German Court to Review RedTube Decision

COLOGNE — A federal court here is reviewing a decision that allowed an ISP to hand over details of RedTube users who had allegedly been illegally streaming porn online.

The names and addresses of those fingered for infringement were used by German law firm Urmann and Colleagues, which recently sent out 30,000 letters to recipients asking to settle and pay up.

Urmann and Colleagues, acting on behalf of Swiss copyright company Archive, targeted users in one of the first cases to target those accused of streaming rather than downloading pornography.

The federal court in Cologne said it has reviewed complaints from those who received the infringement warning letters, which demanded a €250 payment, and that it has "considerable" doubts about the legal procedure." The court also said that German laws on "streaming" were not clear enough.

Thomas Urmann, name partner of Urmann and Colleagues, told the court in a letter that it should change its initial assertion over the warning letters, calling them "slanderous." A final decision in the Cologne case is not expected until January.

Meanwhile, in Hamburg, a temporary restraining order has been issued against Urmann and Colleagues, as well as Archive, preventing them from sending warning letters to RedTube users alleging copyright infringement.

In a statement, MindGeek, which owns RedTube, said the allegations that its tube site broke copyright laws were "a thinly disguised attempt to extort money from its users."

Spokesman Alex Taylor, who runs RedTube as vice president, said the Hamburg ruling "is a victory not just for RedTube users, but for anyone who accesses a streaming website."

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