In a recent legal showdown between two prominent fitness figures, Megan Roup has emerged victorious in a significant round against her former employer, Tracy Anderson. The court dismissed Anderson’s copyright infringement claims against Roup, who left Anderson’s team to establish her own successful fitness brand, Sculpt Society.
Roup, who worked for Anderson from 2011 to 2017, has built a substantial following, including celebrities like Miranda Kerr. Anderson, known for training stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson, filed a lawsuit in July 2022, accusing Roup of copyright infringement, breach of contract, and false advertising, among other allegations.
Last September, California Judge Philip S. Gutierrez ruled in favor of Roup, dismissing the false advertising claim and ordering Anderson to pay nearly $164,000 in Roup’s legal fees. This decision marks a significant win for Roup and the broader fitness industry, as it underscores that no one can claim ownership over physical exercise or dance cardio routines.
Roup’s lawyer, Nathaniel Bach, expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, emphasizing that it benefits the entire fitness community. He highlighted that Roup built Sculpt Society from scratch, fostering a welcoming community dedicated to the joy of physical movement.
Despite this setback, Anderson’s legal team remains determined. Anderson’s lawyer, Gina Durham of DLA Piper, stated that the court’s decision did not fully analyze the specific choreographic works Anderson claims are protected by copyright. Durham emphasized that Anderson will continue to pursue protection for her works and unauthorized uses under the law.
Anderson’s lawsuit against Roup includes claims of breach of contract, which are still set to go to trial unless resolved through settlement. Anderson’s legal team argues that Roup and Sculpt Society have improperly capitalized on Anderson’s decades of hard work and investment in developing her fitness methods.
Roup’s legal team, on the other hand, views the lawsuit as an anti-competitive move meant to stifle a rising competitor. They appreciate the court’s careful consideration and decision to dismiss half of the claims, and they look forward to addressing the remaining issues in court.
The legal battle between Anderson and Roup has garnered significant attention in the fitness industry. Anderson’s claims of copyright infringement and breach of contract center on the alleged use of her proprietary choreography movements and confidential information by Roup and Sculpt Society.
In response to Anderson’s allegations, Roup argued that functional exercise movements are not copyrightable. The court agreed that determining the copyrightability of Anderson’s works is a factual inquiry best left for trial.
The court also refused to dismiss Anderson’s breach of contract claim, finding that Anderson had plausibly alleged that Roup used and disclosed confidential information, causing substantial monetary damages to Anderson’s business.
While the court dismissed Anderson’s false advertising and unfair competition claims, it granted Anderson leave to amend these claims. The court will assess Roup’s motion to strike portions of Anderson’s unfair competition claim in light of the amended complaint.
Roup also argued that Anderson’s unfair competition claim should be dismissed under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, which protects free speech. The court found that Roup’s statements on her website were protected conduct, as they related to her public persona as a celebrity fitness trainer and influencer.
The case, Tracy Anderson Mind and Body, LLC, et al. v. Megan Roup, et al., continues to unfold, with the remaining claims set to be addressed in court. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the fitness industry and the protection of proprietary fitness methods.
