Lifetime Fitness 2009 Annual Report Download - page 26

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21
If our founder and chief executive officer leaves our company for any reason, it could have a material adverse
effect on us.
Our growth and development to date have been largely dependent upon the services of Bahram Akradi, our
Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, Chief Executive Officer and founder. If Mr. Akradi ceases to be
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer for any reason other than due to his death or
incapacity or as a result of his removal pursuant to our articles of incorporation or bylaws, we will be in default
under the loan documents for our 13 centers financed with TIAA. In addition, if Mr. Akradi fails to retain at least 1.8
million unencumbered shares of our common stock, we will be in default under the loan documents. As a result, Mr.
Akradi may be able to exert disproportionate control over us because of the significant consequence of his departure.
We do not have any employment or non-competition agreement with Mr. Akradi. See footnote 5, “Subsequent
Event” to our consolidated financial statements for a description of a partial prepayment on our TIAA obligation that
reduced the unencumbered shares of our common stock that Mr. Akradi must retain.
If it becomes necessary to protect or defend our intellectual property rights or if we infringe on the intellectual
property rights of others, we may become involved in costly litigation or be required to pay royalties or fees.
We may have disputes with third parties to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our trademarks,
determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or defend ourselves from claims of infringement,
invalidity or unenforceability. Such disputes may require us to engage in litigation. We may incur substantial costs
and a diversion of resources as a result of such disputes and litigation, even if we win. In the event that we do not
win, we may have to enter into royalty or licensing agreements, we may be prevented from using the marks within
certain markets in connection with goods and services that are material to our business or we may be unable to
prevent a third party from using our marks. We cannot assure you that we would be able to reach an agreement on
reasonable terms, if at all. In particular, although we own an incontestable federal trademark registration for use of
the LIFE TIME FITNESS® mark in the field of health and fitness centers, we are aware of entities in certain
locations around the country that use LIFE TIME FITNESS or a similar mark in connection with goods and services
related to health and fitness. The rights of these entities in such marks may predate our rights. Accordingly, if we
open any centers in the areas in which these parties operate, we may be required to pay royalties or may be
prevented from using the mark in such areas.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.