Well, dear readers, just when you thought the humble fax machine had been relegated to the dusty corners of the office, it pops back up in the headlines. And this time, it’s not just any headline, but a $19.75 million settlement involving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a decade-old Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) class action.
In a twist that could only happen in the world of fax, the Buccaneers hired a Canadian “fax broadcaster” to send out a whopping 343,011 faxes advertising tickets to team games. This was, allegedly, in violation of the TCPA. The result? A legal battle that began in 2009 and culminated in a hefty settlement this year.
The attorneys involved in this case are now seeking a cool $5 million for their fees and costs, arguing that they took on significant risk and invested considerable time in this unique case. They’re asking for 25% of the settlement, plus an additional $250,000 for costs.
It’s a fascinating case that highlights the unexpected ways in which fax continues to play a role in our modern world. And it’s a reminder that, even in an era of email and instant messaging, the fax machine can still make waves (and generate some serious legal fees).
So, next time you pass by that old fax machine in your office, give it a nod of respect. Who knows? It might just be the star of the next big legal drama.
