Judge: Porn Kings, Falcon Foto Dispute Belongs in Seattle

LOS ANGELES — In the ongoing, multi-state legal battle between Porn Kings and Falcon Foto, a federal judge in the Central District of California has ruled that his court is not an appropriate forum for the copyright dispute, sending the case to a federal court in Seattle for adjudication.

In a 16-page order, Judge James Otero ruled that a competing lawsuit filed by Porn Kings Owner Lucas Bradfield in Los Angeles was best suited for the federal courtroom in Seattle where Falcon Foto had filed its infringement claims against several parties, including Porn Kings.

The Los Angeles suit, which Otero dismissed and transferred to Seattle, had sought to affirmatively establish that Noble Developments, which does business as Porn Kings, was not guilty of infringement.

In dismissing and transferring the case, Otero accused Porn Kings attorney Venkat Balasubramani of “forum shopping.”

Falcon Foto attorney Robert Apgood told XBIZ that what Otero called forum shopping was a ruse by Balasubramani to delay the case.

“We told our story to Judge Otero, and he believed us,” Apgood said. “The case is now on track to move forward in Seattle, which is the appropriate venue.”

While the decision was a procedural one, Apgood said Otero’s ruling has an important impact on the Seattle case, which includes the original owners of Porn Kings John Does 1 and 2, subsequent owners Marvad Corp. and Roger Vadocz, Trey Hickey and E-Media Group and current owners Bradfield and Noble Developments.

“Because we are suing in Seattle, we will be able to obtain personal jurisdiction over parties in that area,” Apgood said. “If we weren’t in Seattle, it would be a problem for us because we wouldn’t be able to reach some defendants with this litigation, which would mean that we wouldn’t be able to enforce our rights.”

As a practical matter, the Porn Kings case filed in California is now closed, Apgood said, adding that it will be transferred to Seattle, where he will file a motion to have it joined with the Falcon Foto litigation.

Balasubramani told XBIZ he would continue to vigorously defend the case in Seattle.

“The case will continue in Seattle, where we will continue to contest this lawsuit,” he said. “This is not a ruling on the merits of the case in any way.”

Copyright © 2024 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

Streamster Launches 'Tip2Peep' Camera-Switching Feature

Live-streaming software provider Streamster has launched Tip2Peep, a new feature that allows viewers to switch between multiple webcam viewing angles by tipping the creator.

Tyler Wu Guests on Chaturbate's 'Sex Tales' Podcast

Tyler Wu is the latest guest on Chaturbate’s “Sex Tales” podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

Fleshy to Launch Interactive Cam Site 'Eromote'

Male pleasure brand Fleshy has announced that it will launch an interactive, bidirectional cam site next month called Eromote.

XBIZ LA Show Introduces New 'Crib Crawl' Feature

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the 2025 edition of its flagship conference, the XBIZ Show, will debut a brand-new feature: Crib Crawl, offering attendees the chance to meet and greet representatives from leading brands and organizations in dedicated suites at the host venue.

Pre-Nominations Now Open for 2025 TEAs

The pre-nomination period for the 2025 Trans Erotica Awards (TEAs) is now open.

Byborg Invests $22.35M in PLBY Group

Luxembourg-based Byborg Enterprises SA is investing $22.35 million in Playboy parent company PLBY Group.

Supreme Court to Hear Oral Arguments on Texas AV Law in January

The United States Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for Free Speech Coalition's challenge to Texas’ age verification law to take place Wednesday, Jan. 15.

2025 XBIZ Exec Awards Nominees for Online Industry Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the online industry edition of the 2025 XBIZ Exec Awards, set to be presented as part of the annual XBIZ Honors ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 15 in conjunction with the XBIZ 2025 conference.

Project 2025 Leader Claims Big Tech Companies 'Deliberately Fuel Pornography Addiction' Among Men

Heritage Foundation president and Project 2025 leader Kevin Roberts published on Wednesday the text of a speech in which he persists with his past claim that “predatory Big Tech corporations” are “deliberately fueling pornography addiction” among young men.

FSC Petitions 10th Circuit for Review of Utah AV Dismissal

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) on Wednesday petitioned the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit to review a decision handed down earlier this month by a three-judge panel of the same appeals court, which denied FSC the right to challenge Utah’s controversial age verification law by suing state officials.

Show More