Judge Dismisses Falcon Foto’s State Law Claims Against Porn Kings

SEATTLE — U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik has granted a motion to dismiss Falcon Foto’s state claims against Porn Kings.

Judge Lasnik ruled that Falcon’s state law claims of unjust enrichment, tortuous interference, unfair competition, accounting and constructive trust were preempted by the federal Copyright Act. The suit’s copyright claims will still move forward.

The multimillion-dollar lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle, alleges that the owners of Porn Kings, dba for Lucas Bradfield’s Nobel Developments, infringed on Falcon Foto’s rights by using Falcon images on websites and free hosted galleries without a license.

Porn Kings’ attorney Venkat Balusubramani told XBIZ that while the dismissal of state law claims is a positive development for his client, he wouldn’t infer much from the judge’s ruling.

“The ruling shows that the judge is fair and will take a good look at Falcon’s claims,” Balusubramani said. “[However], it seemed like Falcon didn’t make terribly strong arguments with respect to the state law claims. This may cast some doubt on the strength of their other claims as well.”

Balusubramani said that the federal case is in discovery for another three to four months, and he will consider asking the judge for a summary judgment in lieu of a jury trial.

“It’s my understanding that when you bring a federal action you have to bring all of your claims,” Tucker told XBIZ. “These state claims were considered a throwaway in our federal suit, but if for some reason our federal suit gets dismissed, we can go back and file the state claims.”

Tucker said he looks forward to a settlement with Porn Kings and that both sides are talking behind the scenes in order to resolve the suit.

“The dismissal of the state claims doesn’t impact the real substance of our case,” Falcon’s attorney Robert Apgood told 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

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Report: VPN Downloads Soar in UK Following Age Verification Deadline

Virtual private network apps, which can be used to circumvent geo-specific age verification requirements, are topping Apple App Store downloads in the U.K. in the wake of new Online Safety Act rules, the BBC is reporting.

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta for Pirating Vixen Media Group Content to Train AI

Vixen Media Group owner Strike 3 Holdings filed suit in federal court this week, accusing Facebook parent company Meta of copyright infringement and alleging that Meta has extensively pirated VMG content to train its artificial intelligence models.

Pineapple Support, Streamate to Host 'Navigating Grief and Loss' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Streamate are hosting a free online support group to help performers cope with grief and loss.

Friday is Final AV Compliance Deadline in UK

Friday, July 25 marks U.K. media regulator Ofcom’s deadline for user-to-user services such as tube, cam and fan sites to implement its requisite “highly effective age assurance” measures for preventing minors from viewing adult content.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for May, June

AEBN has released the top search terms for the months of May and June from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Two Texas Bills Restricting Sex Toy Sales Fail to Pass

Two bills aimed at restricting sales of sex toys have failed to pass the Texas state legislature during its 2025 session.

Show More