Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. has filed a lawsuit against the New York establishment Pourital, Ltd., which is doing business as Recovery Room, and its operator Brian J. Honeyman, accusing the defendants of unlawfully broadcasting a pay-per-view UFC event without proper authorization.
The case revolves around allegations that the defendants intercepted and exhibited the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 272: Covington vs. Masvidal event on March 5, 2022, without obtaining the necessary commercial license from Joe Hand Promotions. As the exclusive distributor of such events to commercial establishments since 2001, Joe Hand Promotions claims it holds the sole rights to authorize public displays of these broadcasts. According to the complaint, Pourital, Ltd., operating under the name Recovery Room at its Flushing location in New York, showed the event to patrons for financial gain without paying the required sublicense fee.
Joe Hand Promotions asserts that defendants used various methods to illegally obtain access to the broadcast signal intended only for residential use. These tactics allegedly included intercepting satellite or cable signals and exploiting online streaming services meant solely for non-commercial purposes. "Defendants intentionally pirated or assisted in the intentional piracy of the Program for their own economic gain," states Joe Hand Promotions in their filing.
The plaintiff argues that this unauthorized exhibition not only violated federal laws under 47 U.S.C. § 605 and § 553 but also gave defendants an unfair advantage over legitimate businesses that paid substantial fees for lawful access. By showcasing the fight night event without authorization, Recovery Room is accused of enticing customers to spend money on food and drinks during the broadcast.
Joe Hand Promotions is requesting statutory damages up to $110,000 per willful violation under 47 U.S.C. § 605 or up to $60,000 per violation under § 553. They are also pursuing attorney's fees and other related costs incurred due to this alleged infringement.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Jon D. Jekielek from Jekielek & Janis. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case No. 1:25-cv-01236-NGG-TAM with Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis presiding over proceedings.