Court Decides Against Strip Club in Trademark Infringement Claim

SAN FRANCISCO — The First Amendment protects the maker of "Grant Theft Auto" video game from a trademark infringement claim brought by a Los Angeles strip club, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided.

Grand Theft Auto, a popular game known for its realistic depiction of urban settings, is made by Rockstar Games Inc., a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. E.S.S. Entertainment 2000 Inc., the owner and operator of Play Pen strip club near downtown Los Angeles, sued the company over the club’s likeness appearing in "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas."

Following a summary judgment denial of its lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Pasadena, Rockstar turned to 9th Circuit, which affirmed the decision on Nov. 5. The court ruled that Rockstar’s modification of the strip club’s trademark was not “explicitly misleading” and therefore protected by the First Amendment.

ESS’ claim centered on a fictitious strip club in the video game called the Pig Pen. Besides the name, few similarities existed between the Play Pen and the Pig Pen, although Grand Theft Auto’s designers visited Los Angeles from Scotland to capture the area’s feel.

ESS unsuccessfully argued Rockstar used Play Pen’s distinctive logo and trade dress without its authorization that created a likelihood of confusion among consumers.

In its published opinion, 9th Circuit’s Judge O’Scannlain explained the decision in painstakingly detailed, opinionated language:

“Both San Andreas and the Play Pen offer a form of lowbrow entertainment,” O’Scannlain wrote. “Besides this general similarity, they have nothing in common. The San Andreas game is not complementary to the Play Pen; video games and strip clubs do not go together like a horse or carriage or, perish the thought, love and marriage.

In rebutting ESS’ argument that "Grand Theft Auto" players are free to ignore the storyline and spend time in the virtual Pig Pen as much as they’d like, the judge drew another comparison.

“Fans can spend all nine innings of a baseball game at the hot dog stand; that hardly makes Dodger Stadium a butcher’s shop,” O’Scannlain wrote.

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

European Commission Approves AV Guidelines, Unveils Prototype App

The European Commission on Monday released its final, approved guidelines for protecting minors online under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and made public a “white label” age verification app intended to help sites and platforms comply with age verification rules under the DSA.

New Membership Site 'Sluts Corner' Launches

R18 Entertainment has launched a new membership site, SlutsCorner.com.

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

Show More