumer brands at the BET
awards weekend in June 2013.
247O947Ii
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ATTACHMENT C
Go gEe
fl
empire music
Web
Vdecs
Shong
Maps
Images
More
Search ts
FOX
Watch the latest Music Performances and lnteMews. Empire MusIc sponsored by
AT&T hp.flv.ww.loxccrn)emplr&musIc.
In the news
The Opulent Majesty of Hakeems Music Video on
Last Nights Empire c
Granuand 13 hours ego
Hekeems trump card is revealed lobe an opulent music video,
which was mecolously
-
More news
Empire Distribution
Mvw.emplredsu1Jlbn m/
EMPIRE Disubution ARTISTS BLOG RAD:O.TV Feslurec Albums EMPIRE
Blog.. Santana. Freekey Zekey Pcsled HIP HOP EMPIRE New Releases
...
,.
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EXPLICIT!
$9. 4g
2470947 lvi
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EXHIBIT 3
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
S UITE 1400
5 P ARK P LAZA
11
12
13
14
WESTERN DIVISION
15
16
17
18
19
20
Plaintiffs,
21
22
23
v.
EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC., a
California corporation,
Defendant.
24
25
26
27
28
EXHIBIT 3
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Fox Television, a division of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, and Fox
1.
Empires filing suit against Fox for trademark infringement. Empire is without
10
S UITE 1400
5 P ARK P LAZA
11
T ROUTMAN S ANDERS LLP
2.
Empire admits that Fox seeks a declaration that it does not violate
12
Empires trademark rights, but denies that Fox is entitled to any such relief. Empire
13
14
PARTIES
3.
15
16
about the truth of the allegations in paragraph 3, which therefore are denied.
4.
17
18
5.
about the truth of the allegations in paragraph 5, which therefore are denied.
21
22
about the truth of the allegations in paragraph 4, which therefore are denied.
19
20
6.
23
24
7.
25
8.
26
9.
Empire admits that venue is proper in this District. Empire denies the
27
28
-1EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC.S ANSWER TO COMPLAINT
26082199
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10.
without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief about the truth of the
5
6
11.
about the truth of the allegations in paragraph 11, which therefore are denied.
12.
10
S UITE 1400
5 P ARK P LAZA
11
12
Empire denies that its trademarks are purported. Empire admits the
13
Empire denies that it has not applied for federal registration of the
14
mark EMPIRE. Empire specifically shows that it is also the owner of U.S.
15
16
17
RECORDINGS.
18
15.
19
(Serial No. 86/174,484) filed January 24, 2014 was initially refused by the USPTO.
20
Empire denies that the USPTO has not taken action on its applications for EMPIRE
21
22
2014.
23
16.
24
17.
25
18.
26
that the EMPIRE word mark and others of its Marks appear on albums.
27
19.
28
-2EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC.S ANSWER TO COMPLAINT
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20.
about the truth of the allegations in paragraph 20, which therefore are denied.
Empire specifically shows that in a search of the Internet using the Google search
engine conducted April 15, 2015, Empire was referenced in the first, third and sixth
21.
about the truth of the allegations in paragraph 21, which therefore are denied.
Empire specifically shows that in a search of the Internet using the Google search
engine conducted April 15, 2015, Empire was referenced in the second and fifth
organic search results among many others.
S UITE 1400
11
5 P ARK P LAZA
10
T ROUTMAN S ANDERS LLP
22.
12
Empire admits that its affiliated companies, Empire Recordings, Inc. and Empire
13
Publishing, Inc., do business in the State of California. Empire is not aware of any
14
15
16
17
18
19
further admits that Empire Enterprises or Empire Entertainment is the name of the
20
company featured in the Empire series. Empire further admits that Fox promotes,
21
markets and sells music featured on the Empire series using the Empire name and
22
23
about the truth of the remaining allegations in paragraph 23, which therefore are
24
denied.
25
24.
Empire admits that Fox promotes, markets and sells music featured on
26
the Empire series using the Empire name and logos. Empire is without
27
28
EXHIBIT 3
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25.
examples of the different logos used by Fox to promote the Empire series.
26.
examples of the different logos used by Fox to promote the sale of the music
S UITE 1400
5 P ARK P LAZA
27.
Empire admits that its outside counsel sent a letter to Foxs General
Counsel dated February 16, 2015 asserting trademark infringement. To the extent
10
16, 2015 letter, the document speaks for itself, should be read as a whole, and
11
provides only as stated therein. Empire refers the Court to the document for a full
12
13
sufficient to form a belief about the truth of the remaining allegations in paragraph
14
15
28.
Empire admits that its outside counsels February 16, 2015 letter
16
17
18
February 16, 2015 letter, the document speaks for itself, should be read as a whole,
19
and provides only as stated therein. Empire refers the Court to the document for a
20
full and complete statement of its content. Empire denies the remaining allegations
21
in paragraph 28.
22
29.
Empire admits that its outside counsels February 16, 2015 letter
23
asserted that Fox threatens to tarnish the brand and harm the goodwill built by
24
25
terms of the February 16, 2015 letter, the document speaks for itself, should be read
26
as a whole, and provides only as stated therein. Empire refers the Court to the
27
document for a full and complete statement of its content. Empire denies the
28
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requested Fox to immediately preserve all documents, data, and tangible things in
its possession, custody, or control that are potentially relevant to the subject matter
quote the terms of the February 16, 2015 letter, the document speaks for itself,
should be read as a whole, and provides only as stated therein. Empire refers the
Court to the document for a full and complete statement of its content.
S UITE 1400
5 P ARK P LAZA
Empire admits that its outside counsels February 16, 2015 letter
31.
that followed Foxs receipt of Empires February 16, 2015 letter, the parties
10
11
negotiations under Federal Rule of Evidence 408 which states that [e]vidence of
12
13
14
admissible. Fed. R. Evid. 408. As such, this paragraph contains protected matters
15
that Foxs lawyers deliberately disregarded and know are inadmissible as evidence
16
17
32.
Empire admits its outside counsel sent a March 6, 2015 letter to Foxs
18
Senior Vice President of Intellectual Property under the heading and protections of
19
20
21
22
Evid. 408. As such, this paragraph contains protected matters that Foxs lawyers
23
24
25
March 16, 2015 letter, the document speaks for itself, should be read as a whole,
26
and provides only as stated therein. Empire refers the Court to the document for a
27
full and complete statement of its content. Empire denies the remaining allegations
28
in paragraph 32.
-5EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC.S ANSWER TO COMPLAINT
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about the truth of the allegations in paragraph 33, which therefore are denied.
6
7
34.
S UITE 1400
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Answer.
35.
10
communications are protected by Federal Rule of Evidence 408, which states that
11
12
13
claim is not admissible. Fed. R. Evid. 408. As such, this paragraph contains
14
protected matters that Foxs lawyers deliberately ignored and know are
15
16
paragraph 35.
17
36.
18
37.
19
Empire and Fox over Empires asserted trademarks. Empire denies the remaining
20
21
38.
22
39.
23
40.
24
from this Court, but denies that Fox is entitled to such relief. Empire denies the
25
26
27
28
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41.
Answer.
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42.
Empire admits that it has asserted that Fox threatens to tarnish the
brand and harm the goodwill built by Empire. To the extent that this paragraph
10
11
12
Evid. 408. As such, this paragraph contains protected matters that Foxs lawyers
13
deliberately ignored and know are inadmissible as evidence in trial. Empire denies
14
15
43.
16
44.
17
45.
18
Empire and Fox over Empires asserted trademarks. Empire denies the remaining
19
20
46.
21
47.
22
48.
23
from this Court, but denies that Fox is entitled to such relief. Empire denies the
24
25
26
27
28
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(28 U.S.C. 2201 et seq. and Cal. Bus. Prof Code 17200 et seq.)
4
5
49.
Answer.
S UITE 1400
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50.
communications are protected by Federal Rule of Evidence 408, which states that
10
11
claim is not admissible. Fed. R. Evid. 408. As such, this paragraph contains
12
protected matters that Foxs lawyers deliberately ignored and know are
13
14
paragraph 50.
15
51.
16
52.
17
Empire and Fox over Empires asserted trademarks. Empire denies the remaining
18
19
53.
20
54.
21
55.
22
from this Court, but denies that Fox is entitled to such relief. Empire denies the
23
24
25
56.
26
response is required. To the extent that the paragraphs of that clause may be
27
deemed to allege any factual or legal entitlement to the relief requested, Empire
28
denies each and every such allegation and specifically denies that Fox is entitled to
-8EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC.S ANSWER TO COMPLAINT
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any relief, including, but not limited to, the relief requested in subparts A through
D thereof.
AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES
57.
forth herein where such burden would otherwise rest with Fox, Empire alleges the
following affirmative defenses to the Complaint and to the relief sought therein:
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12
13
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(No Injunction)
60.
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Fox has not shown and cannot show that a balance of any of the
18
19
remedy at law, balancing of the harms, or public interest) favor an injunction in its
20
favor.
21
22
(Unclean Hands)
23
61.
24
25
wrongful conduct.
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-9EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC.S ANSWER TO COMPLAINT
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(Unjust Enrichment)
62.
(a)
(b)
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(c)
that Empire have such other and further relief as this Court deems just
11
and proper.
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In accordance with Fed. R. Civ. P. 38, Empire demands a trial by jury on all
issues so triable.
Dated: June 4, 2015
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WESTERN DIVISION
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Plaintiffs,
20
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v.
EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC., a
California corporation,
Defendant.
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EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC.S COUNTERCLAIMS
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Counterclaimant,
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v.
Counter-Defendants.
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Defendant and Counterclaimant Empire Distribution, Inc. (Empire) hereby
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1.
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Fox filed this suit as a preemptive ploy to deprive Empire of its natural
17
position as the plaintiff. This case arises out of Foxs willful infringement of
18
19
20
unauthorized use of the Empire name to promote, market, distribute and sell its
21
television program and music has caused, and will continue to cause, significant
22
confusion to Empires customers and irreparable harm to the identity and brand that
23
24
2.
25
26
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Fox Film Corporation (Fox Film) is a Delaware corporation with its principal
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place of business at 10201 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90064.
Upon information and belief, Fox Film purports to own certain intellectual property
rights in and to the television series Empire and the music therefrom.
4.
Fox Television (Fox TV) is a division of Fox Film. Fox TV creates and produces
television programs.
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5.
of business at 10201 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90064. Upon
10
information and belief, Fox Broadcasting operates the Fox Network, a national
11
12
13
This Court has original jurisdiction over this action under 28 U.S.C.
14
1331 and 1338(a) and (b) as it involves claims presenting federal questions under
15
15 U.S.C. 1121(a) (actions arising under the Lanham Act have original
16
jurisdiction in federal courts). This Court also has supplemental jurisdiction over
17
the state statutory and common law claims under 28 U.S.C. 1338(b) and 1367(a)
18
because these claims are so related to the claims under which the Court has original
19
jurisdiction that they form part of the same case and controversy under Article III of
20
21
7.
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8.
