xbiz world
xbiz premiere

MindGeek Targeted in Patent Infringement Suit

WILMINGTON, Del. — Adult entertainment conglomerate MindGeek USA Inc. has been hit with a patent infringement lawsuit relating to data distribution management and communication systems. 

Preservation Technologies LLC, which has rights to the U.S. patents, claims in a suit that MindGeek and 19 of its online adult properties infringed on 11 components covered under its patents.

The technologies at issue were developed by the University of Southern California's Shoah Foundation, which was formed after the nonprofit Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation — mainstream director Steven Spielberg’s group to make video recordings of Holocaust survivors’ accounts — became part of USC in 2006.

Preservation Technologies, in all of the patent holding company's infringement claims, said that  MindGeek has indirectly infringed on the patents by instructing others, including end users and customers, to operate the site "in an infringing manner."

In one example of infringement, "end users of the PornHub.com website retrieve adult videos, clips and other media types associated with keywords, such as 'sex,' by using the various catalogues, catalogue elements and attributes."

The suit, filed in October at federal court in Delaware, said the technologies were employed on the following MindGeek-operated sites: PornHub.com, YouPorn.com, Tube8.com, XTube.com, ExtremeTube.com, RedTube.com, SpankWire.com, KeezMovies.com, YouPornGay.com,  PornMD.com, Brazzers.com, Digital Playground.com Twistys.com, RealityKings.com, SexTube.com, Beeg.com, Mofos.com, MyDirtyHobby.com and GayTube.com.

Preservation Technologies has settled similar suits over its portfolio of patents on data distribution and communication systems, including those against Vimeo, Fox Broadcasting Co., Yahoo, Facebook, Netflix and others.

The Wilmington, Del.-based patent holding company recently sued other large companies that haven't licensed its technology. Those suits were filed the same day MindGeek was sued and targeted Viacom Inc., MLB Advanced Media, NFL Enterprises LLC, Vevo LLC and World Wrestling Entertainment.

Preservation Technologies seeks past and future damages, as well as attorneys fees in the suit against MindGeek.

MindGeek officials declined comment on the patent suit.

Related:  

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

FSC Drops Opposition to California Age Verification Bill After Amendments

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has dropped its formal opposition to California’s age verification bill AB 3080, after an amendment secured through months of discussions with the bill’s author was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SCOTUS Agrees to Hear Texas Age Verification Challenge

The United States Supreme Court granted on Tuesday the petition for a writ of certiorari in the Free Speech Coalition-led challenge to Texas’ age verification law, agreeing to hear the case in the next term.

Dorcel Group Acquires LifeSelector

Dorcel Group has acquired interactive content company LifeSelector.

Etsy Updates Policy to Ban Sale of Most Adult Pleasure Products, Content

Etsy will ban sales of most pleasure products and content that depicts sex acts and genitalia starting July 29.

Jamie Page Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for July

LoyalFans has named Jamie Page as its Featured Creator for July.

Stripper, Adult Businesses Challenge Florida's Under-21 Ban for Adult Entertainment Workers

Strip clubs and other adult entertainment establishments in Florida are challenging the state’s law that prevents them from employing adults between the ages of 18 and 20.

Byborg's Le Shaw Research Institute Teams Up With SWOP Behind Bars

LiveJasmin parent company Byborg Enterprises’ Le Shaw International Sexual Health and Wellness Research Institute has joined forces with U.S.-based sex worker advocacy group SWOP Behind Bars.

AI Erotic Storytelling Platform 'Erota' Launches

Erota, a new AI-powered erotic storytelling platform, has debuted.

Indiana Court Blocks Age Verification Law

A U.S. district court in Indiana has blocked the state's age verification law from taking effect this coming Monday, July 1.

Sex Worker Rights Advocates Speak at UN Criticizing Stigmatizing Report

Several sex worker rights organizations and advocates provided input this week at the United Nations office in Geneva, addressing a recent controversial report by the Human Rights Council’s special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, which made broad claims about sex work and adult content, and also endorsed different forms of criminalization.

Show More