Mobile Content Suit Pits FriendFinder vs. Twistbox

LOS ANGELES — FriendFinder Networks Inc. has filed a suit against mobile content distributor Twistbox Entertainment, alleging the company continued to publish and permit third parties to distribute hundreds of copyrighted Penthouse titles for two years after its contract was terminated.

The suit, filed at U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, claims Twistbox's WATT Media Corp. division entered into a deal with FriendFinder's Penthouse division in May 2006 but after three years the agreement was terminated due to a breach in the mobile content distribution agreement.

The purported breach was not disclosed in the suit.

FriendFinder says the contract termination in January 2009 was written on paper but that Twistbox chose to ignore the severed deal and streamed its content on its site as well as providing it to third parties.

The alleged infringing material FriendFinder claims in the suit comprises more than 500 pieces of Penthouse's catalog, including works from Shay Laren, Heather Vandeven, Penthouse's "AdultFriendFinder.com's Guide to Threesomes," Forum magazine and Penthouse magazine archives going back as far as 1969.

The copy infringement suit seeks damages, treble damages and injunctive relief, among other demands.

FriendFinder attorney Ira Rothken and Twistbox executives did not return XBIZ queries by post time.

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

Democratic Governor Fails to Veto Kansas Age Verification Bill

Kansas’ Democratic governor Laura Kelly expressed strong reservations about the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists, but ultimately decided not to veto it, allowing it to become law by default without her signature.

FSC's Alison Boden Testifies Against California Age Verification Bill, Urges Action to Defeat It

Free Speech Coalition Executive Director Alison Boden testified against AB 3080, the California version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

Phoenix Marie Sues Aylo, Danny D Over Incident on Digital Playground Set

Phoenix Marie has filed a lawsuit against Aylo, performer/producer Danny D and other defendants, alleging she has suffered defamation and damage to her career over a 2023 incident on a Digital Playground set in Spain.

New Premium Creator Platform 'Lemon Social' Launches

Premium creator platform Lemon Social has debuted.

Atlanta Authorities Renew Attack on Adult Boutique Tokyo Valentino

The saga of beleaguered Georgia adult boutique Tokyo Valentino continues with a renewed attempt by authorities to shut down another of its locations.

MomPOV Producer Pleads Guilty in GirlsDoPorn Case

MomPOV producer Doug Wiederhold, who was formerly the partner of GirlsDoPorn owner Michael Pratt as well as the first male talent for GDP, pleaded guilty Thursday to a federal conspiracy charge.

Streamate Exec Liz Rek Joins FSC Board

The Free Speech Coalition board of directors has tapped Streamate executive Liz Rek as its newest member, effective immediately.

2024 XBIZ Creator Awards Nominees Announced; Voting Now Live

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2024 XBIZ Creator Awards, presented by Fansly.

Adult Site Broker Talk's Bruce Friedman Reflects on Podcast Success

The 200th episode of “Adult Site Broker Talk” will air next week, with 2023 XBIZ Performer of the Year Cherie DeVille as the featured guest.

FSC Asks Supreme Court to Overturn 5th Circuit Decision, Strike Texas' Age Verification Law

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) filed a petition for certiorari on Friday asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Fifth Circuit panel decision that partially upheld Texas’ controversial age verification law.

Show More