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Marc Toberoff

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Marc Toberoff
NationalityAmerican
EducationMcGill University (BA)
Columbia University (JD)
OccupationLawyer
Websitehttps://toberoffandassociates.com/

Marc Toberoff is an intellectual property attorney specializing in copyright and entertainment litigation.

Early life and education

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Marc Toberoff attended McGill University[1][2] before earning a J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1980.[1][3][4][5] Soon after graduating from Columbia Law School, Toberoff worked as what he referred to as a “glorified gofer” for director Robert Altman.[3][5]

Career

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Toberoff has represented writers and other creators in numerous high-profile disputes and has been recognized by Forbes Magazine,[6] The Hollywood Reporter,[7][8][9] Variety,[10][11] and the Los Angeles Business Journal[12] as among the most influential intellectual property attorneys in the entertainment industry.

Notable cases

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Moonrunners L.P. v. Time Warner Inc.

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In 2005, Toberoff secured a preliminary injunction against the Warner Bros. release of its The Dukes of Hazzard movie on behalf of the owners of the indie film, Moonrunners, from which The Dukes of Hazzard television series was derived.[13][14][15]

Clonus Associates v. Dreamworks, LLC

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Toberoff represented Robert Fiveson, producer and director of the indie film Parts: The Clonus Horror, in a copyright infringement action against Dreamworks for its 2005 blockbuster film The Island. The district court denied the studio’s motion for summary judgment, writing in its decision that “the jury will have to decide whether the similarities are qualitatively substantial, and therefore actionable.”[16][17] The parties settled shortly thereafter on confidential terms and dismissed the case pursuant to a joint stipulation.[18][19]

Classic Media, Inc. v. Mewborn

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In 2008, Toberoff persuaded the Ninth Circuit to affirm the copyrights of the daughter of Eric Knight in his novel Lassie Come-Home.[20][21][22][23][24] The decision, Classic Media, Inc. v. Mewborn, 532 F.3d 978 (9th Cir. 2008), has helped shape authors' rights under the Copyright Act.[25][26]

Horror v. Miller

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In Horror Inc. v. Miller, 335 F. Supp. 3d 273 (D. Conn. 2018), aff’d, 15 F.4th 232 (2d Cir. 2022), Toberoff represented Victor Miller, the screenwriter of Friday the 13th, in a case that resulted in Miller regaining the copyright to his script through the Copyright Act's termination provisions. Miller secured a favorable ruling in the District Court of Connecticut, which, in a published opinion, upheld Miller’s Notices of Termination under Section 203(a) of Copyright Act and the recovery of Miller’s original Friday the 13th copyright.[27][28] The District Court’s decision was later affirmed by the Second Circuit.[29][30] On remand, the District Court entered an order awarding nearly $887,000 in attorney fees to Miller.[31][32]

Zindel v. Fox Searchlight Pictures, Inc.

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Toberoff represented the son and trustee of Pulitzer-Prize-winning playwright Paul Zindel in a copyright infringement suit regarding his father’s play, Let Me Hear You Whisper and Fox’s The Shape of Water.[33] The Ninth Circuit, in its decision, Zindel as Trustee for David Zindel Trust v. Fox Searchlight Pictures, Inc., 815 Fed. Appx 158 (9th Cir. 2020), found in favor of the plaintiff, writing “at this stage, reasonable minds could differ on whether there is substantial similarity between Let Me Hear You Whisper and The Shape of Water.”[34][35][36][37] The Ninth Circuit later refused the defendants' petition to reconsider the decision in banc.[38] Shortly afterwards, the parties settled on confidential terms and stipulated to dismissal of the case.[39][40][41]

In Re Estate of James Brown

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Toberoff represented nine of James Brown's heirs in a dispute regarding the rights to Brown's estate and music copyrights. In June 2020, the South Carolina Supreme Court rendered a unanimous decision[42] in favor of Toberoff's clients, and found that Brown's "widow" was not his lawful spouse. As a result, the alleged widow was found to have no right to his multi-million dollar estate.[43]

