A producer’s film was based on a bestselling book. The actual man, ZW, whose life was the subject of the book, sued the film producer, alleging that the movie would repeat the defamatory information published in the book, would place him in the same false light, and would disclose private facts about him. Total Cost: $600,000.
Misappropriation of Photograph Content
November 1, 2010 By
Jane Doe, a well known artist and photographer, alleged that content from one of her photographs was used by a movie studio without her consent. In particular, she claimed that the content was used for inclusion in movie posters and other promotional items for the film. The movie studio disputed Jane Doe’s allegations, noting that an internal designer Continue Reading …
Logo Copyright Infringement on DVD Packaging
November 1, 2010 By
A film distributor intended to distribute a film on DVD. In preparation for the distribution, the distributor changed the advertising on the film packaging. A screenwriter who happened to see the advertising sued the distributor, alleging copyright infringement. He contended that a logo used in the new advertising violated his copyright for a separate screenplay. Total Cost: $125,000
Radio Station Faces the Music and Pays
November 1, 2010 By
ABC Company, a radio broadcast station, received a request to air an advertising campaign. In conjunction with the campaign, ABC Company regularly used musical content acquired from XYZ Corporation. A man claiming to be the music’s composer brought suit, alleging the music belonged to him and that ABC’s unlicensed and unauthorized use on the radio constituted copyright infringement. Continue Reading …
Advertising Campaign Leads to Competitor Suit for Disparagement
November 1, 2010 By