A Media man who created pop-up events modeled on Moe’s Tavern from “The Simpsons” has been ordered by a U.S. District Judge to pay $1.2 million to 20th Century Fox Corp.
Joseph McCullough of Media was a defendant in the case along with Samantha Shutter and JMC Pop Ups LLC, writes Alex Rose for the Daily Times.
“Moe’s Tavern” from the Fox Property “The Simpsons” was used at pop-up events nationwide, including at the Springfield Mall, without consent, financially benefitting the defendants, Fox stated in a July 2024 lawsuit.
“Considering defendants’ blatant and repeated acts, I will award $30,000 for each copyright infringement, $100,000 for each trademark infringement, and $5,000 for the infringing domain name, for a total of $1,265,000,” Judge Paul S. Diamond wrote in an order closing the case.
The suit alleged 33 copyright violations, three trademark violations for the counterfeit use of Fox properties Krusty Burger and Duff Beer, and three cybersquatting claims,
The Moe’s Pop-Up website described the venture as a “fan-made parody event” that was not associated with The Simpsons, 20th Century Fox, Fox, or Disney.
The judge’s order also permanently enjoins the defendants from infringing upon Fox’s property in the future.
Read more details about the lawsuit and the judge’s order in the Daily Times.
Editor’s Note: This post was initially published on DELCO Today in September 2025.