25
because the parties are residents of this District and a substantial part of the acts or
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9.
company that continuously since 2010 has released albums in a wide variety of
genres, specifically focusing on hip hop, rap, and R&B, under the trademarks
Marks). Empire promotes, markets and sells its music through various channels
of commerce including, but not limited to, its websites (see http://empi.re and
www.empiredistribution.com).
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10.
Over the past five years, Empire has become one of the largest
10
distributors and producers of music in the country. It has had numerous Billboard
11
charting releases from well-recognized artists under its label, having partnered with
12
notable artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Migos, Too Short, Slim Thug, Rich Homie
13
Quan, Sage the Gemini and Snoop Dogg. Songs released by Empire under the
14
15
platinum and gold records, and the label has sponsored sold-out showcases under
16
17
11.
Under both Marks, Empire has built relationships across the music
18
19
20
recognized by the Recording Industry Association of America for its role in selling
21
22
12.
The following images depict the Marks in use alongside the Republic
23
24
commemorating their sale of over 1,000,000 copies of the record Gas Pedal and
25
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13.
Empire and its partners have now sold over 3,000,000 records for artist
26
Sage the Gemini. Red Nose is being certified platinum (over one million sales)
27
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partnership with eOne and others, Empire has distributed, marketed, and sold
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The Marks have been used prominently in press releases and coverage
15.
Beyond this widespread exposure, the Marks have been the subject of
both online and offline,, as the images below demonstrate. The Marks became a
recognized symbol for quality music and music services years ago. As a result, the
10
Marks are well known among the relevant consuming public as identifying
11
12
13
14
demonstrates.
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17.
One of Empire
Empires Marks was used to promote the company as a leader
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developed in the Marks, it cannot permit their unauthorized use, because such use is
likely to cause confusion among the public as to the source, origin, sponsorship, or
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years after Empire began using the Marks -- has created significant confusion with
Empires products and services in the marketplace. The program follows the
fictional hip hop music label named Empire Enterprises. Producers of Empire
have publicly stated that the shows events, business, and characters are based on
10
entities and individuals from the real-world music industry. Numerous consumers,
11
12
whether the fictional Empire program has any affiliation or business relationship
13
14
21.
Foxs use of the Empire mark below in all upper case letters, the
15
16
confusion.
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marketing materials and merchandise, such as the gold necklace depicted below
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23.
12
Empire mark. Because this music shares the same search terms and genres as
13
Empires music, the albums and songs have been positioned in close proximity in
14
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16
confusion.
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24.
12
Like other record labels, Fox has an online account with Mediabase
Mediabase,, a music
13
industry service that monitors radio station airplay in the United States and
14
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industry professionals.
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25.
Fox also promotes, markets and advertises its music and artists under
the Empire mark at radio stations, live performances, events, physical record
stores, and other venues where Empire promotes, markets and advertises its music
and artists.
26.
his new single. Foxs Empire artists, Yazz and Jussie, met with Crisco Kidd the
very next day, at the very same radio station, to promote their new single.
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27.
The rap artist Yazz from Foxs Empire program was recently
25
promoted, with the Empire mark, alongside multiple Empire rap artists, including
26
Dizzy Wright, Hopsin, Jarren Benton, Rayven Justice and Pia Mia, for a concert
27
sponsored by one of the largest radio stations in the country, Power 106 FM.
28
- 13 EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC.S COUNTERCLAIMS
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28.
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Remarkably, Yazz is the only artist credited with the Empire logo,
20
despite there being five other artists affiliated with Empire the true owner of the
21
Mark.
29.
22
Foxs misuse of the Empire name has confused other artists and their
23
followers. For example, Shaggy, a Grammy award winner and one of the best
24
selling reggae musicians of all time, posted Empires logo on the internet, and one
25
26
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30.
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posted a comment on its Facebook site praising Empire for the fame, success and
25
longevity of the Empire logo over the years, yet had to clarify that it was NOT
26
the TV show.
27
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31.
The Lanham Act and similar state laws prohibit Foxs use of a
25
trademark in connection with the advertising or sale of any goods or services when
26
such use is likely to cause confusion as to the source of those goods or services. 15
27
U.S.C. 1114, 1125(a). The Lanham Act also prohibits any person or entity from
28
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Foxs unauthorized use of the Empire Marks has already confused and
is likely to continue to confuse members of the public into believing that Fox is an
approved licensee of or otherwise affiliated with Empire, the very type of deception
that these laws prohibit. Moreover, Foxs Empires portrayal of a label run by a
homophobic drug dealer prone to murdering his friends, threatens to tarnish the
FIRST COUNTERCLAIM
10
11
Counter-Defendants)
33.
12
13
14
15
16
RECORDINGS.
35.
17
18
to identify its goods and services in the United States and worldwide, long before
19
20
36.
Fox has used, and continues to use, its virtually identical and
21
confusingly similar Empire name, along with other words, terms, names,
22
23
advertise and sell its goods and services, without Empires consent.
24
37.
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38.
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39.
Empire has suffered substantial and irreparable injury, and will continue to suffer
10
this Court. This injury includes, but is not limited to, the loss of goodwill and
11
12
40.
13
14
enjoining Fox and its officers, directors, agents, employees, representatives, and
15
any persons or entities acting thereunder, in concert with, or on their behalf, from
16
17
41.
18
profits; all damages sustained by Empire; up to three times the amount of actual
19
20
42.
21
renders this an exceptional case entitling Empire to recover its reasonable attorneys
22
fees.
23
SECOND COUNTERCLAIM
24
25
Defendants)
26
27
43.
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distinctive well before Foxs admittedly recent use of the Empire mark.
45.
and sale of its goods and services is likely to cause dilution by blurring or
record label run by a homophobic drug dealer prone to murdering his friends
threatens to tarnish the brand and harm the goodwill built by Empire.
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Empires Marks are famous and distinctive, and became famous and
46.
Empire has suffered substantial harm and is entitled to recover Foxs profits; all
10
damages sustained by Empire; up to three times the amount of actual damages; and
11
12
47.
13
renders this an exceptional case entitling Empire to recover its reasonable attorneys
14
fees.
15
48.
16
Unless such conduct is preliminarily and permanently enjoined by this Court, Fox
17
will continue to engage in such wrongful conduct to the detriment of Empire and its
18
Marks. This injury includes, but is not limited to, the loss of goodwill and
19
20
49.
21
22
enjoining Fox and its agents, servants, employees, and all persons acting
23
thereunder, in concert with, or on their behalf, from using the Marks in commerce.
24
THIRD COUNTERCLAIM
25
26
Defendants)
27
28
50.
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longstanding and hard-earned goodwill in its Marks and the reputation Empire
confuse consumers as to the origin and sponsorship of Foxs goods and services
those of Empire.
52.
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Foxs unauthorized and wrongful conduct also has deprived and will
10
T ROUTMAN S ANDERS LLP
53.
11
12
of Fox and its goods and services with Empire, and as to the sponsorship, origin or
13
approval of Fox and its goods and services, in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1125(a).
14
54.
15
Empire has suffered, and will continue to suffer, irreparably injury. Unless such
16
conduct is preliminarily and permanently enjoined by this Court, Fox will continue
17
to engage in such wrongful conduct to the detriment of Empire and its Marks. This
18
injury includes, but is not limited to, the loss of goodwill and reputation that cannot
19
20
55.
21
22
enjoining Fox and its agents, servants, employees, and all persons acting
23
thereunder, in concert with, or on their behalf, from using the Empire Marks in
24
commerce.
25
56.
26
profits; all damages sustained by Empire; up to three times the amount of actual
27
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renders this an exceptional case entitling Empire to recover its reasonable attorneys
fees.
FOURTH COUNTERCLAIM
Business and Professions Code 17200 and 17500 et seq. against all Counter-
Defendants)
8
9
58.
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59.
11
12
misleading advertising.
13
60.
By the conduct described above, Fox has made untrue and misleading
14
15
its goods and services, which they knew, or by the exercise of reasonable care
16
17
61.
18
promotion, marketing, advertisement and sale of its goods and services are likely to
19
20
62.
21
advertising under California Business and Professions Code 17200 et seq. and
22
17500 et seq.
23
63.
24
suffered, and will continue to suffer, damages to its business, reputation and
25
goodwill.
26
64.
27
Fox should be ordered to pay restitution and disgorge its profits gained
28
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#:723
65.
Empire will continue to suffer irreparable injury for which there is no adequate
remedy at law.
FIFTH COUNTERCLAIM
Defendants)
7
8
66.
S UITE 1400
5 P ARK P LAZA
67.
Foxs use of the Empire name to advertise, market, promote and sell
10
11
12
13
68.
14
suffered, and will continue to suffer, damages to its business, reputation and
15
goodwill.
16
69.
17
Empire will continue to suffer irreparable injury for which there is no adequate
18
remedy at law.
19
SIXTH COUNTERCLAIM
20
21
22
23
70.
24
25
71.
Empires Marks are famous and distinctive, and they became famous
and distinctive well before Foxs unauthorized use of the Empire name.
26
72.
27
advertisement and sale of its goods and services is likely to cause dilution by
28
EXHIBIT 4
68
Case
Case2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM
2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document
Document1641-4
Filed
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75.
S UITE 1400
to pay Empire up to three times Foxs profits from, and up to three times all
damages suffered by reason of, the wrongful manufacture, use, display, or sale,
5 P ARK P LAZA
10
11
1.
12
2.
13
14
15
name, or any variant thereof which is a colorable imitation of other otherwise likely
16
17
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and permanently enjoined from causing any dilution, blurring and/or tarnishment to
22
23
24
law;
25
4.
That Fox pay to Empire any and all profits derived by Fox and all
26
damages sustained by Empire by reason of the acts hereinabove complained of, plus
27
additional damages up to three times above the amount found as actual damages,
28
- 23 EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC.S COUNTERCLAIMS
25293891
EXHIBIT 4
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Case
Case2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM
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Document1641-4
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5.
from its wrongful conduct, as available under federal or state statutory or common
law;
6.
10
7.
S UITE 1400
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11
5 P ARK P LAZA
That Fox reimburse Empire for all of its reasonable costs and
7
9
That Fox pay restitution and disgorge its profits for all ill-gotten gains
8.
That the Court grant such other relief as it deems just, equitable or
appropriate.
13
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- 24 -
EXHIBIT 4
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Case
Case2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM
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Document1641-4
Filed
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ID #:105
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In accordance with Fed. R. Civ. P. 38, Empire demands a trial by jury on all
issues so triable.
Dated: June 4, 2015
7
8
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10
S UITE 1400
5 P ARK P LAZA
11
12
13
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- 25 -
EXHIBIT 4
71
EXHIBIT 5
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WESTERN DIVISION
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v.
EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC., a
California corporation,
Defendant.
25
26
27
28
EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC.'S RESPONSES TO FOX'S FIRST SET OF INTERROGATORIES
EXHIBIT 5
72
subject of fact and expert testimony and is highly dependent on documents solely in
the possession of Fox, including its total sales and revenue from Fox's "Empire"
program and musical properties, and which have been requested and have yet to be
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Fox's gross revenues from all goods and services associated with the EMPIRE
SERIES and/or EMPIRE SERIES MUSIC. Calculation of Fox's gross revenues will
be the subject of fact and expert testimony and is highly dependent on documents
solely in the possession of Fox, including its total sales and revenue from Fox's
10
"Empire" program and musical properties, and which have been requested and have
11
12
Empire may further seek damages in the form of Empire's actual losses,
13
including, without limitation, lost profits, lost sales, or decline in sales. Empire is
14
investigating its actual damages claims, and such claims will be the subject of fact
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facts in discovery.
