In a recent testimony related to Rearden’s ongoing $400 million copyright litigation against Disney, a former Disney executive stated that he had not seen a 2013 letter from Rearden’s lawyer at Morrison Foerster LLP. This letter allegedly demanded the return of stolen software from a Rearden engineer prior to its use by Disney for the 2017 remake of ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
The letter, as per the executive’s statement, would have arrived before the software was used for the creation of the widely acclaimed film. If true, it raises questions about knowledge and intent within Disney at the time of the alleged intellectual property theft.
The case, brought by digital effects company Rearden, seeks significant financial redress from Disney, asserting that the entertainment giant’s unauthorised use of its technology has resulted in substantial losses. Disney, for its part, continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Further developments in this high-stakes case will inevitably draw attention from legal professionals and corporate stakeholders alike. For further information about the testimony and allegations, read the detailed report on Law360.