Las Vegas copyright activist Righthaven LLC appears eager to comply with the latest court order entered against it Tuesday, as noncompliance could cost its CEO a fine of $500 per day.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Leen in Las Vegas, ruling during a hearing, gave Righthaven two weeks to surrender the drives or mirror images of them and said noncompliance would result in a daily sanction of $500 against the company and its CEO.
Tuesday's action was the latest proceeding in a yearlong effort by the creditor, former federal prosecutor Thomas DiBiase, to recover $119,488 in legal fees he was awarded after he beat back the Righthaven suit against him. All told, Righthaven owes DiBiase and other creditors $318,000 for legal fees after Righthaven failed with its copyright lawsuits against them.
"After Righthaven claimed to be out of funds, it nevertheless continued to pay [Righthaven's attorney]Mr. Mangano for several months and in April it hired a new attorney in a different case (in the appeals court). It seems to have funds when it wants to have funds," Kurt Opsahl, a plaintiffs attorney said. "We've had nothing but obstruction and delay.'' |