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Finding aid of the Laguna Pacific v. David Carter Legal Papers
Coll2008-013  
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Collection Details
 
Table of contents What's This?
  • Descriptive Summary
  • Access
  • Publication Rights
  • Preferred Citation
  • Acquisition Information
  • Appraisal
  • Processing Information
  • Administrative History
  • Scope and Content of Collection
  • Indexing Terms

  • Descriptive Summary

    Title: Laguna Pacific v. David Carter legal papers
    Dates: 1980-1985.
    Bulk Dates: 1983-1985.
    Collection number: Coll2008-013
    Creator: Unknown
    Collection Size: 4 archive cartons. 1.4 linear feet.
    Repository: ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives.
    Los Angeles, California 90007
    Abstract: Photocopy legal records relating to the lawsuit (1983-1985) brought by Laguna Pacific, the production company of gay adult filmmaker George Fisher (aka William Higgins), against David Beckmann (aka David Carter) for unauthorized selling of authentic copies, and selling counterfeit copies, of the former's films. The materials include extensive photocopies of the defendant's financial records, which illustrate the business aspects of the gay adult film industry in the early 1980s.
    Languages: Languages represented in the collection: English

    Access

    The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.

    Publication Rights

    Researchers wishing to publish materials must obtain permission in writing from ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives as the physical owner. Researchers must also obtain clearance from the holder(s) of any copyrights in the materials. Note that ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives can grant copyright clearance only for those materials for which we hold the copyright. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain copyright clearance for all other materials directly from the copyright holder(s).

    Preferred Citation

    Laguna Pacific v. David Carter legal papers, Coll2008-013, ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives, Los Angeles, California.

    Acquisition Information

    Date and method of acquisition unknown.

    Appraisal

    United Presbyterian Church Task Force to Study Homosexuality Packet 2, dated July 1, 1977, found with the collection, appears to have no connection with it, and was removed to the ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives subject files.

    Processing Information

    Formerly housed in box 103-053. Collection processed by Michael P. Palmer, April 30, 2008.
    Processing this collection has been funded by a generous grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

    Administrative History

    In late 1983, investigators for Laguna Pacific, the holder of copyrights to several adult gay motion pictures, including all the films of director William Higgins (real name: George Fisher), learned that David Carter (real name: David Beckmann), through a mail-order firm he had set up called Malibu Video, was selling counterfeit copies of Laguna Pacific's copyrighted films at prices far lower than those charged by Laguna Pacific. In December 1983, Laguna Pacific filed a lawsuit in US District Court for the Central District of California, in Los Angeles, against Carter for violation of copyright, unfair competition, trade libel, and racketeering. In January 1984, Carter agreed to a preliminary injunction enjoining him from continued sales of Laguna Pacific films pending the outcome of the trial; a month later, Laguna Pacific agreed to permit Carter to recommence sales of authentic copies of Laguna Pacific films. However, in May and July 1984, Laguna Pacific discovered that Carter had continued to ship counterfeit Laguna Pacific tapes, and had established a new business, Universal Video, which continued the practices of Malibu Video. In September 1984, the judge hearing the case found Carter in contempt of the injunction of January 1984, and in February 1985, ordered him to pay Laguna Pacific $103,112.19 damages, $17,062.23 in attorneys fees, and $2,687.50 costs. The outcome of the case is not apparent from the records on hand, the last of which are a series of depositions by David Carter in September 1985.

    Scope and Content of Collection

    The collection consists of photocopies of materials relating to the lawsuit (1983-1985) brought by Laguna Pacific, the production company of gay adult filmmaker George Fisher (aka William Higgins), against David Beckmann (aka David Carter) for unauthorized selling of authentic copies, and selling counterfeit copies, of the former's films. Approximately half the materials are legal papers, including motions, briefs, and depositions; the remainder are copies of the defendant's financial records. The records illustrate how gay adult films were marketed and distributed in the early 1980s, the high financial stakes, the ethically fluid business practices of the participants, and their relationships with one another.

    Indexing Terms

    The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
    Beckmann, David
    Carter, David (pseudonym for David Beckmann)
    Fisher, George
    Gay erotic films
    Gay erotic videos
    Higgins, William (pseudonym for George Fisher)
    Laguna Pacific
    Laguna Pacific v. David Carter (1983)
    Malibu Video