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. v. Thomas

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In 2021, Toberoff filed a complaint in federal court on behalf of brothers John C. Thomas and James E. Thomas, the screenwriters behind the action blockbuster Predator (1987), to reclaim the rights to their script.[44][45] Shortly thereafter, Twentieth Century Fox counter-sued the Thomas brothers. The case was settled on confidential terms and a stipulated dismissal was entered in 2022.[46][47][48]

Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. v. Gallo

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On June 23, 2023, Columbia Pictures sued George Gallo and Robert Israel, the authors of Bulletproof Hearts, which was developed into the 1995 action hit Bad Boys (1995), seeking to retain the film rights to the work.[49][50][51][52] The case settled on confidential terms in 2024.[53][54][55]

Hill v. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

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On February 2, 2024, Toberoff filed a copyright lawsuit on behalf of Canadian author and screenwriter, R. Lance Hill against Amazon Studios LLC, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., and United Artists Pictures Inc.[56][57] The complaint alleges that the defendants ignored Hill's right, under the Copyright Act, to reclaim the rights for his 1986 “spec” screenplay, “Roadhouse,” which spawned the cult-classic, Road House (1989), starring Patrick Swayze, when it proceeded with the production and release of the 2024 remake of the film, Road House (2024). The complaint also made headlines in its claim that the defendants used Artificial Intelligence to replicate actors' voices without permission during the SAG-AFTRA strike in order to complete the film prior to the termination date for Hill's copyright.[56][57] The lawsuit is currently pending before the Central District of California.

Ray Charles Foundation v. Robinson

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In the music industry, Toberoff represented the children of Ray Charles. On their behalf, Toberoff prevailed in a suit in the Central District of California regarding the copyrights to fifty-one of his songs, including many of his most famous compositions (e.g., I Got A Woman, It's All Right, Hallelujah I Love Her So).[58][59][60] The decision was later reversed in part on procedural grounds and remanded by the Ninth Circuit for further proceedings.[61] After further litigation at the trial court level, the case settled on confidential terms and was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice.[62]

Marvel Litigation

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Marvel Characters, Inc. v. Kirby
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Toberoff represented the estate of comic book artist and creator Jack Kirby in litigation with Marvel Entertainment regarding the copyrights to Kirby's co-creations, including Fantastic Four, X-Men, Incredible Hulk, Mighty Thor and Silver Surfer.[63][64] The parties settled on September 26, 2014[65][66][67][68] while a petition for certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court[69][70][71] was still pending,[72] with Marvel releasing a statement declaring, “Marvel and the family of Jack Kirby have amicably resolved their legal disputes and are looking forward to advancing their shared goal of honoring Mr. Kirby's significant role in Marvel's history.”[66]

Marvel Characters, Inc. v. Lieber, Solo, Michele Hart-Rico
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Toberoff represented the rights and interests under the Copyright Act of leading comic-book creators Steve Ditko, Larry Lieber, Gene Colan, Don Heck, and Don Rico, to some of Marvel’s most iconic superheroes, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, Doctor Strange, Ant-Man, Captain Marvel, Blade and Black Widow.[73][74][75] After significant litigation in 2021-2023, the five cases settled on confidential terms.[76][77][78][79]

Superman Litigation

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He represented the heirs of Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in an unsuccessful effort to reclaim the rights to Superman from Warner Bros. and DC Comics.[80][81][82]

