Japan-Based Will Co. Sues Avgle.com for Copyright Infringement

Japan-Based Will Co. Sues Avgle.com for Copyright Infringement

WASHINGTON — Japan-based adult entertainment company Will Co., Ltd. has filed a lawsuit against Avgle.com and its operators for infringing on 50 of its U.S.-registered copyrights.

Will’s brands and trademarks include S1, Moodyz, Wanz Factory and Idea Pocket, and a rep described their product as “exploring and delivering sensuality and sexuality through artistic photography, video and erotic stories” since 2016.

Will’s video library comprises over 50,000 full-length adult movies, featuring over 5,000 models shot by over 300 photographer and directors.

Will’s complaint, filed in U.S. Federal Court in Washington, claims that Avgle.com operators ignored takedown notices, allowed anonymous uploads and have failed to implement a “repeat infringer” policy.

Avgle is a tube site focused on Asian content, with over 37 million visits a month, largely from Asia, according to SimilarWeb. Its name is a portmanteau of "AV" — the Japanese initials that denote "adult video" content — and "Google," whose logo Avgle seemingly imitated.

The complaint also accuses the website of placing a “a custom Avgle branded trailer at the beginning of videos uploaded” and “a custom Avgle branded watermark on the bottom right of the movie, implying an endorsement by or relationship with the actual content producer.” Will also alleges Avgle inserts “a clickable link, denoted by an Avgle logo, on the top right of Will’s movies unlawfully displayed on the Avgle Web Site [sic].”

An Unusual Lawsuit

This suit is unusual in that a Japan-based content producer is protecting their intellectual property in the United States. Will seeks damages of up to $150,000 for infringement of each of the 50 works, a total of $7.5 million. Will is further requesting that the court block U.S. users from accessing Avgle.com, and to embargo Avgle from being able to display Will content.

XBIZ spoke with Jason Tucker of copyright management firm Battleship Stance, which is advising Will Co. Tucker alleges that “Avgle operators chose to ignore takedown notices while making money from content they know that they do not have a license to use.”

Tucker claims Avgle has been ignoring other studios as well. “Will Co. was not the first to notice the piracy on Avgle,” he said, “but they are the first to take action. My own research shows that one of the Avgle operators may reside in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and if he is under the Chinese 'Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles' ordinance, an operator of a website featuring pornographic material could face jail time and significant fines or worse.”

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

AI Erotic Storytelling Platform 'AIEroticSmut' Launches

AIEroticSmut.com, a DIY erotic storytelling platform, has officially launched.

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Show More