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INTERROGATORY NO. 6:
21
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26
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control of Fox or entities or persons other than Empire. Without limiting facts that
28
EXHIBIT 5
73
depositions of Fox and nonparties, Fox's unauthorized use of the Empire Marks has
caused dilution by blurring insofar as Fox's use of the Empire Marks has created
the real and heightened risk that the Empire Marks will lose their ability to serve as
a unique identifier of Empire's goods and services. Fox's unauthorized use has
lessened, and will continue to unjustly lessen the capacity of the Empire Marks to
identify and distinguish the Empire's goods and services in the marketplace that the
Empire's Marks are famous and distinctive, and became famous and
distinctive well before Fox's admittedly recent use of the "Empire" mark. Empire
10
11
profile musical artists. Empire's Marks are blurred by Fox's unauthorized use
12
insofar as Fox's "Empire" has begun to overshadow Empire itself and has forced
13
Empire on numerous occasions to clarify that it is not associated with the "Empire"
14
program. For example, Empire CEO Ghazi Shami has been asked to assist
15
16
belief that the parties are associated with one another. Similarly, in pitching Empire
17
goods and services to potential artists, Empire employees have been required to
18
clarify that Empire is not associated with the "Empire" program. Season two of
19
20
Fox has sold hundreds of thousands of units of the music associated with the
21
"Empire" program. Fox's extensive advertising and use of the "Empire" name in
22
association with its goods and services has overshadowed Empire's hard-earned
23
reputation and damaged Empire's brand insofar as Empire's Marks now struggle to
24
serve as unique identifiers for Empire products under the shadow of Fox's
25
unauthorized use.
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discovery.
- 11 EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC.'S RESPONSES TO FOX'S FIRST SET OF INTERROGATORIES
EXHIBIT 5
74
tarnishment in discovery.
2
3
INTERROGATORY NO. 8:
program has any affiliation or business relationship with the real-life Empire,"
INCLUDING the identity of these consumers, artists, and business partners, and
10
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Without limiting facts and instances of actual confusion that may be adduced
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nonparties, Fox's "Empire" has begun to overshadow Empire itself and has forced
14
Empire on numerous occasions to clarify that it is not associated with the "Empire"
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program. Such instances forming the basis for the allegation in paragraph 20 of the
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contacted Ghazi Shami via text message stating that she "thought [Empire
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Shami that she believed Fox's "Empire" was associated with Empire
22
Distribution.
23
24
stating that he "was pitchin empire to a artist today and he seems to think
25
ur the same empire as the TV show??? Thas crazy bro I had to over
26
27
28
EXHIBIT 5
75
Etminan.
Ghazi Shami via e-mail that when he watched Fox's "Empire" show
listed in the credits" and stated that the "long term damage to [the Empire]
brand is irreversible."
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specializing in hop hop and urban music. Ms. Simerman, recognizing the
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name "Empire," responded that a show was being made about Empire on
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posted a promotional Tweet regarding artist interviews "to talk about their
24
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EXHIBIT 5
76
1
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could get her client a role or audition with Fox's "Empire" program.
department stating that there had been "a case of mistaken name
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how much i love @EMPIRE and @EmpireFOX what a show and what a
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label!"
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INTERROGATORY NO. 9:
28
EXHIBIT 5
77
INCLUDING the music industry, that YOU were aware of prior to January 1, 2010
that used or was using a mark or designation consisting of or including the word
Prior to January 1, 2010, Empire Distribution was aware of the 1995 movie
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INCLUDING the music industry, that YOU are aware of who began using a mark
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and
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on Instagram.
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- 16 EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC.'S RESPONSES TO FOX'S FIRST SET OF INTERROGATORIES
EXHIBIT 5
78
1R~NDE
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Paul L. Gale
Peter N. Villar
John M. Bowler
Michael D. Hobbs
Lindsay Mitchell Renner
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- 17 EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC.'S RESPONSES TO FOX'S FIRST SET OF INTERROGATORIES
EXHIBIT 5
79
VERIFICATION
2
I am authorized to make this verification for and on behalf of Empire
3
4
Distribution, Inc., a party to this action. I have read the foregoing EMPIRE
available to me, that the matters stated therein are true and on that ground declare
under the penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the matters
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- 18 EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC.'S RESPONSES TO FOX'S FIRST SET OF INTERROGATORIES
EXHIBIT 5
80
EXHIBIT 6
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WESTERN DIVISION
16
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Plaintiffs,
v.
EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC., a
California corporation,
Defendant.
25
26
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28
27587173vl
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6
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Denied.
REQUEST FOR ADMISSION NO. 9:
Admit that you are not aware of any PRODUCTS bearing the ALLEGED
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on FOX's website.
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Denied.
REQ{JEST FOR ADMISSION NO. 10:
Admit that no consumer has ever attempted to purchase EMPIRE
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
5-
82
1
2
3
4
admit or deny.
Dated:
TR~SA
December 2, 2015
7
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John M. Bowler
Michael D. Hobbs
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6-
EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION, INC. 'S RESPONSES TO FOX'S SECOND SET OF REQUESTS FOR ADMISSION
EXHIBIT 6
83
EXHIBIT 7
CONFIDENTIAL
EXHIBIT 7
84
represented EMI at global digital music conferences and industry symposiums such as
Plug-In, DLD, Digital Hollywood, CES, CISAC and others.
I am currently the managing partner of TAG Strategic, a digital entertainment
consulting firm which I founded in 2006. TAG Strategic specializes in negotiating and
expediting agreements for digital rights with entertainment media rights-holders. TAG
Strategics clients have included Gibson Guitar Corp., Muze, EMI Music, Limewire,
Participant Media, Coca-Cola, Amazon, Verizon Communications, SanDisk, Hello
Music, UK Trade & Investment, Buymyplaylist.com, Emblaze Mobile and Rosenzweig
& Company, among others.
I am currently acknowledged as one of the pre-eminent experts in the myriad
issues surrounding the digital entertainment ecosystem and have been engaged by artists,
music labels, and music publishers to provide expert opinion and/or testimony. I have
extensive knowledge and experience regarding the music industry and how it has been
transformed in the digital age. I have both witnessed and actively participated in
transition of the music industry from its physical beginnings to its current digital status.
SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS
1.
Whether buying physical albums or digital music, consumers typically do not shop
by record label. Music sales are generally driven by the strength of the artist
and/or the strength of the song. The record label associated with a given song,
album, or artist is rarely relevant to the typical consumers purchasing decisions.
2.
3.
4.
CONFIDENTIAL
EXHIBIT 7
85
ASSIGNMENT
I was retained by Twentieth Century Fox Television and Fox Broadcasting
Company (Fox), as an expert on the music industry, including music consumers
purchasing habits. I am being paid $30,000.00 for my work on this matter. My
compensation is not contingent upon the outcome of this investigation or the case.
My findings at this point are based on the information available to me. I may
revise or supplement my opinions based on additional discovery and analyses. This
report addresses issues on which Fox is affirmatively offering an expert opinion. I
reserve the right to address additional issues, including those raised in any expert reports
submitted by Empire Distribution, at the appropriate time under the governing expert
discovery rules.
DOCUMENTS/MATERIALS AND PRIOR TESTIMONY
In connection with this matter, in addition to the general knowledge I have gained
on the music industry throughout my career and the information contained in this report, I
have considered documents produced along with this report, the complaint and
counterclaims filed in this action, the physical copy of Empire: Original Soundtrack from
Season 1, various searches on Amazon, Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, and Wikipedia, and
conversations with Maureen Crowe and Brian Felsen (Former CEO of CD Baby).
In the last four years, I have given deposition testimony in one case: Toto, Inc. v.
Sony Music Entertainment, Case No. 12 Civ. 1434 (S.D.N.Y.).
DISCUSSION
OPINION #1
1.
Whether buying physical albums or digital music, consumers typically do
not shop by record label. Music sales are generally driven by the strength of the artist
and/or the strength of the song. The record label associated with a given song, album, or
artist is rarely relevant to the typical consumers purchasing decisions.
Consumers typically do not shop by record label. Rather, in the music industry, it
is generally recognized that artists and songs drive music sales. In fact, consumers are
typically not even aware of the record label associated with any given song, artist, or
album. This is even more true with digital music.
With the demise of the traditional record store, such as Tower Records and Sam
Goodys, mass-market retailers have continually reduced the amount of square footage
CONFIDENTIAL
EXHIBIT 7
86
dedicated to recorded music. Their music-focused advertising and marketing efforts are
limited to superstar campaigns, such as Targets current television ad campaign for the
new release of Adele, arguably the biggest artist in the world. These campaigns are
focused on the artist, the album, and the retailer, not the record label. In Targets Adele
TV spot, for example, there is no mention or visual identification of her label, XL, their
distribution partner, Beggars Group, or Sony Music, their global distributor. Target is the
only brand affiliation.
The organization of stores currently selling physical albums reflects that
consumers buying physical albums shop for their music by artist or by genre. Music
stores typically organize albums by artist, sometimes by artist within music genre. The
infrequent instances of label-driven purchases are generally confined to highly
sophisticated consumers and a few iconic brands such as Deutsche Grammophon
(classical music) and Blue Note (jazz music) that have been able to maintain their identity
despite the waning significance of record labels.
In the now-dominant digital marketplace, record labels are even less of a driver of
purchasing decisions. Consumers search for songs they like based on artist or song, not
record label. For example, there is not a sort by record label feature in iTunes, the
world-leader in music download sales. As another example, I worked with Amazon on
the design of their music store; Amazon does not organize music by record label. With
online platforms like these, searches for a record label result in large numbers of hits
unrelated to the record label in question, which, again, shows that consumers are not
using these platforms in this manner.
On streaming services such as Spotify, the presentation is totally song and/or
artist-centric, with record labels visibility generally relegated to a copyright notice. In
fact, due to the absence of liner notes, etc. on download and streaming sites, a consumer
may not even be able to identify all record labels associated with an album or song when
purchasing music digitally and must actively look for record label information, with such
information generally appearing only after scrolling several screens down when
viewing information about a song or an album. Digital sales thus diminish the
importance of, and knowledge of, a record label or distributor for the typical consumer.
Nor are consumers discovering new music by record label. They discover new
music through radio, friends, television, movies and playlists on services such as Spotify,
Tidal and Apple Music. When a song the consumer likes is featured on a radio station,
television show, movie, or playlist, the consumer may search for and purchase that song
or other songs by that same artist. The consumer does not know what record label is
CONFIDENTIAL
EXHIBIT 7
87
affiliated with that song or artist, much less actively search for and purchase music by
record label.
OPINION #2
2.
The music that Empire Distribution claims is infringing is soundtrack music from
the television show Empire.