References

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  1. ^ a b Gray, Jeff (2011-07-26). "Avengers disassembled: Battle brews over Marvel's copyrights". www.theglobeandmail.com. Archived from the original on 2020-10-30. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  2. ^ Francoeur, Gary (2012-03-06). "The lawyer that comic companies fear". publications.mcgill.ca/mcgillnews/. Archived from the original on 2012-03-06. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  3. ^ a b Barnes, Brooks; Cieply, Michael (2010-03-20). "A Supersized Custody Battle Over Marvel Superheroes". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  4. ^ Brower, Alison (2024-06-12). "Power Lawyers 2024: Meet Hollywood's Top 100 Attorneys". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  5. ^ a b Lee, Alfred (2010-10-11). "WHO'S WHO IN LAW - Marc Toberoff". labusinessjournal.com. Archived from the original on 2010-12-07. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  6. ^ Finke, Nikki (2013-06-19). "Nikki Finke Picks The Seven Most Powerful People In Hollywood". forbes.com. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
  7. ^ Brower, Alison (2024-06-12). "Power Lawyers 2024: Meet Hollywood's Top 100 Attorneys". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  8. ^ Staff, T. H. R. (2012-07-18). "Power Lawyers 2012". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  9. ^ "Marc Toberoff - The Hollywood Reporter". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2014-04-29.; "Power Lawyers 2011," The Hollywood Reporter, July 13, 2011
  10. ^ "Dealmakers: Lawyers | Variety". Variety. Retrieved 2014-05-01.
  11. ^ Wass, Dean Budnick,Paula Hendrickson,Karen Idelson,Todd Longwell,Robert Marich,Addie Morfoot,Bob Verini,Mike; Budnick, Dean; Hendrickson, Paula; Idelson, Karen; Longwell, Todd; Marich, Robert; Morfoot, Addie; Verini, Bob; Wass, Mike (2024-04-17). "Variety's Legal Impact Report 2024: Meet Hollywood's Top Entertainment Attorneys". Variety. Retrieved 2024-08-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ http://www.labusinessjournal.com/accounts/login/?next=/news/2010/oct/11/whos-who-law-marc-toberoff/ (subscription required)
  13. ^ Brodesser, Claude (2005-06-29). "Warners ponies up 'Hazzard' pay | Variety". Variety. Archived from the original on 2011-08-18. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  14. ^ Lippman, John (2005-07-15). "The Rights Stuff". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  15. ^ Moonrunners L.P. v. Time Warner Inc., et al., No. CV 05-1361 GAF (VBKx) (C.D. Cal. June 17, 2005), ECF No. 56 (Preliminary Injunction Order); ECF No. 58 (Memorandum Opinion Granting Motion for Preliminary Injunction).
  16. ^ Clonus Associates v. Dreamworks, LLC, 457 F. Supp. 2d 432 (S.D.N.Y. 2006)
  17. ^ McClintock, Pamela (2006-10-22). "Studios face 'Island' trial". Variety. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  18. ^ Clonus Associates v. Dreamworks, LLC, No. CV 05-7043 (S.D.N.Y.), Joint Stipulation and Order (Nov. 20, 2006), ECF No. 92 (order noting that the parties “reported to this Court that the above entitled action has been settled” and providing the “thirty (30) days” for “payment” to be made), Order Dismissing Case (Jan. 11, 2007), ECF 95 (order dismissing case).
  19. ^ Walker, Albert (2007-05-17). "An Interview with Bob Sullivan, Clonus screenwriter". AgonyBooth. Archived from the original on 2007-10-12. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  20. ^ "Recent movie-related U.S. copyright battles: Lassie," The Globe and Mail, July 26, 2011.
  21. ^ Lipman, Melissa (2008-07-15). "Author's Heir Wins Right To 'Lassie Come Home' - Law360". www.law360.com. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  22. ^ Finke, Nikki (2008-07-11). "LASSIE COMES HOME! 9th Circuit Upholds Dog Story Rightsholder Against Big Media". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  23. ^ Leslie, Simmons (2008-07-11). "Court favors 'Lassie' creator's daughter". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  24. ^ Shprintz, Janet (2008-07-13). "'Lassie' heirs regain rights". Variety. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  25. ^ Goldstein, Paul (2008). Goldstein on Copyright. Aspen. ISBN 978-0-7355-4611-0.
  26. ^ Valenzi, Shane (2012-08-01). "It's Only a Day Away: Rethinking Copyright Termination in a New Era". IDEA: The IP Law Review. 53 (2): 237–239, 245–246, 251 – via SSRN.
