Challenge Publications Sues Dave House

CHATSWORTH, CA (BRAIN)--Ed Schnepf, publisher of Mountain Biking and Flow magazines, is seeking a temporary restraining order against Dave House that--if granted--would bring a temporary halt to House's plans to launch three new consumer magazines.

Schnepf's attorney, Keith Gregory, filed a lawsuit yesterday in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging that House stole confidential business records and property when he and several staff members left abruptly two weeks ago.

If Superior Court Judge John Farrell approves the restraining order--added as part of the lawsuit--it would stop House from using those items, especially if they would further House's new publishing venture. The hearing was scheduled for today at 8:30 a.m. pacific time

House, Editor Ralph Hauser, Senior Editor Scott Hart and Technical Editor Mark Jordan, quit Challenge and announced that they would launch three magazines in October. The magazines include TwentySix, Decline and Road Biking and would be delivered at Interbike, House said two weeks ago.

House failed to return messages left on his cell phone and calls to his home went unanswered.

Gregory, however, told Bicycle Retailer & Industry News that House allegedly took between 12 and 16 bicycles, three tool kits valued at $1,000 each, camera equipment, confidential business records and editorial material to be used in the October issue of Mountain Biking. They developed that material while working as Challenge employees.

The lawsuit would stop House from using the title "Road Biking" in launching a new magazine for roadies. Challenge owns that title, Gregory said.

Schnepf said other employees at Challenge are working on Mountain Biking and Flow. "We are still on schedule and we are doing everything possible, even though it's on an ad hoc basis. An awful lot of freelancers and staff have rallied to get it done," he said.

"By his action, Dave House intentionally sought to cripple Challenge and interfere in its business relations within the biking industry," Schnepf said. "Challenge is prosecuting him and those who support his illegal activity to the full extent of the law."