To the extent consumers purchase a soundtrack album, they are generally fans of
the underlying work (television show or movie) and want the music that they have heard
while watching the underlying work. Put differently, the consumers of soundtrack music
buy the soundtrack based on its affiliation with the show or movie. This is especially true
in the digital age. Before the digital age, consumers would purchase entire albums to get
access to the one or two songs they wanted to listen to. The iTunes platform effectively
deconstructed albums as products into their constituent songs. Consumers now can
purchase single tracks without the need to purchase entire albums to listen to the one or
two songs on the album they know they like. Given this option, those consumers still
purchasing entire soundtrack albums generally have a tie to the underlying work.
OPINION #4
4.
I have worked in the music industry for over forty years, including for several
different record labels. I was not aware of Empire Distribution, Inc. or Empire
Recordings, Inc. prior to my work on this case.
Neilsen SoundScan, the sales source for the Billboard music charts and an
authoritative sales tracking system in the music industry, does not attribute any album
CONFIDENTIAL
EXHIBIT 7
88
sales to Empire Distribution, Inc. or Empire Recordings, Inc. While SoundScan does list
album sales of approximately 29,400 units for Sage the Geminis Remember Me album,
which Empire Distribution claims to have had a role in selling, SoundScan does not
attribute any of these sales to Empire Distribution, Inc. or Empire Recording, Inc. By
comparison, SoundScan attributes over 56,540,000 album sales to Sony for the year 2014
alone. Empire Distributions own Facebook page admits that it did not sell any physical
albums until 2013.
Empire Distributions presence on Spotify, the worlds largest streaming service
with 70 million users, further highlights the weakness of Empire Distributions brand. In
the Urban/Rap/Hip-Hop genres, Def Jam is acknowledged to be the historic/iconic brand.
They currently have 201,051 followers on their label page on Spotify (0.29% of all
Spotify users), while following 42 of their fans.1 Empire Distribution, by contrast, has
2,002 followers on their label page on Spotify (0.0029% of all Spotify users), while they
follow 2,577. This ratio of followers to following, combined with the extremely low
percentage of Spotify users following Empire Distribution, would be viewed as a failure
from a social marketing perspective in the music industry.
I would not consider Empire Distribution to be a well-established, wellrecognized, or famous record label.
Dated: November 30, 2015
Ted Cohen
In comparison, Adele has approximately 25 million followers. Thus Def Jams approximately
200,000 followers further evidences my earlier statements about the role and importance of a
record label as compared to an artist.
CONFIDENTIAL
EXHIBIT 7
89
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 100 of 176 Page ID
#:748
EXHIBIT 8
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 101 of 176 Page ID
#:749
Empire
Television Series
Report
November 2015
FIELD
RESEARCH
CORPORATION
EXHIBIT 8
90
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 102 of 176 Page ID
#:750
Table of Contents
I.
II.
Credentials
III.
Findings
IV. Conclusions
Appendix A Deposition and Trial Testimony During the Past Four
Years
Appendix B Resume and Publications and Presentations Since 2005
Appendix C Documents Considered
Appendix D Questionnaire (Sample Web Screenshots)
Appendix E Field Survey Methods
Appendix F Background Information on the YouGov Online Panel
Appendix G Background Information on the SSI Online Panel
Appendix H Name of the Television Series Promoted in the Videos
Appendix I
Appendix J
i
EXHIBIT
8
91
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 103 of 176 Page ID
#:751
Research"), a San Francisco-based research firm specializing in marketing and public opinion
surveys. Field Research was retained on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Television, a division
of Twentieth Century Fox Film, and Fox Broadcasting Company ("Fox") to conduct a
likelihood-of-confusion survey (the "Field Survey") with a nationwide representative sample of
adults age 18 to 64 who are potential viewers of Fox's television series with the name "Empire"
(hereafter "the Empire television series").1,2 The purpose of the Field Survey was to determine
whether potential viewers of the Empire television series are likely to mistakenly believe that
"Empire Distribution" (or "Empire Recordings") is the source, the sponsor of, or affiliated with
the Empire television series.
A.
Summary of Methodology
Under Field Research's design, direction and supervision, YouGov, a full-service market
research firm, administered the Field Survey. The Field Survey was conducted online between
October 12 and October 17, 2015 with two nationwide representative samples of adults: (i) a
nationwide representative sample of adults age 18 to 64 in the U.S. (the general population
sample) and (ii) a nationwide representative sample of Black/African-American adults age 18 to
64 in the U.S. (the Black/African-American oversample). Approximately one-third of the adults
Field Research is performing this study on a time and materials basis. Because work in connection with this project
is ongoing, I do not yet know the total project costs. The hourly rate that Field Research is charging for my time on
this project in 2015 is $650. Field Research's compensation is not dependent on the outcome of this dispute.
Adults age 18 to 64 were interviewed because I understand that adults in this age group represent the majority
(88%) of the Empire broadcast and video on demand audience age 18 and older. I also understand that adults age
18 and older represent the majority of the Fox.com and Hulu audience for Empire.
1
EXHIBIT
8
92
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 104 of 176 Page ID
#:752
who were screened for eligibility were in the general population sample, and two-thirds were in
the Black/African-American oversample. Black/African-American adults were intentionally
oversampled because I understand that they represent the majority of the Empire broadcast and
video on demand audience.
The adults who were screened for eligibility and interviewed for the Field Survey were
randomly selected from two online panels: (i) the online panel maintained by YouGov, and (ii)
the online panel maintained by Survey Sampling International (SSI), another full-service market
research agency.3 The YouGov panel includes approximately 1.6 million adults in the U.S., and
the SSI panel includes approximately 5 million adults in the U.S. The general population sample
was randomly selected from YouGov's online panel, and the Black/African-American
oversample was randomly selected from both the YouGov and the SSI online panels.4 Each adult
who was randomly selected and invited to participate in the Field Survey was provided with a
unique link to the survey, so that no person could participate in the survey more than once.
To be eligible for the Field Survey, adults age 18 to 64 had to indicate that they would
watch a dramatic television series in the next three months. They also had to indicate that they
would watch a television show on the Fox network during the next three months.5,6 In all, 1,200
randomly-selected adults (400 in the general population sample and 800 in the Black/AfricanAmerican oversample) were screened to determine whether they were eligible for the Field
Survey. Of the 1,200 adults who were screened for eligibility, 568 adults (47%) qualified for the
3
4
5
Background information on the YouGov and SSI online panels are in Appendix F and Appendix G, respectively.
The IP address and other information in the panel databases (such as, the respondent's mailing address) were
checked to ensure that the samples for the Field Survey did not include duplicate respondents.
Survey respondents were not asked what networks they would watch until the end of the Field Survey. Neither
"Fox" nor the name of any other company was mentioned in the Field Survey until after survey respondents
answered the likelihood-of-confusion questions.
Adults also could not work or live in a household in which someone worked in the music industry, the television
industry, or the advertising or marketing research industry because these individuals might have special
knowledge.
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Field Survey (139 adults in the general population sample and 429 in the Black/AfricanAmerican oversample).
Consistent with the viewership of the Empire television series, the majority of adults who
qualified for the Field Survey ("Field Survey respondents") were Black/African-American (76%)
and female (57%). About one-third of the Field Survey respondents was in each of the following
age groups: 18 to 34, 35 to 49 and 50 to 64.
Field Survey respondents were shown two trailers for the Empire television series. The
first trailer was for the January 7, 2015 series premiere, and the second trailer was for the
September 23, 2015 season premiere. After survey respondents confirmed that they were able to
see and hear the two trailers, they were asked the name of the television series promoted in the
trailers.
The Field Survey then asked four sets of questions to measure the potential for confusion
as to the source, the sponsor of, and affiliation of the Empire television series. The first set of
questions measured the potential for "source confusion." Survey respondents were asked who or
what company they thought created, produced or put out the television series promoted in the
videos. The second set of questions assessed the potential for "anonymous source confusion."
Survey respondents were asked whether they thought the companies that created, produced, or
put out the television series also created, produced, or put out something else, and if so, what else
they created, produced, or put out. The third set of questions gauged the potential for
"sponsorship confusion." Survey respondents were asked whether the television series promoted
in the videos was created, produced or put out with the authorization or approval of another
company. Survey respondents who answered this question in the affirmative were asked what
other companies gave their authorization or approval for the television series to be created,
produced or put out, and what else, if anything, the companies that authorized or approved the
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television series created, produced, or put out. The fourth set of questions evaluated the potential
for "affiliation confusion." Survey respondents were asked whether the companies that created,
produced or put out the television series promoted in the videos have a business affiliation or
business connection with another company. Survey respondents who answered this question in
the affirmative were asked with what other companies there is a business affiliation or business
connection, and what else, if anything, the companies affiliated with the television series created,
produced or put out. Field Survey respondents also were asked the reasons for their answers to
the four sets of "likelihood-of-confusion" questions.
Before any questions were asked about the Empire television series, the Field Survey
instructed respondents to answer all questions on their own, without asking anybody else for help
or referring to reference materials or the Internet. The questionnaire also informed survey
respondents that we were only interested in their opinions and beliefs, and instructed survey
respondents to indicate if they did not know the answer to a question or did not have an opinion
or belief.
The Field Survey was double-blind (neither the persons responsible for administering the
survey nor the survey respondents were told the names of the sponsors of the survey or that the
survey was being conducted in connection with a trademark dispute). The Field Survey was
performed according to accepted survey standards and in conformity with the guidelines
discussed in the Federal Manual for Complex Litigation, 4th Ed. 11.493 (2004).7
The survey population was properly defined as persons who are potential viewers of the Empire television series,
and the sample selected was representative of that population. The questions asked in the Field Survey are clear
and not leading, and the data gathered for the Field Survey were properly analyzed and accurately recorded. The
Field Survey was conducted, under my direction, by survey research professionals following proper survey
procedures, and the entire process was conducted so as to ensure objectivity.
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B.
Summary of Findings
Almost all (98%) of the Field Survey respondents said the name of the television
series promoted in the videos was "Empire."
None of the Field Survey respondents said that "Empire Distribution" or "Empire
Recordings" was the source, the sponsor of, or affiliated with the Empire television
series. Nor did any Field Survey respondent give an answer that could be reasonably
construed as referring to "Empire Distribution" or "Empire Recordings."8,9
Based on the overall design and execution of the Field Survey, it provides representative
and reliable information regarding potential viewers of the Empire television series. In my
opinion, the Field Survey strongly supports the conclusion that potential viewers of the Empire
television series are not likely to mistakenly believe that Empire Distribution (or Empire
Recordings) is the source, the sponsor of, or affiliated with the Empire television series (i.e.,
there is not a likelihood of confusion).
The findings of the Field Survey and my conclusions are described in more detail in the
remainder of this report, which is based on information that I have been provided and analyses
that I have performed thus far.10 I understand that I may be provided with additional information
or asked to perform further analyses. If so, this report may be amended or revised.
Two survey respondents (less than 1% of the survey respondents) said a company with the name "Empire" was the
source, the sponsor of, or affiliated with the Empire television series. However, when asked what else the source,
the sponsors or the companies affiliated with the television series created, produced or put out, neither of these
survey respondents said "music," and therefore, these survey respondents could not have been referring to "Empire
Distribution" or "Empire Recordings." Sixteen survey respondents (3% of the survey respondents) said that an
unnamed music company or entity that puts out music was the source, the sponsor of, or affiliated with the Empire
television series. However, none of these survey respondents gave the name of the Empire television series as a
reason for their answers, and therefore, there is no basis for concluding that these respondents were referring to
"Empire Distribution" or "Empire Recordings" either.
