Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Are You Breaking Copyright & Trademark Laws at Your Restaurant?
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: April 25, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
If you own a bar or restaurant, broadcasting the upcoming boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana may seem like a no brainer.
By attracting people who want to watch the fight, you can increase food and drink sales to help the bottom line. Also, if the opportunity presents itself, it could be tempting to try and intercept the broadcast without paying. However, before making this decision, you should think twice, as getting caught could offset the money made on sales and then some.
Consequences
The unlawful broadcast of pay-per-view events can result in serious penalties, as recently outlined in the case of J&J Sports Productions, Inc vs Joseph Gencarelli, et al. This action violates the federal law prohibiting the unauthorized receipt of radio or television transmissions. The law also states that unlawful breaches for “commercial advantage” or “financial gain” permits much higher statutory damages – this would be the case if your bar illegally broadcasted an event.
The following are the potential penalties for violating this law:
- A fine as much as $100,000 or more – likely much more than you sales on the day you illegally broadcasted a pay-per-view event
- The possibility of imprisonment if a criminal conviction is obtained
The upcoming Mayweather vs Maidana fight can be purchased for $64.99, according to Comcast, so if you want to broadcast this boxing match at your bar, it is better to pay the small fee rather than risk violating federal law. This goes for all pay-per-view events as well, as the potential profits made for the audience a boxing match draws can far outweigh the small fee.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
- Practices: Copyright
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
When Are New Jersey Business Owners Personally Liable for Corporate Debt?
New Jersey personal guaranty liability is a critical issue for business owners who regularly sign contracts on behalf of their companies. A recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision provides valuable guidance on when a business owner can be held personally responsible for a company’s debt. Under the Court’s decision in Extech Building Materials, Inc. v. […]
Author: Charles H. Friedrich
Commercial Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2026
Commercial real estate trends in 2026 are being shaped by shifting economic conditions, technological innovation, and evolving tenant demands. As the market adjusts to changing interest rates, capital flows, and workplace models, investors, owners, tenants, and developers must understand how these trends are influencing opportunities and risk in the year ahead. Overall Outlook for Commercial […]
Author: Michael J. Willner
One Big Beautiful Bill: New Tip Income Tax Rules Employers & Workers Need to Know
Part 2 – Tips Excluded from Income Certain employees and independent contractors may be eligible to deduct tips from their income for tax years 2025 through 2028 under provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. The deduction is capped at $25,000 per year and begins to phase out at $150,000 of modified adjusted gross […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
One Big Beautiful Bill: New Overtime Tax Rules Employers and Employees Need to Know
Part 1 – Overtime Pay and Income Tax Treatment Overview This Firm Insights post summarizes one provision of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” related to the tax treatment of overtime compensation and related employer wage reporting obligations. Overtime Pay and Employee Tax Treatment The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) generally requires that overtime be paid […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
New York’s FAIR Business Practices Act: What the New Consumer Protection Measure Means for Your Business
In 2025, New York enacted one of the most consequential updates to its consumer protection framework in decades. The Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable Business Practices Act (FAIR Act) significantly expands the scope and strength of New York’s long-standing consumer protection statute, General Business Law § 349, and alters the compliance landscape for New York […]
Author: Dan Brecher
How to Reduce Legal Risk as Your New Jersey Business Grows in 2026
For many New Jersey businesses, growth is a primary objective for the New Year. However, it is important to recognize that growth involves both opportunity and risk. For example, business expansion often results in complex contracts, an increased workforce, new regulatory requirements, and heightened exposure to disputes. Without proactive planning, even routine growth can lead […]
Author: Ken Hollenbeck
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.