  27. ^ Gardner, Eriq (2018-09-28). "'Friday the 13th' Screenwriter Wins Rights Battle Against Producer". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  28. ^ Donahue, Bill (2018-09-28). "'Friday The 13th' Writer Wins Back Rights To His Script - Law360". www.law360.com. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  29. ^ Gardner, Eriq (2021-09-30). "'Friday the 13th' Screenwriter Wins Big Appeal Over Copyright Termination". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  30. ^ Davis, Ryan (2021-09-30). "'Friday The 13th' Writer Wins Back Script At 2nd Circ. - Law360". www.law360.com. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  31. ^ Lawlor, Mason (2022-09-29). "'Friday the 13th' Screenwriter Awarded $887K in Attorney Fees After Decadeslong Battle Over Earnings From Film's Success". Connecticut Law Tribune. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  32. ^ Lidgett, Adam (2022-09-26). "'Friday The 13th' Writer Wins $887K Atty Award - Law360". www.law360.com. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  33. ^ Zindel as Trustee for David Zindel Trust v. Fox Searchlight Pictures, Inc. et al., 815 Fed. Appx 158 (9th Cir. 2020)
  34. ^ Markin, Gene (2021-01-04). "Shape of Water Must Defend Playwright Copyright Infringement". natlawreview.com. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  35. ^ Gatz, John (2020-12-01). "Decisions in Brief". American Bar Association. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  36. ^ "Ninth Circuit Reverses Dismissal of 'Shape of Water' Copyright Suit". American Intellectual Property Law Association. 2020-06-29. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  37. ^ Staff Writer (2020-06-24). "Judge Improperly Axed Action Against Makers of 'Shape of Water". www.metnews.com. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  38. ^ Donahue, Bill (2020-07-29). "Full 9th Circ. Won't Undo 'Shape Of Water' Copyright Ruling - Law360". www.law360.com. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  39. ^ Donahue, Bill (2021-04-06). "'Shape Of Water' Copyright Fight Ends In Settlement - Law360". www.law360.com. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  40. ^ "Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water plagiarism case dismissed". Yahoo News. 2021-04-06. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  41. ^ Orders Granting Joint Stipulations for Dismissal, Zindel v. Fox Searchlight Pictures, Inc., No. CV 18-1435 (C.D. Cal. Apr. 3, 2021), ECF No. 123, ECF No. 124, ECF No. 125, ECF No. 126, ECF No. 127.
  42. ^ In Re Estate of James Brown, 430 S.C. 474, 846 S.E.2d 342 (S.C. 2020)
  43. ^ Rosenbaum, Claudia (2020-06-19). "South Carolina Supreme Court Declares James Brown's Last Partner Was Not His Legal Wife". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  44. ^ Gardner, Eriq (2021-04-15). "'Predator' Screenwriters Suing Disney to Recapture Rights". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  45. ^ Donahue, Bill (2021-04-15). "'Predator' Creators Sue Disney To Claw Back Copyrights - Law360". www.law360.com. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  46. ^ Cho, Winston (2022-01-13). "Disney, 'Predator' Screenwriters Settle Copyright Dispute". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  47. ^ Atkins, Dorothy (2022-01-13). "Disney, 'Predator' Creators Settle Copyright Battle - Law360". www.law360.com. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  48. ^ Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. v. Thomas, No. CV 21-3272 GW (C.D. Cal. Jan. 13, 2022), ECF No. 34.
  49. ^ Complaint, Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. v. Gallo, No. CV 23-5010 (C.D. Cal. June 23, 2023), ECF 1
  50. ^ Answer, Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. v. Gallo, No. CV 23-5010 (C.D. Cal. May 1, 2024), ECF No. 33.
  51. ^ Cho, Winston (2023-06-26). "Columbia Pictures Sues to Retain Rights to 'Bad Boys' Story". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  52. ^ Hipes, Patrick (2023-06-24). "Columbia Pictures Files Lawsuit In 'Bad Boys' Rights Dispute". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  53. ^ Cho, Winston (2024-06-14). "Columbia Pictures Settles Copyright Lawsuit Over Rights to 'Bad Boys' Story". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  54. ^ Patten, Dominic (2024-06-14). "'Bad Boys' Settlement: Columbia Pictures & George Gallo End Copyright Battle Over Will Smith Franchise". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  55. ^ Stipulation of Dismissal, Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. v. Gallo, No. CV 23-5010 (C.D. Cal. June 14, 2024), ECF 41