9 If an appreciable number of Field Survey respondents mistakenly believed that that "Empire Distribution" or
"Empire Recordings" was the source, the sponsor of, or affiliated with the Empire television series, Field Research
would have conducted a second set of interviews concerning another stimulus with a control group to determine
whether these respondents' answers were due to legally irrelevant factors, such as guessing. However, because
none of the Field Survey respondents mistakenly believed that "Empire Distribution" or "Empire Recordings" was
the source, the sponsor of, or affiliated with the Empire television series, a control group was unnecessary.
10 Screenshots showing how the questionnaire appeared on the computer are in Appendix D. A detailed description
of the methods used to conduct the Field Survey is in Appendix E.
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II.
Credentials
I am President and CEO of Field Research Corporation, one of the oldest and most
respected marketing and public opinion research firms in the United States.11 I have more than
40 years of experience conducting large-scale surveys of all types (e.g., mail, Internet, telephone
and in-person), including surveys for public agencies, nonprofit organizations, private companies
and law firms.
During my career I have designed and directed well over 700 surveys and more than 300
surveys in intellectual property disputes. I have testified on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants in
state and federal courts and other tribunals (such as, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and
the U.S. International Trade Commission) in numerous cases, and routinely have been qualified
by courts as an expert in survey methodology.12 I also have lectured on litigation surveys and
survey methods before bar associations, trade associations, and business and law schools and
been on the faculties of numerous continuing legal education programs.
I am past chair of the Council of American Survey Research Organizations (CASRO), a
not-for-profit trade association representing over 300 survey research companies engaged in
professional research, and I chaired the Standards Committee for the American Association for
Public Opinion Research, a professional society of over 2,000 individuals engaged in opinion
research, market research, and social research. I have served on the editorial board of several
journals, and my publications include articles in the Trademark Reporter, the Encyclopedia of
11 Founded in 1945 by Mervin Field, Field Research currently conducts thousands of interviews each year with
representative samples of the public, consumers, employees, corporate executives, and other populations. Field
Research has conducted the nationally-quoted Field Poll since 1947, and has tracked voter preferences in all major
statewide elections in California since 1948. Since 1948, the average deviation between The Field Poll's final preelection poll in California and the actual percentage vote in California for the winning candidate in elections for
President, Governor and U.S. Senate has been approximately two percentage points. The Field Poll is well-known
throughout California for the surveys it regularly takes and publishes on issues of public importance.
12 Appendix A includes a list of cases in which I have testified in deposition and/or at trial during the past four years.
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III.
Findings
This section describes the findings from the Field Survey. The verbatim responses to the
open-ended questions in the Field Survey are in Appendices H through L, and the underlying
data tables for the analyses in this report are in Appendix M.
A.
After survey respondents were shown the trailers for the Empire television series, the
Field Survey asked the following question: "What is the name of the television series promoted
in the videos you just watched?" Table 1 summarizes the responses to this question.14 As shown
in Table 1, 98% of the survey respondents said that the name of the television series promoted in
the videos was Empire.
13 Appendix B includes my resume and a list of publications and presentations I have authored (or coauthored)
during the past 10 years. Appendix C provides a list of documents and other information I considered in forming
my opinions.
14 Survey respondents' verbatim responses to this question are in Appendix H.
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Table 1
Name of the Television Series Promoted in the Videos*
Survey
Respondents
(n = 568)
Empire
98%
Fox
<1
Other
<1
Don't know
B.
The Field Survey then asked the following question: "Who or what company do you
think created, produced or put out the television series promoted in the videos?" Table 2
summarizes the responses to this question.15 As shown in Table 2, none of the Field Survey
respondents said "Empire Distribution" or "Empire Recordings" created, produced or put out the
television series promoted in the videos. Less than 1% of the survey respondents said a company
with the name "Empire" or an unnamed music company or entity that puts out music was the
source of the Empire television series.
15 Survey respondents' verbatim responses to this question and the reasons they gave for their answers are in
Appendix I.
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Table 2
Who or What Company Created, Produced, or Put Out
the Television Series Promoted in the Videos*
Survey
Respondents
(n = 568)
Empire Distribution or Empire Recordings
0%
Empire (nonspecific)
<1
<1
61
Someone associated with the show (e.g., Timbaland, Danny Strong, Lee Daniels,
Terrence Howard) or the show's crew or producers (nonspecific)
<1
28
* Based on Question D1. Note, the percentages add to more than 100% because some survey respondents
gave more than one answer in response to Question D1.
C.
Field Survey respondents were asked whether the companies that created, produced or
put out the television series also create, produce, or put out something else, and if so, what else
they create, produce or put out. Table 3 summarizes the responses to this question.16 As shown in
Table 3, the most frequent response to this question was other television shows (32% of the
survey respondents said this).
16 Survey respondents' verbatim responses to this question and the reasons they gave for their answers are in
Appendix J.
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Table 3
What Else Is Created, Produced or Put Out by the Companies
that Put Out the Empire Television Series*
Survey
Respondents
(n = 568)
Music or music videos
4%
Empire (nonspecific)
<1
32
Misc. movies
11
th
<1
28
Not applicable Did not say that something else is created, produced or put out by
the companies that put out the Empire television series
28
* Based on Question E2. Note, percentages add to more than 100% because some survey respondents gave
more than one answer in response to Question E2.
Approximately 4% of the survey respondents said the companies that created, produced,
or put out the Empire television series also create, produce or put out music. Table 4 provides a
breakdown of the survey respondents who said the source of the Empire television series also
creates, produces or puts out music. As shown in Table 4, 2% of the survey respondents did not
know the source of the Empire television series, but said the source of the series puts out music,
and 2% of the survey respondents said the source of the Empire television series was Fox, Lee
Daniels or Timbaland and that they also put out music.
Table 4
Breakdown of the Respondents Who Said the Source of the
Empire Television Series Also Creates, Produces or Puts Out Music*
Survey
Respondents
(n = 568)
Did not know the source of the television series, but said the source puts out
music
2%
Said the source of the television series was Fox, Lee Daniels, or Timbaland and
that they also put out music
Did not say the source of the television series puts out music
* Based on Question D1 and E2.
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Table 5 provides a breakdown of the survey respondents who said the source of the
Empire television series was a company with the name "Empire." As shown in Table 5, none of
the survey respondents said a company with the name "Empire" was the source of the Empire
television series and that this company also puts out music.
Table 5
Breakdown of the Respondents Who Said the Source of the
Empire Television Series Was a Company with the Name "Empire"*
Survey
Respondents
(n = 568)
Said the source of the television series was "Empire," and that this company also
puts out music
0%
Said the source of the television series was "Empire," but did not say that this
company also puts out music
<1
Did not say the source of the television series was Empire
99
D.
Field Survey respondents were asked whether the television series promoted in the videos
was created, produced or put out with the authorization or approval of another company, and if
so, what companies gave their authorization or approval for the television series to be created,
produced or put out. Table 6 summarizes the responses to this question.17 As shown in Table 6,
none of the survey respondents said "Empire Distribution" or "Empire Recordings" gave its
authorization or approval for the Empire television series to be created, produced or put out. Less
than 1% of survey respondents said a company with the name "Empire" or an unnamed music
company or entity that puts out music gave its authorization or approval for the Empire
television series to be put out.
17 Survey respondents' verbatim responses to this question and the reasons they gave for their answers are in
Appendix K.
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Table 6
What Companies Gave Their Authorization or Approval
For the Empire Television Series to Be Created, Produced or Put Out*
Survey
Respondents
(n = 568)
Empire Distribution or Empire Recordings
0%
Empire (nonspecific)
<1
<1
Someone associated with the show (e.g., Timbaland, Danny Strong, Lee Daniels,
Terrence Howard) or the show's crew or producers (nonspecific)
<1
35
Not applicable Did not say that the television series was created, produced or
put out with the authorization or approval of another company.
51
* Based on Question F2. Note, the percentages add to more than 100% because some survey respondents gave
more than one answer in response to Question F2.
Field Survey respondents were asked what else, if anything, is created, produced or put
out by the companies that gave their authorization or approval for the television series in the
videos. Table 7 summarizes the responses to this question.18 As shown in Table 7, less than 1%
of the survey respondents said the companies that gave their authorization or approval for the
Empire television series also create, produce, or put out music.19
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Table 7
What Else Is Created, Produced or Put Out by the Companies
That Gave Their Authorization or Approval for the Empire Television Series*
Survey
Respondents
(n = 568)
Music or music videos
<1%
Empire (nonspecific)
<1
Misc. movies
2
th
<1
Nothing
<1
Not applicable Did not know who gave their authorization or approval for the
Empire television series to be put out
35
Not applicable Did not say that the television series was created, produced or
put out with the authorization or approval of another company
51
* Based on Question F4. Note, percentages add to more than 100% because some survey respondents gave
more than one answer in response to Question F4.
E.
Survey respondents were asked whether the companies that created, produced or put out
the television series promoted in the videos have a business affiliation or business connection
with another company, and if so, with what other companies there is a business affiliation or
business connection. Table 8 summarizes the responses to this question.20 As shown in Table 8,
none of the survey respondents said "Empire Distribution" or "Empire Recordings" has a
business affiliation or business connection with the companies that put out the Empire television
series. Less than 1% of the survey respondents said "Empire" or an unnamed music company or
entity that puts out music has a business affiliation or business connection with the Empire
television series.
20 Survey respondents' verbatim responses to this question and the reasons they gave for their answers are in
Appendix L.
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Table 8
What Companies Have a Business Affiliation or Business Connection
with the Companies that Put Out the Empire Television Series*
Survey
Respondents
(n = 568)
Empire Distribution or Empire Recordings
0%
Empire (nonspecific)
<1
<1
Someone associated with the show (e.g., Timbaland, Danny Strong, Lee Daniels)
or the show's crew or producers (nonspecific)
<1
<1
30
Not applicable Did not say that the companies that put out the television series
have a business affiliation or business connection with another company.
59
* Based on Question G2. Note, the percentages add to more than 100% because some survey respondents
gave more than one answer in response to Question G2.
Field Survey respondents were asked what else, if anything, is created, produced or put
out by the companies that have a business affiliation or business connection with the television
series promoted in the videos. Table 9 summarizes the responses to this question.21 As shown in
Table 9, less than 1% of the survey respondents said the companies that have a business
affiliation or business connection with the Empire television series also create, produce, or put
out music.22
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Table 9
What Else Is Created, Produced or Put Out by the Companies that Have a
Business Affiliation or Business Connection with the Empire Television Series*
Survey
Respondents
(n = 568)
Music or music videos
<1%
Empire (nonspecific)
<1
Misc. movies
Nothing
<1
Not applicable Did not know with what other companies there was a business
affiliation or business connection
30
Not applicable Did not say that the companies that put out the television series
have a business affiliation or business connection with another company
59
* Based on Question F4. Note, percentages add to more than 100% because some survey respondents gave
more than one answer in response to Question F4.
