U.S. Judge Invalidates Acacia's Remaining Claims

SAN JOSE, Calif. — After years of litigation, a federal judge has invalidated Acacia Media Technologies remaining patent claims against the Adult Defense Group and other companies.

Friday’s patent-busting ruling by U.S. District Judge James Ware involved 10 claims relative to Acacia’s family of patents on audio and video transmission and receiving systems, or streaming media.

Ware said that the asserted patent claims are invalid “because they lack an ascertainable scope” and granted the defense’s motion for summary judgment.

Ware ordered attorneys back in the courtroom on Oct. 9 to finalize a summary judgment.

The case reaches all the way back to 2002, when Acacia began sending out media packets to online adult companies asserting that the companies were violating patents associated with its Digital Media Transmission technology, which Acacia claimed covered virtually any manner of transmitting and receiving digital and audio content over the Internet.

Although Acacia was able to secure settlements from a number of adult companies, other companies fought back, and eventually coalesced into the united Adult Defense Group effort, spearheaded by Homegrown Video parent company New Destiny Internet Group.

The suit eventually was consolidated with other companies that have employed streaming media, including Echostar, DirectTV, Time Warner Cable and CSC Holdings Inc.

Cindy Cohn, legal director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said Ware’s decision was a correct one.

“We’re pleased about the ruling,” she told XBIZ. “Acacia’s patent on streaming media has been on the EFF’s ‘10 Most Wanted List,’ which lists patents that are egregious and have free-speech implications.”

Quentin Boyer, a Top Bucks executive and long-time industry observer and journalist, said that he wasn’t surprised Acacia's claims have been invalidated.

“From the beginning, many observers and legal experts felt that the claims were too vague and broad to be enforceable, and the expectation was that the court would eventually come to the same conclusion," he told XBIZ.

“It was unreal how awful some of the [claims] were — pretty close to saying ‘anything and everything video related online is covered by our patent.’”

Representatives of Acacia were not available for comment by post time. Acacia is expected to appeal Ware’s ruling.

Ware's Ruling

Related:  

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