  56. ^ a b Stephan, Katcy (2024-02-27). "Original 'Road House' Writer Sues Amazon, Alleges Streamer Used AI to Replicate Actors' Voices". Variety. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  57. ^ a b "'Road House' brawl: Amazon used AI to replicate actors' voices during strike, lawsuit alleges". Los Angeles Times. 2024-02-27. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  58. ^ "Court Rules For Ray Charles Children In Copyright Lawsuit (Updated) | Billboard". billboard.com. Billboard. 2013-01-29. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
  59. ^ The Ray Charles Foundation, Inc. v. Raenee Robinson et al., 919 F. Supp. 2d 1054 (C.D. Cal. 2013).
  60. ^ Sisario, Ben (2013-01-30). "In Dispute Over Ray Charles Songs, Family Gains Victory in Court". The New York Times. Retrieved 2014-05-08.
  61. ^ Ray Charles Foundation v. Robinson, 795 F.3d 1109 (9th Cir. 2015)
  62. ^ Notice of Voluntary Dismissal, Ray Charles Foundation v. Robinson, No. CV 12-2725 (C.D. Cal. Apr. 19, 2017), ECF No. 107
  63. ^ Barnes, Brooks (2010-03-20). "A Supersized Custody Battle Over Marvel Superheroes". The New York Times. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
  64. ^ "Jack Kirby, the abandoned hero of Marvel's grand Hollywood adventure, and his family's quest [updated] | Hero Complex – movies, comics, pop culture – Los Angeles Times". herocomplex.latimes.com. Hero Complex (Los Angeles Times). 2009-09-25. Archived from the original on 2018-07-06. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  65. ^ Gardner, Eriq (2014-09-26). "Marvel, Jack Kirby Estate Settlement Brings End to High-Stakes Battle". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  66. ^ a b Barnes, Brooks (2014-09-26). "Marvel Settles With Family of Comics Artist Jack Kirby". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  67. ^ Patten, Dominic (2014-09-26). "Marvel & Jack Kirby Heirs Settle Legal Battle Ahead Of Supreme Court Showdown". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  68. ^ Chung, Andrew (2014-09-26). "Comic book legend Jack Kirby's heirs settle with Marvel". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  69. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-04-29. Retrieved 2014-04-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  70. ^ Johnston, Maureen (2014-07-21). "Petition of the day". SCOTUSblog. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  71. ^ Gardner, Eriq (2014-07-29). "SCOTUSblog Founder Joins Marvel Superhero Appeal for Jack Kirby Estate (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  72. ^ "Search - Supreme Court of the United States". 2014-10-09. Archived from the original on 2014-10-09. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  73. ^ Yossman, Gene Maddaus,K J.; Maddaus, Gene; Yossman, K. J. (2021-09-24). "Marvel Sues to Block Heirs From Reclaiming Spider-Man, Doctor Strange Copyrights". Variety. Retrieved 2024-08-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  74. ^ Barnes, Brooks (2021-09-24). "Disney Sues to Keep Complete Rights to Marvel Characters". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  75. ^ Thomas, David (2021-09-28). "Bang! Pow! Lawyer foes square off again in Marvel copyright fight". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  76. ^ Brittain, Blake (2023-06-09). "Marvel settles with four artists in superhero copyright fight". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  77. ^ Konnath, Hailey (2023-06-09). "Marvel Settles With 4 Ex-'Avengers' Artists In Copyright Spat - Law360". www.law360.com. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  78. ^ Cullins, Ashley (2023-12-08). "Marvel Settles Fight Over Spider-Man, Doctor Strange Rights". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  79. ^ Chan, J. Clara (2023-12-08). "Disney settles with former Marvel artist's estate over Spider-Man, Doctor Strange rights". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  80. ^ Patten, Dominic (2013-01-10). "Warner Bros. Wins Big in Superman Copyright Case". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  81. ^ Hudson, Laura (2013-01-11). "Warner Bros. Wins Superman Copyright Battle Using Facebook Case As Precedent". Wired. Retrieved 2024-08-04.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  82. ^ Barnes, Brooks (2013-01-10). "Appeals Court Rules for Warner Bros. in Superman Suit". New York Times. Retrieved 2024-08-05.

[1]

[edit]
  1. ^ Gray, Jeff (2011-07-26). "Recent movie-related U.S. copyright battles". www.theglobeandmail.com. Archived from the original on 2012-04-01. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
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