F.
Overall Findings
Table 10 summarizes the responses to the four sets of questions in the Field Survey
regarding the source, the sponsor of, and affiliation of the Empire television series. As shown in
Table 10, none of the Field Survey respondents said that "Empire Distribution" or "Empire
Recordings" was the source, the sponsor of, or affiliated with the Empire television series.
Table 10
Summary of Responses to the Four Sets of Questions Regarding the
Source, the Sponsor of, and Affiliation of the Empire Television Series*
Survey
Respondents
(n = 568)
Said "Empire Distribution" or "Empire Recordings" was the source, the sponsor of,
or affiliated with the television series
0%
Said "Empire" (nonspecific) or an unnamed music company or entity that puts out
music was the source, the sponsor of, or affiliated with the television series
97
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Approximately 3% of the Field Survey respondents said a company with the name
"Empire" or an unnamed music company or entity that puts out music was the source, the
sponsor of, or affiliated with the Empire television series. Table 11 shows the verbatim responses
for these survey respondents. As shown in Table 11, two survey respondents (less than 1% of the
survey respondents) said a company with the name "Empire" was the source, the sponsor of, or
affiliated with the Empire television series. However, when asked what else the source, the
sponsors, or companies affiliated with the television series created, produced or put out, neither
of these survey respondents said "music," and therefore, these survey respondents could not have
been referring to "Empire Distribution" or "Empire Recordings." Sixteen survey respondents
(3% of the survey respondents) said that an unnamed music company or entity that puts out
music was the source, the sponsor of, or affiliated with the Empire television series. However,
none of these survey respondents gave the name of the Empire television series as a reason for
their answers, and therefore, there is no basis for concluding that these respondents were
referring to "Empire Distribution" or "Empire Recordings" either.
Table 11
Verbatims for Survey Respondents Who Said "Empire" or An Unnamed Music
Company or Entity That Puts Out Music Was the Source, the Sponsor of, or Affiliated
With the Empire Television Series*
ID
10011 D1/D2
E2/E3
10073 D1/D2
E2/E3
10280 D1/D2
E2/E3
10328 D1/D2
16
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Table 11
Verbatims for Survey Respondents Who Said "Empire" or An Unnamed Music
Company or Entity That Puts Out Music Was the Source, the Sponsor of, or Affiliated
With the Empire Television Series*
ID
10395 D1/D2
E2/E3
10397 G/G3/G4
10433 G2/G3/G4 Movie or music. / The way the show is produced. / Don't know.
10490 D1/D2
E2/E3
F2/F3/F4
I'm not sure, but it seems like a joint venture between a major broadcaster and
a record company in order to try to sell more singles and boost viewership,
similar to Glee and Nashville. / Because they push new music and then prompt
you to download it, while following a pretty generic drama, soap-opera-inspired
story-line, much like Glee and Nashville.
Music. / Because they make music a central element of the show, just like
Nashville.
Some large record company, not sure which one./ Because they're all hurting
for record sales, and this seems like a worthy money-making endeavor for
them. / Pop music.
10518 F2/F3/F4
The company who made the music and the artists who are singing the songs. /
They talked about it in the TV interviews that the actors give. / Don't know.
10629 D1/D2
E2/E3
10801 D1/D2
E2/E3
10804 D1/D2
F2/F3/F4
10825 D1/D2
E2/E3
10915 D1/D2
E2/E3
F2/F3/F4
G2/G3/G4
Empire. / Empire.
Empire. / Empire.
Empire. / Empire. / Empire.
Empire. / Empire. / Empire.
11003 G2/G3/G4 Maybe a music company since there is music being played and sung in the
show. / Because the show promotes a lot of things, they would have to be
affiliated with another business. / Different famous singers, actors and
actresses.
11179 D1/D2
*Responses are shown for questions in which the respondent either said "Empire" or an unnamed music
company or entity that puts out music was the source, the sponsor of, or affiliated with the Empire television
series.
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IV.
Conclusions
The Field Survey was performed according to accepted survey standards and in
conformity with the guidelines discussed in the Federal Manual for Complex Litigation, 4th Ed.
11.493 (2004). Based on the overall design and execution of the Field Survey, it provides
representative and reliable information regarding potential viewers of the Empire television
series. In my opinion, the Field Survey strongly supports the conclusion that potential viewers of
the Empire television series are not likely to mistakenly believe that Empire Distribution (or
Empire Recordings) is the source, the sponsor of, or affiliated with the Empire television series
(i.e., there is not a likelihood of confusion).
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the foregoing is
true and correct.
Executed this 23rd day of November 2015 at San Francisco, California.
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EXHIBIT 9
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November 2015
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Methodology
Results
18
Conclusions
22
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Questionnaire
Appendix 3
Exhibits
Amazon Desktop/Laptop
iTunes Desktop/Laptop
iTunes Smartphone/Tablet
Spotify Desktop/Laptop
Appendix 4
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Introduction
1.
Currently, I am the President of JJG Group, LLC, a company specializing in litigationrelated market research services. Until January 2014, I was the Chief Executive Officer
of Leo J. Shapiro and Associates, Inc., a market research and consulting firm that, among
other activities, conducts surveys.
2.
Over more than 40 years, I have designed and supervised hundreds of surveys measuring
consumer behavior, opinion, and beliefs concerning brands and products, employing a
wide range of research techniques. I have given lectures before the American Bar
Association (ABA), the Practising Law Institute (PLI), the American Intellectual
Property Law Association (AIPLA), and the International Trademark Association (INTA)
on the use of survey research in litigation. I am a member of the American Marketing
Association (AMA), the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR),
and the International Trademark Association (INTA). I have a B.S. degree in Psychology
from Loyola University and an M.B.A. degree from the University of Chicago. A
description of my background and a list of cases in which I have offered testimony at trial
or deposition during the past four years are attached to Appendix 1 of this Report.
3.
During November 2015, I was retained by counsel from the law firm OMelveny &
Myers LLP, on behalf of its clients Twentieth Century Fox Television, a division of
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, and Fox Broadcasting Company (collectively,
Fox). Fox created and produces the fictional television series, Empire. I understand
that a dispute has arisen between Fox and Empire Distribution, Inc. (Empire
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2
Distribution), a record label and music distribution company focusing on hip-hop and
rap, concerning Foxs use of the name Empire in connection with its television series,
including its soundtrack music. 1
4.
I was asked to design and conduct research that would measure the extent to which, if
any, Foxs use of the name Empire is or is not likely to cause confusion when music
consumers are exposed to Empire Distributions name as they would be if they were
actually shopping for hip-hop or rap music. More specifically, I was asked to examine
whether consumers of hip-hop or rap music were likely to mistakenly believe that Empire
Distributions product offerings come from the Empire television series or Fox, or are
related to, sponsored or approved by, or affiliated with the Empire television series or
Fox. What follows is a report on the design, execution, results, and conclusions drawn
from this research.
5.
Materials that I have reviewed and relied upon in formulating my survey and stated
opinions include the following:
Case Pleadings:
I understand that Empire Distribution claims to own the mark Empire Recordings. Empire Distribution, Inc.s
Counterclaims; page 4; June 4, 2015.
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Market Research:
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4
Methodology
6.
The survey methodology follows the general pattern of the Eveready test, which is
frequently used to measure likelihood of confusion. This design produces a very direct
measure of confusion as to source or sponsorship. 2
7.
The survey methodology employed five different cells representing distribution channels
that consumers typically use to purchase, stream, or download music, including music
offered by Empire Distribution. Respondents were assigned to a specific survey cell
based on which distribution channel they use to purchase, stream, or download music.
8.
Amazon
Google Play
iTunes
Spotify
Retail Store
Each survey cell utilized corresponding exhibit versions representing the various
platforms through which consumers can actually purchase and access music (i.e.,
desktop, laptop, smartphone, tablet, or CD) within these distribution channels. There
were nine exhibit versions in total:
Amazon Desktop/Laptop
Google Play Desktop/Laptop
Google Play Smartphone/Tablet
iTunes Desktop/Laptop
iTunes Smartphone/Tablet
Spotify Desktop/Laptop
Spotify Smartphone/Tablet for Apple
Spotify Smartphone/Tablet for Android
Retail Store (i.e., CD cover)
Union Carbide Corp. v. Ever-Ready Inc., 531 F.2d 366 (7th Cir. 1976).
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5
9.
The specific exhibit version that was shown to each respondent was dictated by which
distribution channel they use to purchase, stream, or download music and what type of
device they use most often when purchasing, streaming, or downloading music. For
example, if a respondent reported using Spotify to purchase, stream, or download music
(in S6), and said s/he uses an Apple smartphone most often to purchase, stream, or
download music on Spotify (in Q1a-b), then the respondent was shown a survey exhibit
that depicted what s/he might see while using Spotify on a mobile device from Apple.
Respondents were exposed to only one exhibit during the course of the survey.
10.
The breakdown of completed interviews by survey cell and exhibit version is as follows:
ALL RESPONDENTS
Amazon Desktop/Laptop
Google Play (net):
Desktop/Laptop
Smartphone/Tablet
iTunes (net):
Desktop/Laptop
Smartphone/Tablet
Spotify (net):
Desktop/Laptop
Smartphone/Tablet (net):
Smartphone/Tablet for Apple
Smartphone/Tablet for Android
Retail Store (i.e., CD cover)
EXHIBIT 9
116
Total
(1056)
218
213
96
117
216
116
100
209
105
104
59
45
200
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#:777
6
11.
Each exhibit depicts the Empire Recordings name in the manner that consumers would
encounter it when shopping for hip-hop or rap music, specifically on the CD cover and
online music store and service listings for Sage the Geminis Remember Me album.
This album was selected because Empire Distribution reports that Sage the Gemini is one
of its top selling artists. 3
12.
Reduced size images of the Retail Store and iTunes Desktop/Laptop survey exhibits are
shown below:
Retail Store (i.e., CD cover) 4
Empire states that it has sold more than 3,000,000 records for Sage the Gemini. Empire Distribution, Inc.s
Counterclaims; page 5; June 4, 2015.
4
The CD cover (i.e., Retail Store exhibit) depicted both Empire Distributions logo and the Empire Recordings
name.
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7
iTunes Desktop/Laptop
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8
13.
Between November 2 and 15, 2015, online interviews were conducted with 1056
consumers of hip-hop or rap music. 5 The national sample was drawn from an online
panel provided by Research Now. Age, gender, ethnicity, and regional quotas were
established based on data provided by ORC International regarding consumers of hip-hop
or rap music. The distribution of completed interviews in this study is as follows:
Age
18-24 Years
25-34 Years
35-44 Years
45-54 Years
55+ Years
Gender
Male
Female
Race/Ethnicity
White/Other (net):
White/Caucasian
Asian
Native American
Other
African-American/Hispanic (net):
Black/African-American
Hispanic/Latino(a)
Refused
Census Region
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Distribution of HipHop/Rap
Consumers 6
Survey
27%
34
26
8
5
26%
34
27
9
5
45%
55
46%
54
55%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
45%
N/A
N/A
N/A
54%
45
7
1
2
45%
30
15
*
14%
19
42
25
14%
19
42
25
5
However, 45 interviews were excluded from these tabulations due to their responses to the post-screening
classification question (C1). An additional 23 interviews were excluded for quality control reasons and 3 interviews
were excluded due to validation failure. No one in these excluded groups named Fox or made a reference to Foxs
television show, Empire, or its soundtrack music.
