FriendFinder Close to Settlement in FacebookOfSex Case

OAKLAND, Calif. — FriendFinder Networks Inc. is close to a settlement deal with giant social networking site Facebook over infringement claims arising from the operation of FacebookOfSex.com.

In the seven-month-old suit, Facebook claims the name of FriendFinder's Traffic Cat site, FacebookOfSex.com, is too similar to its own trademarked name.

But today a judge green-lighted an indefinite stay in the case for continued settlement discussions under the supervision of a magistrate judge.

In addition, nearly all deadlines in the case — including deadlines to amend the complaint as well as discovery deadlines for the parties and subpoenas to third parties — have been vacated.

Both sides participated Friday in a full-day settlement conference that continued into the evening, and where "significant progress was made to resolve all disputes."

"While meaningful progress toward settlement was made, several issues require further discussion," according to a brief prepared by FriendFinder attorney Kristin Holland and Facebook counsel Jeffrey Norberg. "The parties believe that continued discussions between the parties will likely lead to a settlement."

If settlement talks break down, U.S. Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong ordered that a Jan. 12 case management conference proceed.

In its original suit filed in April at U.S. District Court in San Francisco, Facebook says FacebookOfSex.com "is a blatant attempt ... to hijack Facebook's fame for illicit financial gain."

Facebook in the suit claims that FacebookOfSex.com provides nearly identical user services as its social network. It also complains in the suit that the launch of the site was a "calculated scheme to capitalize on the fame of Facebook's marks," particularly because they spread affiliate advertising material, including banner ads that drive traffic to FriendFinder sites.

Facebook wants the court to declare its rights in connection with its use of the words "friend finder," or deem those words have not  "acquired secondary meaning in the marketplace."

But FriendFinder claims that it has problems with Facebook's use of the term "friend finder," which it also has trademarks for.

The suit, which includes trademark dilution and cybersquatting claims among 11 claims, seeks injunctive relief, revenue from the site and actual and punitive damages.

Attorneys Holland and Rhodes were not immediately available for comment to XBIZ.

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

AEBN Publishes Report on DP Trends

AEBN has published a report on DP and extreme penetration categories from its straight and gay theaters.

Free Speech Coalition Appoints Megan Stokes to Board of Directors

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced today that it has appointed Megan Stokes to its Board of Directors.

FansRevenue Acquires DivaTraffic

FansRevenue has acquired web traffic service DivaTraffic.

AEBN Announces Peter Green as Top Male Boy/Girl Performer for Summer 2025

AEBN has revealed its top 10 male Boy/Girl performers for summer 2025, with Peter Green landing atop the leaderboard.

Spicey AI Relaunches Site, Debuts $Spicey Tokens

Interactive voice chat platform Spicey AI has relaunched its website and introduced $Spicey tokens.

FSC: Missouri Age Verification Rule Will Not Take Effect August 30

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced that Missouri's proposed age verification legislation will not take effect on August 30, as it had originally estimated.

Little Caprice, Marcello Bravo to Co-Host 2025 XMA Europa Awards

XBIZ is pleased to announce that husband-and-wife duo Little Caprice and Marcello Bravo will co-host adult’s biggest night in Europe: the 2025 XMA Europa Awards on Sept. 4, in the epic climax to XBIZ’s fall events series.

Germany Will Block Payments to AV-Noncompliant Adult Sites as of Dec. 1

Starting Dec. 1, Germany will implement new rules prohibiting financial institutions from providing payment services to adult sites deemed to have inadequate age verification systems and making it easier for the government to target websites mirroring the content of such sites.

Jerkmate Joins Pineapple Support as Partner-Level Sponsor

Jerkmate has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Launches Age Verification Toolkit for Adult Websites

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced today that it has launched a comprehensive toolkit to help adult websites navigate age verification laws.

Show More