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

Braindance Unveils '6DOF' VR Tech

Interactive virtual reality platform Braindance has debuted its new Six Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) VR technology.

Kiiroo, Pineapple Support Launch 'Empower Hour' Series on FeelHubX YouTube Channel

Kiiroo and Pineapple Support have teamed up to launch the “Empower Hour” series on the FeelHubX YouTube channel.

Kansas Law Firm Deploys Religion, Bunk Science While Recruiting Plaintiffs Under AV Law

Kansas-based personal injury law firm Mann Wyatt Tanksley is promoting debunked scientific theories and leveraging religious affiliation against the industry while it seeks potential plaintiffs for lawsuits against adult companies under the state’s age verification law.

UK Tech Secretary Lists Age Verification Among OSA Priorities

Peter Kyle, the U.K.’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, on Wednesday made public a draft version of his priorities for implementing the Online Safety Act (OSA), including age verification.

AEBN Publishes Popular Seraches by Country for September, October

AEBN has released its list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Avery Jane Featured on 'Adult Time Podcast'

Avery Jane is the latest guest on the “Adult Time Podcast,” hosted by studio CCO Bree Mills.

FSC: Kansas Law Firm Threatens Adult Site Over Age Verification

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has been notified that Kansas law firm Mann Wyatt Tanksley has sent a letter threatening an adult website with a lawsuit for breaking the state's age verification law.

10th Circuit Rejects Final FSC Appeal in Utah AV Case

The United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit on Monday rejected a motion by Free Speech Coalition (FSC) requesting that the full court rehear its appeal in Free Speech Coalition v. Anderson, the industry trade association’s challenge to Utah’s age verification law.

Trump Nominates Project 2025 Contributor, Section 230 Foe to Chair FCC

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated, as his pick to head the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr — an author of Project 2025 who has called for gutting Section 230 protections.

Streamate's Elevate Partners With Miss Mei on Decriminalization Initiative

Streamate’s Elevate initiative is debuting a November collaboration with creator and community advocate Miss Mei that will highlight the modern criminalization of sex work.

Show More