Studio That Sued Over ‘Michael Lucas' La Dolce Vita’ Loses Again

LOS ANGELES — International Media Films, the mainstream film studio that filed an infringement lawsuit and lost against gay adult company Lucas Entertainment Inc. over “Michael Lucas' La Dolce Vita" several years ago, has lost again at federal court over the Federico Fellini classic.

U.S. District Judge James Otero last month signed a default judgment over the U.S. rights to "La Dolce Vita,” awarding $900,000 to Paramount.

Paramount claimed in November 2011 that International Media Films infringed on the copyright of "La Dolce Vita," which it secured through a deal with the movie's true owner, Melange Pictures.

According to Paramount’s lawsuit, International Media sent cease-and-desist letters to the mainstream studio, staking a claim of ownership in the film.

International Media alleged that its chain of title to the film rights originated from Cinemat's transfer of rights in 1980; it also questioned Paramount's right to distribute the movie, claiming that an earlier 1962 transfer was invalid.

But in June 2013, a federal judge granted partial summary judgment to Paramount, finding International Media provided no evidence that it holds chain of title to the film rights.

Years earlier, International Media tested infringement claims when it accused Lucas Entertainment of making an unauthorized porn version of "La Dolce Vita."

That case against the iconic gay porn brand lasted three years and was later dismissed because International Media was found to have lacked a credible documentation of its chain of title, as in the Paramount case.

At the time Lucas Entertainment founder CEO Michael Lucas said that the studio was lucky to have quality legal advice and the financial resources “to stand up to this bullying."

“Of course I can only guess at my opponents' motivations, but if they thought that they could get a quick payday by walking all over a porn company, they were sorely mistaken,” Lucas said at the time.

In the Paramount case, International Media was ordered to pay $475,000 in damages and $425,000 in attorneys fees and costs.

Related:  

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

Nebraska Legislature Passes Republican's Age Verification Bill With No Votes Against It

Nebraska’s unicameral legislature has passed the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

Performers in Meta Blacklisting Lawsuit Seek to Preserve Antitrust Claims

Adult Performance Artists Guild board officers Alana Evans, Kelly Pierce and Ruby have informed a California court that, although they want to drop their lawsuit claiming that Meta conspired with OnlyFans to blacklist rival premium fan platforms’ talent, they may still have antitrust claims that they may pursue in the future.

Skylar Snow Headlines 'Infidelity 4' From Sweet Sinner

Skylar Snow toplines "Infidelity 4," the latest release from Mile High Media studio brand Sweet Sinner.

Serenity Cox Stars in 'Enjoy It' From MILFY

Serenity Cox stars with Alberto Blanco in "Enjoy It," from Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY.

Melissa Stratton Stars in Finale of Wicked's 'So Extra'

Melissa Stratton and Robby Apples star in the final scene from Wicked Pictures' "So Extra."

BiPhoria Drops Jim Powers' 'Saying GoodBi'

BiPhoria has released director Jim Powers' "Saying GoodBi."

FSC, Co-Plaintiffs to Ask US Supreme Court to Review Constitutionality of Texas Age Verification Law

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) and its co-plaintiffs in the challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law have filed a petition before the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit asking to stay its recent upholding the law because they intend to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to review the law’s constitutionality.

Jade Venus, Kasey Kei Star in 'Trans Rave' From GenderX

Jade Venus and Kasey Kei star in "Trans Rave" from GenderX, directed by Jim Powers.

FSC Vows to Fight Florida Age Verification Law

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) issued a statement vowing to continue fighting Florida’s age verification law, which was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday as part of a comprehensive bill targeting minors’ use of social media.

Kansas Republican Aims to Create New Bureaucracy to 'Investigate' Porn Websites

Republican state legislators succeeded Monday in moving forward Kansas’ version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists, despite serious concerns raised by House Democrats about the cost of establishing a new bureaucracy tasked with investigating websites for pornographic content.

Show More