AICO Settles 2 Australia Piracy Cases

EDGECLIFF, New South Wales — This week, Australia's Adult Industry Copyright Organization, representing adult film producers from several countries and Australian distributors, signed settlement agreements closing two long-running piracy cases.

"These substantial settlements conclude piracy cases that have been hard fought over the past two to three years," AICO Executive Officer Graeme Dunne said. "They vindicate AICO's anti-piracy activities and should serve as glaring examples of the ability and tenacity of AICO, its members, and its legal team to tackle adult DVD piracy head on."

The settlements involved cash payments of $402,250 from Prestige Club Australasia Pty. Ltd. and $482,700 from Venus Adult Shops Pty. Ltd. The directors of both companies also were required to make full admissions of their own personal liability — as opposed to the liability of their companies.

Both PCA and Venus had used the "illegality argument" as a defense to their copyright infringements. Sales of adult materials are illegal in Australia's states and only permitted in areas designated as "territories," although possession of adult materials is legal nationwide. The illegality argument had been tried in the Federal Magistrate’s Court of Australia and, on appeal, to the Full Bench of the Federal Court of Australia, and had been dismissed.

“Our legal advice was that this ‘illegality’ issue was by no means a defense to copyright infringement; a fact that had been borne out previously by the Courts," AdultShop.com managing director Malcolm Day said.

The Courts also ordered that PCA and Venus be permanently enjoined from dealing in adult films from AICO member studios without authority or license. Both PCA and Venus are now in discussion with Calvista Australia Pty. Ltd., an AICO founding member, in order to start a lawful business relationship.

“Our objective is to level the playing field and ensure that adult stores, websites, catalogues and wholesalers do not continue to sell pirated films from AICO member studios," Day said.

AICO member studios involved in the legal actions were Vivid, Private, Digital Playground, Evil Empire, Titan Media, Wicked, American Hardcore, Red Light District, Zero Tolerance, Third Degree, Falcon, Mustang, Jocks, Digital Sin, New Sensations, Acid Rain and Colossal.

The Adult Industry Copyright Organization was established to reduce the level of piracy of adult films in Australia through education, promotion and enforcement.

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

Nadia Jay Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Nadia Jay stars with Mick Blue in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Fucking the Bath Voyeur."

Tommy Gunn Reflects on His Legendary Past as He Looks to the Future

Tommy Gunn is wearing an eyepatch. It’s not an homage to the classic "Pirates" porn parody franchise, in which Gunn takes on the Johnny Depp role. The eyepatch is a temporary measure to help him deal with a nerve palsy that came out of nowhere several years ago and affects his vision from time to time. Gunn needs his vision. As one of the adult industry’s longest-serving male stars, he still has plenty to look forward to.

Rocco Siffredi Directs New Rebel Rhyder Showcase

Evil Angel has released Rocco Siffredi’s Rebel Rhyder showcase title, "Rebel Meets Rebel."

Shalina Devine Toplines 'Thr3e #7' From Dorcel

Shalina Devine headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled "Thr3e #7."

Chloe Amour Headlines 'Unfaithful Betrayal 3' From Bellesa Films

Chloe Amour toplines the third volume of “Unfaithful Betrayal” from Bellesa Films.

Misty Addams Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Misty Addams stars with husband Island Boy Brandon and 2024 XMA Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Pastelle Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Pastelle has made her TransAngels debut alongside Ali Rush in "Royal Sucksession."

A Day With Mike Quasar: Porn, Pets and Wit That Won't Quit

Mike Quasar has been working in the adult industry for 34 years. The noted veteran director admits to feeling a little astonished by this fact.

Kelly Holland's Industry Animal Rescue Charity Event 'Vice Is Nice' Returns Saturday

The 13th annual Vice Is Nice event, a long-standing adult industry fundraiser for Animal Rescue Alliance (TARA), will take place Saturday in Chatsworth.

Show More