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
SPACs Are Back, What You Need to Know
Special purpose acquisition companies (better known as SPACs) appear to be making a comeback. SPAC offerings for 2025 have already nearly surpassed last year’s totals, with additional transactions in the pipeline. SPACs last experienced a boom between 2020–2021, with approximately 600 U.S. companies raising a record $163 billion in 2021. Notable companies that went public […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses
Merging two companies is a complex legal and business transaction. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process that involves important corporate governance considerations. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process. However, […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox
On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
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.