Patent Suit Targets 12 Adult Live-Cam Operators

MARSHALL, Texas — A patent holding company has sued some of the top names in the adult live-cam business, claiming they all are infringing on a patent.

XBIZ has learned that the targeted adult operators include Playboy Enterprises, Penthouse Media Group, LFP Internet Group, FriendFinder’s Steamray Inc., Vivid Entertainment, Playboy's ClubJenna unit, Anabolic Video Productions, Evil Angel Productions, New Destiny Internet Group, Shane Enterprises and Private Media Group’s GameLink.

The suit also includes mainstream companies TrueBeginnings and Woo Media.

The allegedly infringing websites include AnabolicLive.com, HomeGrownCams.com, VividLive.com, PlayboyLive.com, EvilAngelLive.com, GameLinkLive.com, SpiceLive.com, Penthouse.com, AdultFriendFinder.com, HustlerLive.com, True.com, ShanesWorldLive.com, WooMe.com and ClubJennaLive.com.

Each of the companies are being sued by patent holding company Joao Control and Monitoring Systems at U.S. District Court in Tyler, Texas.

They all are allegedly infringing on U.S. Patent No. 7,277,010 by making, using or selling video monitoring and communications apparatus and services that are defined by the patent, according to the suit.

The complaint did not elaborate on specific alleged infringement by the 12 adult and two mainstream companies. XBIZ calls for comment to attorney Andrew Spangler, Joao Control and Monitoring Systems' attorney, went unreturned at post time.

The patent, which is owned by Yonkers, N.Y., patent attorney Raymond Anthony Joao, seeks compensatory damages, attorneys fees and a permanent injunction, among other demands.

Joao, who is licensed to practice law in New York and Connecticut, owns a wide variety of patents, reportedly over 90.

He recently filed suit against more than a dozen banks and communications companies, including AT&T Inc., American Express Co. and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

The banks are accused of infringing a patent that covers an apparatus and method for making secure credit card transactions.

New Destiny’s Farrell Timlake, who savored victory last month when a federal judge threw out Acacia Technology’s patent claims against his adult company and others over digital streaming media, told XBIZ late Monday that he couldn’t comment on the suit. New Destiny markets one of the website's named in the complaint, HomeGrownCams.com.

Longtime online adult expert Brandon "Fight the Patent" Shalton told XBIZ late Monday that the legal challenge "smells of patent abuse."

"On quick read, this patent, and the patents it builds upon, is focused on security (remote monitoring)," he said. "Its quite a stretch to think that this would apply to webcams.

"The patent doesn't make any mention of a financial aspect to the viewing (i.e.: paying per minute, etc)."

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

Niki Media Acquires BritSexCash

Production studio Niki Media BV has acquired affiliate program BritSexCash.

FSC Warns of Nude Photography Site Falsely Claiming Affiliation With Organization

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) published a statement Friday warning of a nude art photography website fraudulently claiming to be associated with the industry trade organization.

MojoHost Reaffirms Commitment to Adult Industry Amid Project 2025 Implications

In the wake of Tuesday's election and amid concerns about the possible ramifications for the adult industry, MojoHost President Brad Mitchell has releases a statement addressing Project 2025 and the future of the industy.

Adult Web Hosting Service 'Midnight-Host' Launches

Midnight-Host, a new web hosting service designed specifically for adult websites, has launched.

ASN Lifestyle Magazine Joins Pineapple Support as Media Sponsor

ASN Lifestyle Magazine has joined the ranks of over 60 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support, partnering with the organization as a media sponsor.

Adult Industry Reacts to Trump Victory

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was reelected, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the office he lost four years ago.

Fetisfy Online Fetish Marketplace Launches

Fetisfy.com, an online marketplace for users to sell fetish items, has launched.

Pineapple Support Launches 'Spill the Tea, Colombia' Community Support Event Series

Pineapple Support has launched "Spill the Tea, Colombia," a monthly, in-person community support event for adult industry professionals.

Streamster Launches 'Tip2Peep' Camera-Switching Feature

Live-streaming software provider Streamster has launched Tip2Peep, a new feature that allows viewers to switch between multiple webcam viewing angles by tipping the creator.

Tyler Wu Guests on Chaturbate's 'Sex Tales' Podcast

Tyler Wu is the latest guest on Chaturbate’s “Sex Tales” podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

Show More