6
Music Survey Tables. Source: Online Caravan ORC International; October 8 - 11, 2015.
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14.
Given that the survey was designed to measure the extent to which, if any, consumers
mistakenly believe that Empire Distributions product offerings come from the Empire
television series or Fox, or are related to, sponsored or approved by, or affiliated with the
Empire television series or Fox, the proper survey universe is Empire Distributions
potential customers. 7 In order to reach Empire Distributions market, interviews were
conducted with consumers 18 years of age and older who plan to purchase, stream, or
download hip-hop/rap music in the next 60 days and who use Amazon, Google Play,
iTunes, Spotify, and/or a Retail Store to purchase, stream, or download music.
Respondents must have met all of the following criteria:
15.
The respondent, or anyone in his/her household, must not work for a market
research or advertising firm; or a manufacturer, retailer, or distributor of music.
Must be wearing his/her eyeglasses or contact lenses at the time of the interview
if he/she usually wears them when reading material on a computer screen.
McCarthy, J. Thomas. McCarthy on Trademarks and Unfair Competition, Fourth Edition, Volume 5, 32:159,
page 32-249. 2001.
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10
16.
S2
S3
S4
S5
Male
Female
Black / African-American
White / Caucasian
Hispanic/Latino(a)
Asian
Native American
OtherPlease specify.
Do you plan to purchase, stream, or download any of the following types of music
in the next 60 days?
No
Pop/Current Hits
Country
Hip-Hop/Rap
Classic Rock
Jazz
Indie/Modern Rock
EXHIBIT 9
121
Yes
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11
S6
S7
Amazon
Rhapsody
Google Play
Rdio
iTunes
Spotify
iHeartRadio
Pandora
Retail Store (not online purchase)
None of the above
Do you, or does anyone in your household, work for any of the following?
A market research or advertising firm
A manufacturer, retailer, or distributor of
electronics
A manufacturer, retailer, or distributor of
music
A cellular phone service provider
S8a
Yes
S8b
No
No
Yes
Will you please wear your eyeglasses or contact lenses for the remainder of the
survey?
No
Yes
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12
S9
17.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
All screened and qualified respondents were given the following instructions not to refer
to or look up any information online, use reference materials, or discuss the questions
with anyone else.
It is very important that you do not refer to or look up any information on the
Internet or use reference materials that you may have available while you are
taking the survey.
Make sure any other applications on your computer are closed. Please answer the
questions on your own without discussing them with anyone else.
If you dont know the answer to a question, select the DONT KNOW response
option or type it in. Please do not guess.
18.
In order to determine which exhibit they would be shown in the survey, respondents were
asked a few additional questions about what type of device they use most often when
purchasing, streaming, or downloading music. Respondents were then shown an exhibit
version tailored to their responses to these questions. For example, if a respondent
reported using Spotify to purchase, stream, or download music (in S6), and said s/he uses
an Apple smartphone most often to purchase, stream, or download music on Spotify (in
Q1a-b), then the respondent was shown a survey exhibit that depicted what s/he might
EXHIBIT 9
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#:784
13
see while using Spotify on a mobile device from Apple. Respondents were exposed to
only one exhibit during the course of the survey.
Q1a
Which of the following devices do you use most often when you purchase, stream,
or download music on <GOOGLE PLAY/ITUNES/SPOTIFY>?
Q1b
19.
Desktop
Laptop
Smartphone
Tablet
Other
Apple device
Android device
Other
Respondents were then shown the survey exhibit and told that this is some music they
might see if they were looking for hip-hop or rap music.
This is some music that you might see if you were looking for hip-hop or rap
music. Please scroll through and look at it as you would if you were actually
shopping for hip-hop or rap music. Click the button when you are ready to
advance.
20.
In the survey, respondents were asked their belief about the source of the music they saw,
what else they believe comes from the same source of the music, and whether they
believe the source of the music is related to, sponsored or approved by, or affiliated with
any other source. In order to understand the basis for their beliefs as well as exactly what
source or product they are referring to, respondents were then asked open-ended
questions that allowed them to explain their answers in their own words and clarify each
survey response.
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14
21.
The exact questions used, and the sequence in which they occurred, are as follows: 8
Q2a
Who or what company do you believe makes or puts out the music you just saw
OR do you not know?
Q2b
What makes you say that <INSERT RESPONSE GIVEN IN Q2a> makes or puts
out this music? Any other reasons? (Please list all reasons.)
Q3a
OPEN-END
Dont know
Who or what else, if anything, do you believe is related to, sponsored or approved
by, or affiliated with whoever makes or puts out this music OR do you not know?
Q4b
OPEN-END
Nothing else
What makes you say that <INSERT RESPONSE GIVEN IN Q3a-b> comes from
the same person or company who makes or puts out this music? Any other
reasons? (Please list all reasons.)
Q4a
OPEN-END
Dont know
Anything else?
Q3c
OPEN-END
Dont know
What else, if anything, do you believe comes from the same person or company
who makes or puts out this music OR do you not know?
Q3b
OPEN-END
Dont know
OPEN-END
Dont know
Anything else?
OPEN-END
Nothing else
Questions 2b, 3c, and 4c probe for multiple reasons corresponding to how respondents answer in Questions 2a, 3ab, and 4a-b.
EXHIBIT 9
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15
Q4c
What makes you say that <INSERT RESPONSE GIVEN IN Q4a-b> is related to,
sponsored or approved by, or affiliated with whoever makes or puts out this
music? Any other reasons? (Please list all reasons.)
22.
OPEN-END
Dont know
In order to ensure that the respondent, or anyone in his/her household, did not work for a
television, film, or media company (such as Fox), the respondent was asked the following
post-screening classification question:
C1
Do you, or does anyone in your household, work for any of the following?
A luxury goods company
A television, film, or media company
A personal care company
23.
No
Yes
This question was asked toward the end of the survey, rather than at the beginning, in
order to prevent any potential bias introduced by the question. A total of 45 participants
were disqualified based on their response to this question and are not included in these
tabulations. No one in this excluded group named Fox or made a reference to Foxs
television show, Empire, or its soundtrack music.
24.
At the end of the survey, each respondent was asked if the survey represented a true and
complete account of their responses. A total of 3 participants were disqualified based on
their response to this question and are not included in these tabulations. No one in this
excluded group named Fox or made a reference to Foxs television show, Empire, or its
soundtrack music.
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#:787
16
Please select which best describes how you feel about the validation statement
below:
During this session I have recorded a truthful and complete account of my answers
to this survey.
25.
26.
27.
Based on the sample size of 1056 interviews, the statistical error rate for the key
measures in this study falls into the range of 0.6% for a statistic such as 1% at the 95%
confidence level. In other words, one would expect that 95 times out of 100, a
measurement that was actually 1%, would accurately be represented in the data by a
statistic as high as 1.6%, or as low as 0.4%.
28.
This study was conducted using a double blind technique where neither the company that
administered the survey panel (i.e., Research Now) nor the respondents were aware of the
purpose of the research or the identity of the party who commissioned it. The
methodology, survey design, execution, and reporting were all conducted in accordance
with generally accepted standards of objective procedure and survey technique.
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17
29.
The work performed to design, carry out, and report this study is covered by a billing of
$95,000. Additional time required for trial testimony or deposition will be billed at a rate
of $7,000 per day, plus expenses. The compensation is in no way contingent on the
outcome of this matter.
EXHIBIT 9
128
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#:789
18
Results
30.
When asked who or what company they believe makes or puts out the music they just
saw, respondents most frequently name either the distribution channel they were shown
or Sage the Gemini. Just one respondent (0.1%) is classified as reporting the false belief
that the Empire television show or its soundtrack music is the source of the music he
saw. 9 No one reports the false belief that Fox is the source of the music s/he saw.
Q2a:
Who or what company do you believe makes or puts out the music you just
saw OR do you not know?
ALL RESPONDENTS
All Who Have a Belief:
Sage the Gemini
Amazon
iTunes/Apple
Spotify
Record Company/Label
Google Play
Empire Recordings/Empire
Records
UMG Recordings/Universal
Music Group
Music/Music Genres
Republic/Republic Records
Name Distribution Channels
Empire TV Show
Fox
Other (Net)**
Dont Have a Belief:
Total Amazon
(1056)
(218)
100%
100%
40%
51%
8
9
6
27
6
2
5
0
4
6
4
*
Google Play
(213)
100%
43%
7
*
5
*
4
17
iTunes
(216)
100%
37%
6
0
22
0
2
1
Spotify
(209)
100%
44%
8
0
1
26
5
*
Retail
(200)
100%
24%
8
0
0
0
6
0
1
1
1
1
*
0
3
60
2
*
*
0
0
0
2
49
*
1
*
1
0
0
4
57
0
1
0
2
0
0
4
63
*
0
0
*
*
0
2
56
2
2
2
0
0
0
2
76
Respondent ID #476. Q2a: Although I have not heard of Sage the Gemini before, the graphic that was presented
looks exactly like how I view the musical selections of a particular artist on my Motorola Moto G. Also, when I saw
the word Empire, I immediately thought of the television series of the same name. There is currently a story line
where Luscious Lyon is resurrecting Gutter Records, featuring hardcore rap.
While this respondent is classified as confused, he appears to be simply reporting a spontaneous association due to
the name.
EXHIBIT 9
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19
31.
When asked what else, if anything, they believe comes from the same person or company
who makes or puts out this music, respondents generally name other music/music genres
(7%), artists other than Sage the Gemini (4%), or other products (3%). Just one
respondent (0.1%) is classified as reporting the false belief that the producer of the
Empire television show or its soundtrack music is related to the music she saw. 10 No one
reports the false belief that Fox is related to the music s/he saw.
Q3a:
What else, if anything, do you believe comes from the same person or
company who makes or puts out this music OR do you not know?
ALL RESPONDENTS
All Who Have a Belief:
Music/Music Genres
Name Artists
Name Other Products
Movies/DVDs
Sage the Gemini
Clothing/Shoes
Amazon
Record Company/Label
Streaming TV Shows
Headphones/Electronics
Good/Great/Like
Google Play
iTunes/Apple
Spotify
Empire TV Show
Fox
Other (Net)**
Dont Have a Belief:
Total
(1056)
100%
24%
7
4
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
*
*
0
6
76
Amazon
(218)
100%
29%
8
4
8
1
3
3
3
2
1
1
*
*
*
0
0
0
7
71
Google Play
(213)
100%
24%
5
4
2
2
1
1
*
*
1
*
2
2
*
0
*
0
8
76
iTunes
(216)
100%
22%
6
5
3
3
*
1
0
*
2
2
*
0
2
0
0
0
6
78
10
EXHIBIT 9
130
Spotify
(209)
100%
22%
9
3
3
1
*
*
0
*
*
1
1
0
0
2
0
0
5
78
Retail
(200)
100%
22%
8
6
2
0
2
*
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
4
78
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 143 of 176 Page ID
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20
32.
