WASHINGTON, D.C. – Attorney General Karl A. Racine today issued the following statement announcing that Superior Court Judge Florence Pan has ruled in the District’s favor, granting its motion for summary judgment in a lawsuit against digital sign company Lumen Eight Media Group LLC (formerly known as Digi Media Communications LLC). The District sued the company in August 2016 because it flagrantly violated District law by erecting large Light-Emitting Diode (LED) digital signs without first obtaining the required licenses. Doubling down on its illegal action, the company ignored multiple stop-work orders directing it to cease and desist any further installation of digital LED signs without obtaining the required permits. AG Racine’s statement is below.

“Lumen Eight’s entire business model was based on its flagrant disregard of District law. This ruling is a major victory for the District. Judge Pan’s opinion affirmed that the company intentionally did not seek approval from District government for its signs, mischaracterized the nature of its work to avoid scrutiny, and then ignored DCRA’s stop-work orders altogether.

Most companies that conduct business in the District of Columbia follow the law, and achieve business success on the merits of the goods and services that they sell. Lawbreakers, including companies that regularly contribute money to D.C. politicians, are on notice that the Office of the Attorney General will investigate and prosecute, without fear nor favor, companies and individuals who violate the law.

I am thankful to the Committee of 100 on the Federal City and industry competitors for bringing this matter to our attention and to our talented OAG attorneys that brought home this win for District residents.”

Image of Lumen Eight’s digital Light-Emitting Diode (LED) signs: https://oag.dc.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/Sign-1-image.pdf

A copy of the judge’s ruling is at: https://oag.dc.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/Lumen-Eight-Digi-Media-Opinion.pdf