On March 11, Dr. Keith Bell filed a complaint alleging copyright and trademark infringement against Stanford University and its former Senior Associate Athletic Director, Kevin Blue (jointly, the “Defendants”).
Bell alleges infringement of his sports psychology book entitled Winning Isn’t Normal (the “Book”). Bell alleges that Blue infringed his copyright when Blue tweeted an image that contained a selection from Bell’s book (the “WIN Passage”).
The complaint describes Bell’s continued efforts to promote and distribute the Book. Due to the Book’s success, Bell continues to license its use as well as make derivative works, particularly of the WIN Passage.
The complaint alleges that Blue “posted a textual representation” of the WIN passage, which Bell characterizes as “the heart of the … work.” Bell also alleges that he sent the Defendants multiple cease and desist letters, but the Defendants “refused to admit liability or engage in meaningful settlement negotiations.”
Bell filed a similar suit about 18 months ago, and that case is highlighted in a previous blog post. The previous case settled out of court and was dismissed.