When asked who or what else, if anything, they believe is related to, sponsored or
approved by, or affiliated with whoever makes or puts out this music, respondents
generally name artists other than Sage the Gemini (4%). No one names the Empire
television show, its soundtrack music, or Fox.
Q4a:
ALL RESPONDENTS
All Who Have a Belief:
Name Artists
Record Company/Label
Music/Music Genres
Name Other
Source/Producer
Amazon
Sage the Gemini
iTunes/Apple
Good/Great/Like
Google Play
Empire TV Show
Fox
Other (Net)**
Dont Have a Belief:
Total
(1056)
100%
18%
4
2
2
Amazon
(218)
100%
21%
6
3
2
Google Play
(213)
100%
18%
5
1
1
iTunes
(216)
100%
20%
3
2
3
Spotify
(209)
100%
15%
3
2
2
Retail
(200)
100%
16%
6
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
6
82
3
3
1
*
*
0
0
0
6
79
2
0
3
1
1
4
0
0
4
82
*
0
0
3
*
0
0
0
9
80
1
0
*
1
1
0
0
0
6
85
*
0
*
0
1
0
0
0
6
84
EXHIBIT 9
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21
Analysis of Empire TV Show Mentions
33.
When aggregating all 1056 respondents responses to the survey questions, just two
respondents (0.2%) are classified as reporting the false belief that the Empire television
show is the source of, or is related to Sage the Geminis Remember Me album. No one
reports the false belief that Fox is related to Sage the Geminis Remember Me album.
34.
This 0.2% statistic is below the standard error rate for this survey (0.6%), such that it
has no statistical significance and is properly treated as a zero result.
Unduplicated Net Q2-4
ALL RESPONDENTS
Empire TV Show
Not Empire TV Show
Total
(1056)
100%
0.2%
99.8
Amazon
(218)
100%
0.0%
100.0
Google Play
(213)
100%
0.5%
99.5
EXHIBIT 9
132
iTunes
(216)
100%
0.0%
100.0
Spotify
(209)
100%
0.5%
99.5
Retail
(200)
100%
0.0%
100.0
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 145 of 176 Page ID
#:793
22
Conclusions
35.
The results of this study indicate that there is no likelihood of confusion with Fox or
Foxs fictional television series, Empire, or its soundtrack music, among hip-hop or rap
music consumers when they are exposed to Empire Distributions product offering as
they would normally encounter it when shopping for hip-hop or rap music.
36.
Only two respondents (0.2%) in this research, which includes more than 1000 music
consumers across the United States, are classified as reporting the false belief that the
Empire Distribution product comes from the Empire television series or Fox, or is related
to, sponsored or approved by, or affiliated with the Empire television series or Fox. This
0.2% statistic is below the standard error rate for this survey (0.6%), such that it has no
statistical significance and is properly treated as a zero result.
37.
Overall, based on the results of this study, it is my opinion that Foxs use of the Empire
name in connection with its fictional television series does not cause a likelihood of
confusion such that relevant consumers falsely believe that Empire Distribution product
offerings come from Fox, or are related to, sponsored or approved by, or affiliated with
Fox.
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23
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C., Section 1740, I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the
United States that the foregoing is true and correct.
EXHIBIT 9
134
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#:795
EXHIBIT 10
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#:796
EMPIRE SEASON 1
PROOF OF PURCHASE
"TV'S BIGGEST SMASH OF THE PAST DECADE."
DVD Cot. I 2299277
ROBERT RORKE -NEW YORK POST
EXHIBIT 10
135
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#:797
EXHIBIT 11
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 150 of 176 Page ID
#:798
EXHIBIT 11
136
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#:799
EXHIBIT 12
Empire
"The Devils Are Here "
2AXP01
Empire
"Without a Country"
2AXP02
16x9 Anamorphic
NTSC/Stereo
TRT 43:54
Case 2 : 15-cv-02158-PA-FFM
12/11 /15
EXHIBIT 12
137
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#:801
Twentieth C
entury Fo
x eiev;sion
mp1re
''Fires OfH
eaven''
2AXP03
.
16x9 A.narno
NTscis rph1c
T
tereo
RT 43:57
ase 2 15
. -CV-02158-PA-FF
2015 T
12111115
M
Wentieth C
enturyF
orpor.atton
ox Film
.
Empire
"Poor Yorick"
2AXP04
16x9 Anamorphic
NTSC/Stereo
TRT 43:57
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM
12111/15
EXHIBIT 12
138
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 154 of 176 Page ID
#:802
Empire
"A High Hope For A Low Heaven"
2AXP06
16x9 Anamorphic
NTSC/Stereo
TRT 43:57
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM
12/ 11/ 15
EXHIBIT 12
139
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#:803
Twentieth Century Fox Television
Empire
"True Love Never"
2AXP07
16x9 Anamorphic
NTSC/Stereo
TRT 43:57
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM
12111115
Twentieth
entury F
. ox Tefevision
empire
''NI
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2AXPo8
16x9"
,,narnorph
NTscistereo ic
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Wentieth
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EXHIBIT 12
140
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 156 of 176 Page ID
#:804
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EXHIBIT 12
141
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 157 of 176 Page ID
#:805
EXHIBIT 13
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 158 of 176 Page ID
#:806
EXHIBIT 13
142
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#:807
EXHIBIT 14
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#:808
EXHIBIT 14
143
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#:809
EXHIBIT 15
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#:810
EXHIBIT 15
144
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#:811
EXHIBIT 16
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 164 of 176 Page ID
#:812
8
BORN TO LOVE U
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JUSSIE SMOLLETT
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EXHIBIT 16
145
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Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 165 of 176 Page ID
#:813
EXHIBIT 17
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#:814
EXHIBIT 17
146
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 167 of 176 Page ID
#:815
EXHIBIT 18
12'14/2015 Case
Amazai.can:
Empire: MUBIC
From The
Piiat:12/15/15
Empire Cast MP3
Downloads
2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM
Document
41-4
Filed
Page
168 of 176 Page ID
#:816
Digi1111 Music
Shop by
Your Amazon.com
Dllpartrnant ....
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Prime Music
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BntSeHera
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J&rr.lllY 6, 2D15
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31 CLJBlllmar 19Vlawll
$5.99
1:28
$0.119
2:20
$1.2!1
3:60
$1.29
2:14
$1.29
1:44
$0.
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EXHIBIT 18
147
hllps:/lwww.am&Za1.com/sPprocU:t/BOORDEZ87Q?ie=UTF8&"\lersicn*=1&*enlrim""'0
Empire: Muslc
Dmnred Spot
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$2.99
$5.99
114
Amazon.can:
Empire: Music
From The
Pilot12/15/15
Empire Cast: MP3
Downloads
2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM
Document
41-4
Filed
Page
169 of 176 Page ID
Product Details
#:817
12114/2015 Case
RKord Company Rllqulred Metadata: Music file metadata contains unique purchase identifier. Learn more.
Total Langtll: 11:36
Ganrea:
Pop
ASIN: BOORDEZ87Q
Average Custom RIM-: ~ @ (31 customer reviews)
Amazon Bast Sallera Rank: #23,000 Paid in Albums {See Top 100 Paid in Albums)
Customer Reviews
31
4.9 out of 5 stars
5star
94%
4star
3%
3star
3%
2star
0%
1 star
0%
Awesome show, great music, "klllei" acting skills! Pun Intended.. Loi.. But sad to only get one minute of the
first song "what is love" . I downloaded but WBS disappointed in Iha length which is literally less than even Iha
play on the show.... I hope they make a full length version and discount the 69 I paid for the tease version.
Daspita... The nist of the songs I downloaded wera graatl I look forward in downloading mora songs from the
show.
1 Comment
j Yes J ~
Report abuse
FIVllStan
Great music for a graat showl The show seams raally intarasting and the music is graatl
Was this IBView helpful lo you?
FIVllStan
Uke the music
Published 6 months ago by Rlta8506
1 Comment
rYea I~
Report abuse
FIVllStan
Love every song
Published 8 months ago by ataphlove1201
J11111mlnl
Great workout musicl
Published 8 months ago by cathi
FIVllStan
- d Purchua
I really love the show and most of the music. My only disappointment Is all you get Is the same "snlpplts" of
the songs. I mistakenly thought they would be whole langth. While I will continua to ba a fan of the show, I
wonl buy anymore music from It. Thus the reason for the mediocre score.
1 Comment
l Yes J~
Report abuse
FIVllStan
very good
Published 8 months ago by QUEEN B 1973
FIVllStan
Excellent
Published 8 months ago by Ca~os Heyward
LOVE ITI
My first fav was "Good Enough". second was "What is love". I look forward to what these two artists will
continue to bring to the show and the world.
Comment
j Y I~
Report abuse
FiY11Stan
great music and show
Awasomamusic
Published 9 months ago by Amazon Cuslomer
Verified Purch. .
Love the show and I raally love Iha music. I like that it is vary close lo reality and the actors are fantastic and
that there is something going on at every tum. Tha music anhences the show encl that's the reason I watch it.
Comment
lY
Report abuse
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EXHIBIT 18
148
Sea ch J
214
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 170 of 176 Page ID
#:818
EXHIBIT 19
12114/2015Case
Arn8ZQ'l.con: Empire:
Music From
'A Mwi Sirried
Empire cast:
MP3171
Downloads
2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM
Document
41-4
Filed.Against':
12/15/15
Page
of 176 Page ID
#:819
man sinned against
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Empire Cast
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November25, 2015
Be Iha first ta review this ltam
Mora optlcns
$5.16
2:47
$1.29
3:18
$1.29
4:00
$1.29
2:55
$1.29
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Paga 1of6
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EXHIBIT 19
149
https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Music-Man-Sinned-AgainstJdJYBQ17XMOCO/ref.=sr_1_1?s=cmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1460150519&sr-1-1-mp3-albums-bar-...
113
12114.12015Case
Amazon.c:iom: Empire:
Ml.Ilic Fram
'A Man Sirnd
Empre Cast
MP3172
Doovnloadll
2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM
Document
41-4
FiledIGirwt.':
12/15/15
Page
of 176 Page ID
#:820
Empire Celt
Empire Call
Efr411re cut
Emplreca.t
Emplrecallt
$3.87
$6.45
$1.29
$5.16
Product Detella
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Customer Revrews
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EXHIBIT 19
150
$1..29
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 173 of 176 Page ID
#:821
EXHIBIT 20
Empire Distribution
Page 1 of 3
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 174 of 176 Page ID
#:822
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EXHIBIT 20
151
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Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 175 of 176 Page ID
#:823
Reconcile released his new EP "Catchin' Bodies" which includes his hit single
Opio & Free The Robots collaborate on their new joint album "Sempervirens" which
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152
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Page 3 of 3
Case 2:15-cv-02158-PA-FFM Document 41-4 Filed 12/15/15 Page 176 of 176 Page ID
#:824
The legendary T.I. dropped his new EP "Da Nic" which features Young Thug & Young
Former rapper Kidd Upstairs steps into his new singing role and switches his name to
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