Porn wars: Larry Flynt prevails in effort to block relatives from using family name

When it comes to adult entertainment, the Flynt name is not to be messed with – even by other family members. Or so a federal jury concluded.

A four-man, four-woman panel sided today with Hustler publisher Larry Flynt on trademark infringement and false endorsement claims he filed against his nephews, who attempted to launch their own line of adult films under their family name.

The family feud was the subject of a four-day trial in U.S. District Court this week.

The younger Flynts – Jimmy Jr. and Dustin – prevailed on two state claims on “rights of publicity,” and will receive attorney fees, said their lawyer, Daniel DeCarlo.

They had put a hold on selling their films pending the outcome of the case, DeCarlo said. They had been temporarily barred from using just their last name to promote their films by an earlier court order. A permanent order will follow, attorneys said.

Larry Flynt had contended in the trial that his nephews were unfairly trying to take advantage of his fame and muddying the quality he built up over the years in the business. The nephews took the position that they had a right to do business under their own name.

--Victoria Kim

Photo: Mel Melcon / L.A. Times

Comments

[Jere]

Great, I'm glad Flynt has prevailed in the battle to maintain good old fashioned quality pornography. What would we do if he wasn't there to defend it?

[Drew]

I'm guessing that if my name were "McDonald" that I'd be barred from selling hamburgers under that name.

[Jordasche Bledsoe]

Good for him. Its not right for people to ride off your hard work when they've done nothing to earn it. Kind of like Paris Hilton!

[Ambergris]

It's really frightening how much Flynt looks like Jabba the Hutt.

[Petey]

Can't use their own name? Not like they're releasing it under Flynt Publications' corporate name.

What's next? Can't release any porn under the Jefferson name, lest you get mixed up with Thomas or George? Sorry to anyone named Washington or Hefner -- oh wait, I guess the latter isn't quite so common.