Lawyers for Nica Noelle, Mile High Media File Memo Outlining Copyright Infringement Defense

Lawyers for Nica Noelle, Mile High Media File Memo Outlining Copyright Infringement Defense

BOSTON —  Lawyers for adult filmmaker Nica Noelle, Mile High Media's Jon Blitt and several other defendants filed a document arguing Massachusetts landlord Leah Bassett has no grounds to sue them for copyright infringement and other claims based on adult shoots Noelle directed in Bassett's rental home that include art pieces in the property.

The lawsuit has been closely followed by the adult industry because it could set a precedent on how studio shoots and content trade shoots handle rented locations.

In the new filing, Noelle and Blitt's lawyers argue that Bassett does not have proof of copyright infringement or of RICO violations against the filmmakers and Mile High.

The lawyers are asking for summary judgement in their clients' favor.

The defendants contend that Bassett "copyrighted her personal belongings, a year-and-a-half after the incident she now complains of, solely for the purpose of shaking down Defendants."

Bassett recently filed an affidavit, quoted by the defendants' lawyers, where she stated that she was initially "hopeful that [she] could avoid filing a lawsuit and the Defendants and I could reach a settlement" because she "didn't want to have to file for copyright certificates." Bassett also admitted that although she "filed for the copyright registrations [when her lawyer told her they were heading towards a lawsuit],  [she has] never sought to sell, reproduce, license or otherwise seek a profit from any of the 53 works that were included in those [three] applications."

If Bassett never thought these works were worth protecting, Noelle and Blitt's lawyers asked the court, "why could the Defendants think they were? And, even more importantly, why should the Court?"

In March 2018, Bassett sued Mile High alleging one of her tenants in Martha’s Vineyard had allowed a Mile High crew to shoot in her property. The lawsuit claims that this constitutes “unauthorized commercial use of the property” and also copyright infringement over portraits and pottery Bassett created, which can be seen in the background of the scenes.

The main defendants in the case are Noelle, who had been working for Mile High, and studio head Blitt, doing business “as Mile High, Icon Male and TransSensual.”

Noelle and Blitt have argued that those involved in the shoots were “lawful guests” of Bassett’s tenant.

The next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18.

View Document

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

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.

Elly Clutch Stars in Latest From Brazzers

2024 XMAs Female Clip Creator of the Year Elly Clutch stars with Ricky Johnson in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Elly’s Evil Twin."

Liz Jordan Crowned Newest Vixen Angel

Vixen Media Group (VMG) has crowned Liz Jordan as its newest Vixen Angel.

Brittney Kade Headlines Latest From TransSensual

Brittney Kade stars in "Sweat Slut Licks Pretty Pits for Bear Fuck," from TransSensual.

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.

Sweet Sinner Releases 7th Volume of 'The Hot Wives'

Kenzie Taylor, Little Puck, Blake Blossom, and Sophia Locke star in the seventh volume of "The Hot Wives," from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

NYC Adult Stores Petition for Rehearing in Zoning Law Case

A group of adult businesses on Tuesday petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit to rehear a case involving a zoning law that could severely limit adult stores’ operations in New York City.

Leilani Li, Angellica Good Star in Latest From TransAngels

Leilani Li and Angellica Good star in the latest release from TransAngels, titled “Double VR Mouth Swap,” alongside Marcus McNeill.

Ember Snow Performs 1st DP in Latest From Pure Taboo

Ember Snow has performed her first DP alongside multi-XMAs winner Seth Gamble and Vince Karter in a new psychological thriller release from Pure Taboo, titled “Locked in a Nightmare.”

Savvy Suxx Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for August

Savvy Suxx is the Cover Honey for the August issue of Hustler Magazine and appears in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by ThisYearsModel.com.

Show More