Judge: Falcon Foto, Porn Kings Must Litigate in Seattle

SEATTLE — A judge in the ongoing legal battle between Porn Kings and Falcon Foto has clarified the multistate copyright dispute, consolidating cases filed by both parties into a single action, which will be heard in U.S. District Court in Seattle.

According to the four-page order from U.S. Judge Ricardo Martinez, both parties filed suit about the same time, with Porn Kings, the DBA for Lucas Bradfield’s Noble Developments, seeking to be heard in a U.S. District Court in Los Angles.

In December, U.S. Judge James Otero dismissed the Porn Kings claim that sought to affirmatively establish that the company had not infringed on any Falcon Foto copyrights.

Otero’s ruling transferred the Porn King’s case to Seattle, where Falcon had already filed suit for copyright infringement.

The Falcon case had been assigned to judge Martinez, but the recently arrived Porn Kings claim had been given to Judge Robert Lasnik.

Martinez ruled to consolidate the two cases because both deal with the same set of facts and law. Martinez also concluded that hearing both cases together would not prejudice either party.

Falcon Foto attorney Robert Apgood told XBIZ the decision by Judge Martinez to consolidate the two cases in his court effectively ends a forum shopping attempt by Porn Kings.

“What this really means is that their case won’t be clogging up the court’s docket with what was really just forum shopping,” Apgood said. “We can now move forward with the case.”

Porn Kings attorney Venkat Balasubramani told XBIZ that he had no objection to consolidating the two cases.

“This isn’t a ruling on the merits, and it doesn’t effect the lawsuit,” Balasubramani said. “Once the case had been transferred to Seattle, we agreed that consolidation was best.”

Apgood said the case now moves into the discovery phase, which is expected to last take some time.

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

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.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More