NAIL SHOPS GETTING SUED BY DIRECTTV

We have recently been retained by several Nail Shops who are being sued by DIRECTV.  DIRECTV is targeting nail shops that have a television in the shop which is visible by the customers.  The issue is that the cable box being used by the Nail Shop is “allegedly” brought from the owner’s home.  The owner will order extra “cable boxes” for the home and pay the extra $5.00 per month for the box but then bring the box to the Nail Shop so they can watch DIRECTV at the shop without paying for a commercial account.

DIRECTV has been filing suits against Sports Bars and Restaurant owners for years and have been getting awards in court for as much as $50,000.  It seems that they have now turned their attention to Nail Shops.  What DIRECTV does is send a “spy” into the Nail Shop and ask the owner to change the channel to a program that is broadcasted by DIRECTV.  The entire time he/she has a hidden camera and is filming the television, owner, and the customers.  Once he/she confirms that the television is displaying DIRECTV they turn around and send the Nail Shop a letter demanding $10,000 in “penalties”.

The penalties are based on statutory damages under § 605(e)(3)(C), which provides for damages of not less than $1,000 and not more than $10,000 for violations of Cable Act which protects cable providers from unauthorized interception of their signals.  The owner of the shop calls the number on the letter and is harassed into sending thousands of dollars or risk going to court.

If you as a business owner find yourself in this situation you need to give us a call because you could end up getting a judgment against you that will bankrupt you.  We will represent you against DIRECTV and to protect you against these potentially devastating penalties.

WE ARE JOHN LAW FIRM AND WE FIGHT FOR YOU.  CALL US AT 770-277-1400.