Bringing Down the House

(2003)   Tags: Disney

Flaherty v. Filardi

Plaintiff’s claims are premised on alleged similarities between her screenplay “Amoral Dilemma” and the film “Bringing Down the House”, starring Steve Martin and Queen Latifah.

Read the full court report for more detailed information.

Judgment: The Moving Defendants’ motions for summary judgment are granted, and Counts One through Four of the First Amended Complaint are dismissed as against them, insofar as Plaintiffs’ claims are premised on alleged similarities between her screenplay and the finished film “Bringing Down the House.” Count Five is dismissed as against the Moving Defendants insofar as it asserts that Defendants have falsely designated the origin of the finished film. Counts Ten, Eleven, Fourteen and Fifteen are dismissed as against the Moving Defendants to the extent they are premised on rights protected by the Copyright Act. The Moving Defendants’ motions to dismiss Counts Sixteen and Seventeen are granted as well. The Moving Defendants’ partial summary judgment motions are denied in all other respects.