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Bad Porn Spurs Flynt V. Flynt

Hustler mogul sues to block nephews' use of his name on 'knock-off' smut

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 7, 2009 2:50 AM CST

(Newser) – Larry Flynt is taking his nephews to court to stop them from slapping the Flynt name on what he considers to be low-quality porn, reports the Los Angeles Times. The porn mogul accuses his kin of tarnishing his famous name with "inferior products" and "knock-off goods," while his nephews insist they have a right to use their own name.

Experts say the lawsuit raises tricky questions concerning an individual's right to use their name for business purposes and where trademark protection begins. The nephews—who worked for Flynt for more than a decade before he fired them for being unproductive—say their uncle just has "inferiority issues" and promise that their films will surpass anything Hustler's ever done.

Hustler magazine magnate Larry Flynt speaks during a news conference in Beverly Hills in 2007.
Hustler magazine magnate Larry Flynt speaks during a news conference in Beverly Hills in 2007.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Larry Flynt comments on the resignation of former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer during an interview  in his Beverly Hills office last year.
Larry Flynt comments on the resignation of former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer during an interview in his Beverly Hills office last year.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Hustler magazine magnate Larry Flynt speaks during a news conference in Beverly Hills.
Hustler magazine magnate Larry Flynt speaks during a news conference in Beverly Hills.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
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To come into the adult entertainment business and use my name not only confuses people who buy my products, but if they're not maintaining a certain quality, it could also hurt my name. - Larry Flynt

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
riffran
Jan 9, 2009 6:03 AM CST
He made the headlines a good while back in the late 70's or early 80's when he was nearly murdered in a drive by...probably because of the peddling of "smut"...so I geuss your right...it's still famous for "smut" indirectly...lol...riff
riffran
Jan 8, 2009 5:04 AM CST
man o man...that drive by shooting really jacked ole Larry up..po fellah still looks rough...riff
Shannonals
Jan 8, 2009 3:03 AM CST
Perhaps I missed something...when did the Flynt name become famous for anything but smut?

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