Penthouse Files Trademark Suit

LOS ANGELES—Penthouse Global Media has filed a federal lawsuit against SKWS Enterprises, parent company for Factory Nightclub in West Hollywood, alleging trademark infringement.

Penthouse Global Media claims the nightclub used Penthouse’s name to market some of its club events such as “Penthouse West Hollywood,” “Penthouse Day Club” and “Penthouse DayClub Sundays.”

The suit said Penthouse had previously issued a cease-and-desist letter to Factory Nightclub, which has allegedly used the name Penthouse to promote several of its functions since 2014 in addition to using it in URLs such as PenthouseWestHollywood.comPenthouse, which is seeking damages and injunctive relief, also claims Factory Nightclub has used the name Penthouse to promote its events on social media.

Representatives from SKWS were not available for comment at post time.

Penthouse said in a statement, “Penthouse takes enormous pride in our marks and the over 50-year history of our brand. We take seriously any activities that are not condoned by us, and are confident that in this case justice will be served.”

A well-known L.A. entertainment venue, Factory Nightclub has been a regular host of the adult industry’s annual Cybersocket Web Awards.