As XBIZ reported last month, Falcon Foto filed suit in U.S. District Court in Seattle, alleging that the owners of Porn Kings infringed on its rights by using Falcon images on websites and free hosted galleries without a license.
Bradfield denied Falcon’s allegations, saying he was confident that a court would agree with his position.
“It would be nice if Falcon would enter into fruitful working relationships with others in the industry, rather than trying to make money through litigation,” Bradfield said. “I understand Falcon is involved in a separate lawsuit involving allegations of shaving. I’m not aware of the details of that lawsuit and therefore cannot comment on it. But these lawsuits certainly point to a pattern. Porn Kings did not engage in acts constituting infringement. Porn Kings respects the intellectual property rights of others and unlike Falcon, has fruitful relationships with many others in the industry.”
Bradfield said he believed the lawsuit was intended to “strike fear” into Porn King affiliates.
“Porn Kings would like all of its affiliates to know that it is business as usual at Porn Kings, and that it is still doing what it does best, making our affiliates money and sending payouts on time,” he said.
In the meantime, Bradfield confirmed that Porn Kings had filed its own suit against Falcon Foto early last week in a federal court in California, saying only that the suit was brought when it became apparent that the parties would not be able to settle their dispute amicably.
“Falcon is not involved in any lawsuit regarding shaving," Jason Tucker, Falcon Foto president, said. "I am personally very disappointed that Lucas supports theft. Beyond that his press release is worthy of no comment.”