You Showed a Fight at Your Bar. Now You Have a Joe Hand, Zuffa, J&J, or G&G Lawsuit.

Joe Hand Promotions, Zuffa (the company behind the UFC), J&J Sports Productions, and G&G Closed Circuit Events sue bars and restaurants that show boxing and UFC events without a commercial license. Jonathan Phillips defends these cases nationwide, has litigated them through judgment, obtained a result that required Joe Hand to pay his client's attorney's fees, and has been named by Law360 a leading defense attorney in pay-per-view piracy litigation.

At a glance-Plaintiffs and their attorneys

  • Joe Hand Promotions

    • Ryan Janis (Jekielek & Janis); Julie Lonstein (Signal Law)

  • Zuffa, LLC (UFC)

    • Ryan Janis (Jekielek & Janis); Julie Lonstein (Signal Law)

  • J&J Sports Productions

    • Thomas P. Riley

  • G&G Closed Circuit Events

    • Thomas P. Riley; David M. Diaz

Statute

  • What a plaintiff can ask for

    • 47 U.S.C. § 605(e)(3) (satellite and radio signals)

      • $1,000 to $10,000 per violation; up to $100,000 more if willful and for commercial advantage

    • 47 U.S.C. § 553(c)(3) (cable)

      • $250 to $10,000; up to $50,000 more if willful

    • 17 U.S.C. 504 (copyright—if brought)

      • $750-$150,000 per fight

How does a signal piracy case start?

  1. Typically, some advertisement on social media is seen.

  2. An investigator visits on fight night and records what is on the screens, the head count, and any cover charge.

  3. The plaintiff checks whether the bar bought a commercial license for that event.

  4. Counsel sends a demand letter or files a federal lawsuit, often naming the owners personally as well as the business.

What defenses work?

  • The internet question. Sections 553 and 605 were written for satellite and cable. Many bars now stream events over the internet, and whether these statutes reach internet delivery is unsettled in many federal circuits.

  • Standing. The plaintiff must actually hold the rights to the specific program shown. That is worth checking in every case.

  • Personal liability. These plaintiffs routinely sue owners individually. An owner who was not present and did not authorize the showing has real arguments.

  • Damages. Even where liability is hard to contest, many courts award far less than the demand. Knowing what courts in your district actually award changes the settlement math.

Settle or fight?

  • Event streamed over an internet service; Evaluate the internet defense for your Circuit

  • Owner was not there that night or knew nothing about it; Contest personal liability

  • Small crowd, no cover charge, no advertising; Push damages toward the statutory minimum

  • Clear commercial showing with promotion; Negotiate early, before fees on both sides grow

Frequently asked questions

I paid for the fight on my home account. Isn't that enough? Usually not. A residential purchase does not license a public showing in a commercial establishment, but the facts still matter to damages.

Can they sue me personally? They often try. Whether an individual owner is liable depends on presence, authority, and benefit.

Should I call the lawyer who sent the letter? Not before you talk to your own counsel; early statements can be used against you.

What does it cost? Flat fees and payment plans are available for most signal piracy matters.

Recent writing

Jonathan L.A. Phillips, Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP. Part of the Serial Plaintiff Tracker. Last reviewed October 2026. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome