Infringement

Judge Dismisses Co-Author Claim in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Lawsuit, Leaves Room for Copyright Infringement Case

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NEW YORK — A federal judge has dismissed part of a lawsuit involving a writer’s claim to co-authorship of the screenplay for “Top Gun: Maverick,” a major Hollywood release. The case, initiated by Shaun Gray, contended that he significantly contributed to the film’s script and sought recognition and financial compensation as a result. U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff ruled on Wednesday that Gray would not be recognized as a joint author of the screenplay, which could have entitled him to a share of the blockbuster’s profits. However, the court left the possibility open for Gray … Read more

"Federal Judge Slashes T.I. and Tiny’s $53.6M Award in Doll Infringement Case, But Upholds $17.8M Damages Against MGA Entertainment"

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SANTA ANA, Calif. — A federal judge has overturned a jury’s punitive damages decision that originally awarded hip-hop artists T.I. and Tiny Harris $53.6 million in their legal battle against MGA Entertainment, the maker of L.O.L. Surprise! dolls. The judge’s ruling did not nullify the jury’s earlier finding that MGA must pay $17.8 million for trade dress infringement and likeness misappropriation related to 15 dolls depicting the OMG Girlz, a group fronted by the Harris’s daughter, Zonnique Pullins. Senior U.S. District Judge James V. Selna stated there was insufficient evidence to suggest MGA acted with … Read more

T.I. and Tiny Harris Prepare for Round Four in Ongoing Battle Over $71 Million Doll Infringement Lawsuit

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A California jury awarded hip-hop artist T.I. and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, a staggering $71.4 million in a civil case against MGA Entertainment, the company behind the popular L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls. The couple’s pop group, the OMG Girlz, claimed MGA copied their distinctive name, hairstyles, and fashion styles for its doll line, and jurors concluded that the infringement was willful. Tiny expressed her astonishment at the ruling, stating it exceeded her expectations. Just weeks later, T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, announced his retirement from live performances, indicating he no longer needed … Read more

Apple Dodges $300 Million Legal Bullet as Appeals Court Overturns Patent Infringement Ruling Over Jury Errors

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Washington, D.C. — Apple has successfully challenged a $300 million patent infringement ruling, with a federal appeals court vacating both the infringement finding and damages awarded against the tech giant. This decision highlights the substantial consequences that can arise from procedural missteps in legal proceedings, particularly in high-stakes patent cases. In a 2020 ruling, a Texas jury concluded that Apple had violated several Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) held by Optis. These patents are crucial because they must be licensed on terms that are “fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory” (FRAND) to those wanting to adhere to the … Read more