EFF Backs Google in Perfect 10 Lawsuit

SAN FRANCISCO – The Electronic Frontier Foundation took sides recently in Perfect 10’s legal pursuit of Google, claiming that the company’s recent filing for a preliminary injunction against Google Image Search would deprive the average web surfer of a valuable online resource if the search function is disabled.

Perfect 10 owner Norman Zada has been at odds with Google and other online search operations, which he claims pilfer copyrighted content from his website Perfect10.com and sister publication Perfect 10 Magazine.

Zada filed a preliminary injunction in August seeking to enjoin Google from copying, displaying and distributing Perfect 10 images through its search service.

But the EFF, a public interest organization, filed a brief Wednesday arguing that a federal district court should reject the request for an injunction because Google Image Search helps millions of people locate and learn about information on the web every day.

"We're concerned that the public will lose out if Perfect 10 succeeds in shutting it down," Jason Schultz, an EFF staff attorney, said. "Without the right to make legal copies, Google Image Search wouldn't be able to help you find a picture of Martin Luther King, Jr., at the Lincoln Memorial, for example."

Schultz believes the outcome of the Perfect 10 suit could have a huge impact on educational research and that with the emergence of digital technologies, the courts have begun to recognize another kind of transformative use serving the public interest – the making and use of intermediate copies of digital computer files for legitimate purposes.

In its friend-of-the-court brief, EFF claims that image copies are a well-established fair use of digital images and they help people find and use the works for informational and educational endeavors.

“There is a long tradition in fair use that certain kinds of copies are socially useful, even without permission of the author,” the EFF argues. “Courts have held that copies are a legal intermediate step to making non-infringing uses of the copyrighted work — for example in teaching, education, and news reporting."

A hearing in the case is set for Nov. 7.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More