Playboy Files $71.5M Infringement Suit Against BoingBoing.net

Playboy Files $71.5M Infringement Suit Against BoingBoing.net

LOS ANGELES — Playboy Enterprises Inc. on Tuesday sued the operator of BoingBoing.net, alleging the website published every centerfold photo the magazine ever published without permission.

The $71.5 million infringement suit filed at Los Angeles federal court claims that BoingBoing.net generated advertising revenue as a result of the availability of an article with accompanying photos titled, “Every Playboy Playmate Centerfold Ever.”

The number of infringed copyrighted centerfolds claimed in the suit is 477, Playboy lawyers said.

The suit includes an exhibit list of monthly centerfolds allegedly published from April 1960 to January 2016.

Playboy, in the suit, is asking for $150,000 in damages per infringement, for a total of $71,550,000 in damages against BoingBoing’s operator, Happy Mutants LLC.

“[D]efendants … have obtained direct and indirect profits they would not otherwise have realized but for their infringement of the subject works. As such, plaintiff is entitled to disgorgement of defendants’ profits directly and indirectly attributable to defendants’ infringement …,” the suit said. 

BoingBoing.net was established in 1995 and later became an influence in the “cyberpunk subculture.” By 2004, the site, which focuses on technology, entertainment and culture, started incorporating advertising.

BoingBoing Publisher Jason Weisberger did not immediately respond for XBIZ comment regarding the suit. Playboy attorney Stephen Doniger also did not immediately respond for comment.

Related:  

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

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, Could Face Override

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.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

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

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Show More