Substantial Similarity Archives

A lawsuit alleging that "Prank Encounters" infringes the copyright in "Scare Tactics" will proceed

A judge rules on a motion to dismiss copyright infringement claims brought by the co-creator of "Scare Tactics" against his former business partner and the producer of "Prank Encounters," another hidden camera prank/scare show.

CCourt Decisions

Ninth Circuit Dismisses “Empire” Copyright Infringement Case — Again

byAaron Moss

While the summer of 2020 may go down as the season we vacationed indoors and tried to avoid breathing on each other, for the Ninth Circuit, it's been the summer of substantial similarity cases.

CCourt Decisions

Taylor Swift is Still Trying to Shake Off Those Pesky Copyright Lawsuits

byAaron Moss

Taylor Swift's legal battles over "Shake it Off" are a good example of what can happen to an artist with a massively-popular hit single.

CCourt Decisions

Inside Out: The Ninth Circuit’s Head-Scratching Approach to Substantial Similarity

byAaron Moss

With yet another unpublished opinion—this time affirming a pleading stage dismissal—the court continues to create more questions than answers.

Pirates of the Caribbean Shape of Water substantial similarity cases

CCourt Decisions

The Ninth Circuit’s Quest to Bring Substantial Similarity Claims Back From the Dead

byAaron Moss

As the court reverses early studio wins in "The Shape of Water" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" cases, are dueling experts and lengthy litigation the shape of things to come?

Substantial Similarity

Court Allows Copyright Case Against Hidden Camera Prank Show to Proceed

Ninth Circuit Dismisses “Empire” Copyright Infringement Case — Again

Taylor Swift is Still Trying to Shake Off Those Pesky Copyright Lawsuits

Inside Out: The Ninth Circuit’s Head-Scratching Approach to Substantial Similarity

The Ninth Circuit’s Quest to Bring Substantial Similarity Claims Back From the Dead

Is Trump Office’s Use of the Great Seal Legal?

The Copyright Myth Project

Copyright Registration for Blogs and Social Media Posts Now in Effect—But Here’s Why You May Not Qualify

Warhol’s “Prince Series” Isn’t Fair Use, But What Is?