Flynt wins trademark claims against his nephews

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

A four-man, four-woman panel sided with Hustler publisher Larry Flynt on Friday in the pornography mogul’s trademark infringement and false endorsement claims against his nephews, who had attempted to launch their own line of adult films under the 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 including “rights of publicity,” and will receive attorney fees, said their lawyer, Daniel DeCarlo.

They had been barred temporarily from using only their surname 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 years in the business. The nephews took the position that they had a right to do business under their own name.