Zuffa reaches settlement in $32 million lawsuit against PPV pirate
The moral of the story? Don't steal from the UFC.
Zuffa, the UFC's parent company, reached a settlement Friday in its case against a New York man who the organization had accused of being one of the Internet's most prolific piraters of its pay-per-view product, according to a UFC release.
Zuffa sued Steven Messina, a 27-year-old Staten Island resident, for $32 million in April, according to the New York Post. The company claimed that Messina uploaded 141 UFC events to file-sharing sites like Piratebay and used a PayPal donation link to keep the wrongdoings going.
Messina confessed to his illegal behavior through his attorney, Michael Heitmann, and apologized for his actions. The settlement figure paid to Zuffa was not disclosed. Messina was also forced to surrender his computer hardware and software to UFC representatives.
In addition, Messina will turn over all his records and information pertaining to the piracy of UFC content and info related to other potential piraters. He must also cooperate with the UFC and law-enforcement officials to prevent others from stealing intellectual property.
"I apologize to the UFC for any damages incurred as a result of my actions in illegally distributing copyrighted UFC broadcasts," Messina said. "As a result of my confession for piracy of UFC’s protected content, I fully accept the terms of the settlement with the UFC."
Zuffa officials first took note of Messina when he referred to himself as the "Provider of Best MMA & Boxing rips online!," The Post reported. The lawsuit said Messina and his accomplices "are intent on becoming the most well-known pirates and infringers on the Internet by making their mark on the major torrent websites available."
“The UFC organization is pleased with the outcome of this case and Messina’s willingness to assist the UFC’s efforts in protecting our intellectual property and broadcasts," said Kirk Hendrick, the UFC's chief legal officer. "With Messina’s apology and understanding, the UFC organization will learn more to help us continue uncovering illegal distribution of our content.”
The UFC is one of the highest-grossing pay-per-view properties in the country. Along with the company's deal with FOX Sports and its events on new digital network Fight Pass, the majority of its big-ticket events air on PPV.
“I now realize the harm caused by my actions," Messina said. "It is my hope that I can use this difficult period as a learning experience as I move on with my life. I would also like to tell anyone pirating UFC broadcasts, either through illegal downloading or non-authorized streaming, that it is illegal and not worth the risk.”
