Mobile Content Suit Pits FriendFinder vs. Twistbox

LOS ANGELES — FriendFinder Networks Inc. has filed a suit against mobile content distributor Twistbox Entertainment, alleging the company continued to publish and permit third parties to distribute hundreds of copyrighted Penthouse titles for two years after its contract was terminated.

The suit, filed at U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, claims Twistbox's WATT Media Corp. division entered into a deal with FriendFinder's Penthouse division in May 2006 but after three years the agreement was terminated due to a breach in the mobile content distribution agreement.

The purported breach was not disclosed in the suit.

FriendFinder says the contract termination in January 2009 was written on paper but that Twistbox chose to ignore the severed deal and streamed its content on its site as well as providing it to third parties.

The alleged infringing material FriendFinder claims in the suit comprises more than 500 pieces of Penthouse's catalog, including works from Shay Laren, Heather Vandeven, Penthouse's "AdultFriendFinder.com's Guide to Threesomes," Forum magazine and Penthouse magazine archives going back as far as 1969.

The copy infringement suit seeks damages, treble damages and injunctive relief, among other demands.

FriendFinder attorney Ira Rothken and Twistbox executives did not return XBIZ queries by post 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

2025 Pornhub Awards to Be Held May 8 in Los Angeles

The seventh annual Pornhub Awards will take place May 8 in Los Angeles.

Illinois Lawmakers Propose Decriminalizing Consensual Sex Work

Lawmakers in Illinois have introduced a bill that would completely decriminalize consensual sex work in the state.

VR Bangers Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

VR Bangers has joined the ranks of over 60 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Missouri House Gives Initial Approval to Age Verification Bill

The Missouri House of Representatives has given initial approval to HB 236, the state's proposed age verification law.

Proposed Australian eSafety Codes Include AV Requirement for Adult Sites

Australia’s online safety regulator, eSafety, is reviewing the final draft of proposed safety codes that include a requirement for adult sites to implement age assurance measures for Australian users.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Self-Harm' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who engage in self-harming behaviors.

Ofcom Q&A: Preparing for Age Verification Under the UK's Online Safety Act

In January, the U.K.’s online safety regulator, Ofcom, published its guidance on how online services that host adult content need to verify users’ ages under Ofcom’s rules.

Pineapple Support Taps Reagan Foxx as Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has named Reagan Foxx as its newest brand ambassador.

Randy Denmark Launches New Paysite

Producer and content creator Randy Denmark has launched his new membership site, RandyDenmark.com, through MyMember.site.

Alabama Senate Committee Approves Device-Based Filtering, App Store-Based AV Bills

The Alabama state Senate’s Children and Youth Health Committee on Thursday approved two bills intended to prevent minors from accessing adult content online, one aimed at device manufacturers and the other aimed at app store providers.

Show More