Court Ruling Disney Owes $300K+ in Live-Action Beauty and the Beast Lawsuit
The Walt Disney Company has been ordered to pay $345,098 to Rearden LLC for copyright infringement related to the visual effects technology used in the 2017 live-action remake of “Beauty and the Beast.”
Related-Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage returns to Hollywood Studios
The case stems from Rearden’s claim that Disney used their MOVA facial capture technology without a license to create the Beast’s realistic expressions. While a California jury sided with Rearden in December, the amount of compensation remained undecided.
Related-Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage returns to Hollywood Studios
U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar has now issued his final ruling, awarding Rearden a fraction of the $38 million they initially sought. The judge acknowledged Disney’s infringement but concluded that the movie’s success wasn’t solely reliant on Rearden’s technology. Factors like the original animation’s popularity, the cast’s performances, and the Disney brand itself significantly contributed to the film’s profits.
This case highlights the importance of intellectual property rights in the film industry. While the final settlement represents a small fraction of the movie’s overall earnings, it underscores the need for studios to secure proper licensing for the technologies they utilize in their productions.
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
