Top Rank, Inc. v. Gutierrez
This case involves consolidated actions concerning alleged unauthorized broadcasts of championship boxing matches by defendant Armando Gutierrez at his commercial establishment, Armando's Bar-B-Q Inn, in violation of 47 U.S.C. §§ 553 and 605. Plaintiffs Top Rank, J & J, and Prostar initiated the lawsuits. Gutierrez, in turn, filed third-party claims against Paragon Communications, Inc. d/b/a Time Warner Cable (AOL/Time Warner), alleging breach of contract, breach of a third-party beneficiary contract, and violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA). The court reviewed objections to a Magistrate Judge's Report and Recommendation on cross-motions for summary judgment, which addressed the liability of Gutierrez under federal law and the contractual/DTPA claims against AOL/Time Warner. The Senior District Judge accepted the Report and Recommendation, overruling Time Warner Cable's objections.