15.28 Trademark Damages—Plaintiff's Statutory Damages (15 U.S.C. § 1117(c) and (d))

Comment 

            In cases involving the use of a counterfeit mark, the plaintiff may elect to receive statutory damages instead of actual damages and profits. 15 U.S.C. § 1117(c). Statutory damages are also available for “cybersquatting” in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1125(d)(1). 15 U.S.C. § 1117(d).

            Statutory damages are available under 15 U.S.C. § 1117(c) and (d). Statutory damages may be awarded against contributory infringers. Louis Vuitton Malletier, S.A. v. Akanoc Sols., Inc.,  658 F.3d 936, 944-45 (9th Cir. 2011). A prevailing party who elects to receive statutory damages under § 1117(c) cannot also receive prejudgment interest under § 1117(b). Y.Y.G.M. SA v. Redbubble, Inc., 75 F.4th 995, 1007-09 (9th Cir. 2023). 

Revised November 2024