AANP
AANP v. American Ass'n of Naturopathic Physicians
Opinion
Lead Opinion
MEMORANDUM **
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians of Oregon (“Infringer”), appeals a $52,133.44 award of attorneys’ fees granted in favor of the trademark owner, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (“National AANP”). We review for an abuse of discretion an award of attorneys’ fees under the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1117 (a). Gracie v. Gracie, 217 F.3d 1060, 1071-72 (9th Cir.2000). Findings of fact underlying an award of attorneys’ fees are reviewed for clear error. Smith v. Jackson, 84 F.3d 1213, 1221 (9th Cir.1996).
Pursuant to the Lanham Act, attorneys’ fees may be granted to the prevailing party in “exceptional cases” of trademark infringement. 15 U.S.C. § 1117 (a). The Lanham Act does not define the term “exceptional,” but we have awarded attorneys’ fees in infringement cases where the infringement was “malicious, fraudulent, deliberate, or willful.” Playboy Enters., Inc. v. Baccarat Clothing Co., 692 F.2d 1272, *894 1276 (9th Cir.1982). Here, the district court expressly found this an “exceptional case” of trademark infringement:
We agree with the district court’s assessment; this was an exceptional case of infringement permitting the award…