What was filed
Michael Grecco Productions, Inc., formerly known as Michael Grecco Photography, Inc. v. Chive Media Group, LLC d/b/a theCHIVE, No. 2:26-cv-11331 (C.D. Cal.), was filed September 30, 2026 (18 pages). The plaintiff is a photography company in Santa Monica, California. Chive Media Group is a Texas limited liability company based in Austin that operates thechive.com. Much of the complaint pleads personal jurisdiction in California based on the website's advertising and its California audience. The plaintiff demands a jury trial. (Compl. paras. 2 to 22.)
The work
The complaint alleges the plaintiff owns the photograph, a portrait of a well-known film actor, and that it is included in group registration VA 1-431-698, effective July 7, 2010, which names the plaintiff under its former name. (Compl. paras. 17, 27 to 28.)
What the complaint alleges
It alleges theCHIVE displayed the portrait without authorization in a gallery titled If You Laugh, You Lose! (30 Photos) on or about August 14, 2026, alleges on information and belief that the page was created on or about October 14, 2024, and says the page has since been removed. It alleges, on information and belief, that the infringement was willful. (Compl. paras. 18, 29, 40.)
Count and relief
Count I alleges direct copyright infringement. The plaintiff seeks actual damages and profits or statutory damages of up to $150,000, a permanent injunction, an accounting, costs and fees, and interest. (Compl. Count I; Relief Requested.)
On the docket
The docket shows a return of service filed October 26, 2026, and a declaration filed October 27, 2026. (ECF Nos. 12, 13.)