General Nutrition Investment Co. v. General Vitamin Centers, Inc.
Plaintiffs General Nutrition Centers, Inc. and General Nutrition Investment Company filed an action against Defendants General Vitamin Centers, Inc. and Nayma Cheema for trademark infringement and unfair competition relating to the Plaintiffs' "GNC" marks. Following the Defendants' failure to appear, a default judgment was sought. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy issued a Report and Recommendation, advising the court to grant the default judgment, impose a permanent injunction, and award attorney's fees and costs. District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis subsequently adopted the Magistrate Judge's recommendation in its entirety, finding no clear error. Consequently, the Defendants were permanently enjoined from using the infringing marks and ordered to pay $9,740.04 in fees and costs to the Plaintiffs.