3 Count: Bass Pro Copy

Have any suggestions for the 3 Count? Let me know via Twitter @plagiarismtoday.

1: Amazon, Netflix and Major Studios Sue Set TV Streaming Service Alleging ‘Mass Infringement’ of Content

First off today, Nat Levy at GeekWire reports that the major Hollywood movie studios have teamed up with Amazon and Netflix to file a lawsuit against SET Broadcast, the company behind the SET TV service, an internet TV service that they claim sells access to pirated works.

The service, which charges $20 per month for access to over 500 TV channels, also offers access to thousands of on-demand shows as well as Netflix exclusives and films currently only available in theaters. However, according to the lawsuit, all (or nearly all) of this content is pirated.

The lawsuit is seeking some $150,000 per infringed work and an injunction barring SET TV from operating.

2: Neil deGrasse Tyson Asks Court to End Ex-Business Partner’s Copyright Lawsuit

Next up today, Ashley Cullins at The Hollywood Reporter Esquire reports that astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and his production company, Curved Light Productions, has responded to a lawsuit filed by a former business partner that alleges both copyright infringement and fraudulent behavior.

According to the lawsuit, David Gamble and Tyson co-founded Curved Light Productions to produce the radio show and podcast StarTalk. However, Gamble claims that he was tricked into selling his shares in the company and that a portrait that he created has been used both in the show and had copies made and distributed by the company.

However, in filing for summary judgment, Tyson says that Gamble has already signed away his ability make any claims against the company, including over the painting. As such, Tyson alleges that he has a perpetual license to use the portrait and that all of the allegations in the case should be dismissed.

3: Huddleston Deluxe Files Lawsuit Against Bass Pro

Finally today, Scout reports that Huddleston Deluxe, a company that makes swimbait, has filed a lawsuit against Bass Pro shops for copyright and patent infringement over an allegedly duplicated lure.

According to the lawsuit, Bass Pro Shop’s “SLO-MO” brand of lures is a violation of the patent titled “Fish Lure with Vortex Tail”. The patent describes how the lure works, simulating a swimming creature to attract fish to it.

But, in addition to the patent infringement, Huddleston also alleges that the design of the lure is so similar that it constitutes copyright infringement. This despite the fact that both lures are designed simply to look like fish. Huddleston is seeking an injunction against Bass Pro Shops as well as unspecified damages.

Suggestions

That’s it for the three count today. We will be back tomorrow with three more copyright links. If you have a link that you want to suggest a link for the column or have any proposals to make it better. Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I hope to hear from you.

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