Reasons for judgement were recently published by the US District Court D. South Carolina, Spartanburg Division assessing damages of $30,000 for the commercial piracy of UFC 207.
In the recent case (Joe Hand Promotions, Inc v. Waymore’s Bar and Grill) the Defendant displayed UFC 207 in their establishment without paying the commercial sub-licensing fees to do so. The Plaintiff obtained default judgement with $5,000 being awarded in statutory damages and a further $25,000 in enhanced damages.
In reaching these assessments District Judge Mary Lewis provided the following reasons:
Upon careful consideration of Plaintiff’s Request for Entry of Default Judgment (Request), the accompanying Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support thereof and evidence, the pleadings on file, and the relevant authorities, the Court concludes Plaintiff has established it is an aggrieved party under 47 U.S.C. §§ 553 and 605 and recognizes Plaintiff’s election to seek statutory damages. The Court also concludes it has jurisdiction over the subject matter and parties to this action; that Defendants failed to answer or otherwise defend as provided by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure following proper service; that the allegations in Plaintiff’s Original Complaint are deemed admitted against Defendants; that Defendants exhibited the closed circuit, Ultimate Fighting Championship® 207: Nunes v. Rousey broadcast, including all undercard bouts and the entire television broadcast, scheduled for December 30, 2016 (Broadcast), without authorization from Plaintiff; and that Defendants’ actions were willful and for purposes of direct or indirect commercial advantage or private financial gain. Therefore, additional damages are warranted in this action.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED:
1. That Judgment by default be entered in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendants.
2. That Plaintiff recover statutory damages pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 605(e)(3)(C)(i)(II) from Defendants in the amount of $5,000.00.
3. That Plaintiff recover additional damages pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 605(e)(3)(C)(ii) from Defendants in the amount of $25,000.00.
4. That Plaintiff recover attorneys’ fees from Defendants in the amount of $1,500.00 and costs in the amount of $500.00 relating to the prosecution of this matter.
5. That Plaintiff, in the event Defendants fail to voluntarily pay the judgment, is entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees for post-trial and appellate services.
6. The Court also enjoins Defendants from ever intercepting or exhibiting an unauthorized program in violation of the Federal Communications Act.
7. The Court also awards Plaintiff court costs and post-judgment interest on the amounts awarded herein pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1961 from the date of this Judgment until paid.
8. All writs and process for the enforcement and collection of this judgment may issue as necessary. In connection with any Writ of Execution in this case, the Court directs the United States Marshals Service to use any means or force reasonably necessary to satisfy this Judgment.
9. This Judgment is a final judgment.
Combat Sports Law 