Judge rules Righthaven lacks standing to sue, threatens sanctions over misrepresentations

Las Vegas Sun ^ | 06/14/2011 | By Steve Green

[redreno]

A federal judge in Las Vegas today issued a potentially devastating ruling against copyright enforcer Righthaven LLC, finding it doesn't have standing to sue over Las Vegas Review-Journal stories, that it has misled the court and threatening to impose sanctions against Righthaven.

Because he found Righthaven doesn't have standing to sue, Chief U.S. District Judge for Nevada Roger Hunt dismissed Righthaven's copyright infringement lawsuit against the Democratic Underground.

[redreno]

ping

[KarlInOhio]

Good to see Righthaven lose. Too bad the DUmmies have to win.

[cripplecreek]

Chief U.S. District Judge for Nevada Roger Hunt dismissed Righthaven's copyright infringement lawsuit against the Democratic Underground.

Good. (seems funny to side with the DU)

[Anti-Bubba182]

The article said they are allowing Democratic Underground to pursue a quest for Attorney's fees against Stephens Media.

This could be the beginning of the end for Righthaven and an expensive hit for Stephens Media!

[NormsRevenge]

Oh My.. a blow for freedom

[lonevoice]

I don’t know the legalities involved, but is it possible that those who paid settlements to righthaven will have recourse to have their money returned to them?

[freedumb2003]

>>Too bad the DUmmies have to win. <<

Well, EFF won. The DUmmies were just the beneficiaries.

I wonder if this doesn’t open the door a crack about that insane ruling against FR a few years back...

[richmwill]

[Keith in Iowa]

The EFF is representing DU, and would collect the legal fees... that’s not a bad thing.

[jazusamo]

More great news. This could wind up hitting them deep in their pockets.

[Recovering_Democrat]

heh heh heh

[P-Marlowe]

Hey Jim.

Based on this ruling I think you might be able to sue these B@$+@rd$ for Fraud.

Check with your attorneys.

[P-Marlowe]

I don’t know the legalities involved, but is it possible that those who paid settlements to righthaven will have recourse to have their money returned to them?

If the cases were settled based on fraudulent misrepresentations by Righthaven and their attorneys, then I do believe that the settlements can be set aside and the defendants could sue Righthaven for fraud (which means they get socked with treble damages and possibly punitive damages and attorney fees).

[South40]

[OrangeHoof]

I think I’ll go celebrate by posting a full article. :-P

[Artemis Webb]

Thank you for the ping. It’s weird to be siding with DU on something but I hope they kick Righthaven’s ass.

[lonevoice]

which means they get socked with treble damages and possibly punitive damages and attorney fees

That would be awesome! Treble damages, punitives and attorney fees, when combined for all those entities that have previously settled, would possibly be significant enough to put these flim flam con artists permanently out of business

[SmithL]

It’s weird to be siding with DU on something but I hope they kick Righthaven’s ass.

Yeah, OK. Just as long as I don't have to actually go to their site.

[SmithL]

Hunt, Roger L.

Born 1942 in Overton, NV

Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U. S. District Court, District of Nevada
Nominated by William J. Clinton on March 27, 2000, to a new seat created by 113 Stat. 1501; Confirmed by the Senate on May 24, 2000, and received commission on May 25, 2000. Served as chief judge, 2007-present.

U.S. Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, 1992-2000

Education:
Brigham Young University, B.A., 1966
George Washington University, J.D., 1970

Professional Career:
Deputy district attorney, Clark County District Attorney's Office, 1970-1971
Private practice, Las Vegas, NV, 1971-1992