794 F. Supp. 2d 429
S.D.N.Y.2011Background
- Fox released AVP: Alien vs. Predator in 2004, featuring humans caught between Aliens and Predators.
- Muller authored The Lost Continent screenplay about Atlantis, Freemasons, a crystal, and gargoyles.
- Muller sues Fox, Anderson, and Davis Entertainment for copyright infringement and breach of implied contract.
- Defendants moved for summary judgment; Muller sought Rule 56(f) discovery.
- Court grants summary judgment, finding no actual copying or substantial similarity, and dismisses preempted implied-contract claim.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actual copying required for infringement | Muller argues access and probative similarity show copying | Defendants had no access and similarities are unprotectable | No genuine issue on access or probative similarity; no copying. |
| Improper appropriation protection | Screenplay’s protectable expression copied by Film | Similarities are unprotectable ideas or stock themes | No substantial similarity in protectable elements. |
| Independent creation defense | Even with similarities, plaintiffs copying cannot be ruled out | Film independently created from franchise and prior works | Court finds independent creation established; no infringement. |
| Preemption of implied contract claim | Breach claim arises from same alleged unauthorized use | State-law claim preempted by Copyright Act | Preempted; implied-contract claim dismissed. |
| Rule 56(f) discovery request | Additional discovery could raise material issues | Discovery would not affect outcome | Rule 56(f) motion denied. |
Key Cases Cited
- Feist Publ'ns, Inc. v. Rural Tel. Serv. Co., 499 U.S. 340 (1991) (originality required for copyright protection)
- Rogers v. Koons, 960 F.2d 301 (2d Cir. 1992) (protects only unique expression, not ideas)
- Walker v. Time Life Films, Inc., 784 F.2d 44 (2d Cir. 1986) (concepts and scenes à faire; general similarities insufficient)
- Arden v. Columbia Pictures Indus., 908 F. Supp. 1248 (S.D.N.Y. 1995) (stock themes and scènes à faire not protectable without unique expression)
- Williams v. Crichton, 84 F.3d 581 (2d Cir. 1996) (no substantial similarity based on theme or plot alone)