IP & Entertainment Team Obtains Dismissal On Eve Of Jury Trial For Popular Streaming Network

Atlanta, Ga. (February 11, 2025) - Last month, a cross-office team of attorneys led by Atlanta Partner Jonathan Goins obtained a dismissal in federal court on behalf of a streaming network client just a day before a scheduled jury trial. Litigated before Judge Mark Scarsi of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the case involved trademark naming rights over the use of a reality television series. Mr. Goins’ team included Los Angeles Partners Robert M. Collins, San Diego Partner Anastasiya Menshikova, and Atlanta Associate Gabriella Stroude. Los Angeles Partners Eric Castro and Alexis Crump provide general counsel services to this long-term entertainment client.

International Content Creators, Inc. (“ICC”) sued Lewis Brisbois’ client Zeus Networks, LLC (“Zeus”) for alleged trademark infringement surrounding Zeus’ popular reality television series with shows called “Baddies ATL,” “Baddies South,” “Baddies West” and “Baddies Caribbean.” Zeus is a leading digital entertainment network based in Burbank, California that streams original premium subscription video programming and content. As the owner of a federally registered trademark called “Only Baddies,” however, ICC argued Zeus engaged in infringement activity. Zeus denied the allegations and asserted priority rights. ICC sought to recover its actual damages, but failed to disclose any evidence during discovery. After several pretrial motions, including belated requests by ICC to allow for additional witnesses and documents, Zeus moved to strike any evidence of damages under Rule 37, and by default, any right to a jury trial under the Seventh Amendment per Ninth Circuit jurisprudence.

Just one day prior to trial, the Court agreed and vacated ICC’s right to a jury trial. It went one step further and ordered ICC to show cause why sanctions should not be imposed. The plaintiff then dismissed all claims.

The case is International Content Creators, Inc. v. Zeus Networks, LLC, case 2:23-cv-09319-MCS (C.D. Cal.).