Lone Star

(1996)   Tags: Sony

Herzog v. Castle Rock Entertainment

Plaintiff filed this action against Defendants for copyright infringement, alleging that Defendants infringed her copyright in her screenplay, “Concealed.” The allegedly infringing work is “Lone Star,” a motion picture written and directed by Defendant John Sayles, produced by Defendant Rio Dulce Inc., and financed by Defendant Castle Rock Entertainment. Plaintiff is seeking actual or statutory damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, costs, and equitable relief.

Judgment: Plaintiff has failed to produce evidence sufficient, even when viewed in the light most favorable to her, to support a jury finding of access on the part of Defendant John Sayles to her work, or substantial similarity between “Concealed” and “Lone Star.” Summary judgment is therefore GRANTED in favor of the Defendants.