(1980) Tags: United Artists
United Artists Corp. & LPAA v. La Cage Aux Folles, Inc.
Danon produced and owns rights in the motion pictures “La Cage Aux Folles” and “La Cage Aux Folles II.” Both films depict a nightclub featuring female impersonators. This action arose in 1981 when defendant Paciocco opened a nightclub in Los Angeles known as “La Cage Aux Folles.”
The club’s featured entertainment includes a floor show by female impersonators. Danon, along with two corporations not parties to this appeal, brought suit against Paciocco, La Cage and a subsequently dismissed individual, contending that they violated federal and state unfair competition, trademark, and copyright laws by copying the name, characters, and distinctive features of the films.