Competing Health Clubs Engaged In Dispute

In a complaint filed in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas on Dec. 9, B&R Family Fitness Club of Feasterville, Pa., has alleged that the Huntington Valley location of L.A. Fitness is interfering with its prospective business relationships by disseminating falsehoods to potential B&R members. The lawsuit claims that, according to witnesses, L.A. Fitness employees attempted to dissuade prospective B&R customers by telling them that B&R had declared bankruptcy or was close to declaring bankruptcy, and that the locally owned club's financial woes would render it unable to honor its contracts. Like all Pennsylvania clubs, however, the plaintiff is bonded to ensure that, in the event of a club closing, members would be refunded for any time remaining on their membership contracts. B&R's complaint alleges intentional interference with prospective business relationships, defamation, commercial disparagement, unfair competition and violations of the Federal Lanham Act.

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