Porn super-family, the Flynts, were in Federal Court this past week fighting amongst themselves.
Larry Flynt sued his nephews for infringing on his famous trademark when they launched their own smut business. Flynt won the suit, but could not convince the jury that his nephews invaded his privacy and were liable for the substantial attorney fees both sides rang up. In the end, it was a draw.
The trial, complete with big-screen TVs that were used repeatedly to display blown-up photos of porn DVD boxes featuring naked women on the front and people engaged in all sorts of contortions on the back, lasted only four days. The jury consisted of four men and four women.
Flynt told the LA Times that he felt there is a "thin line" to what society has come to accept in the realm of porn. He continued saying, "but if you get too trashy, people will get uncomfortable." The Times article continued:
Flynt took the stand Tuesday in the first day of his federal trademark infringement trial against his nephews, Jimmy Jr. and Dustin, who earlier this year launched their own line of adult films under the name "Flynt." Calling their films "inferior products" and "knock-off goods," the porn mogul promptly sued, accusing them of trying to ride on the coattails of his fame and muddying the quality his customers have come to expect from his products.
The younger Flynts contend that they have a right to do business under their own name and that their uncle is just trying to stomp out competition. They say they've built up their own name in the industry over the years by working for the Hustler empire.
The porn mogul didn't mix words when he said, "The junk they publish hurts my reputation, which in turn hurts my revenue."
The nephews launched their own company after their uncle fired them from executive positions at Larry Flynt Publications in November 2007. Jimmy Jr., 37, had worked there for 17 years, starting in the mailroom. His 34-year-old brother had been there 10 years.
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"I felt they were doing a horrible job," their 67-year-old uncle testified.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Flynt Jr. said he has already launched a new Web site that he believes meets the requirements of the jury's ruling. It contains both his and his brother's first names, as well as the disclaimer, "Larry Flynt is not affiliated with and does not endorse this."
Dustin Flynt, said it was difficult to go into a court battle against his uncle, but contends that his films are anything but trashy.
"We're bringing elegance back to erotica," he told the Times.
As if the holiday get-togethers weren't exciting enough at the Flynt family household, now they are going to be downright awkward.
