X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER Plaintiffs Christopher Gentile and Juan A. Crawford (together, “Plaintiffs”) bring this action against Kevin Doyle (“Defendant”), alleging that Mr. Doyle and his former codefendant, Cassi Crededio, applied for, and received, copyright registrations of versions of a draft screenplay without proper authorization. Plaintiffs allege that they are the sole owners and authors of at least one version of that draft screenplay and assert claims for declaratory relief and copyright infringement. (See docket entry no. 52 (“Second Amended Complaint” or “SAC”).) Before the Court is Mr. Doyle’s motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6) for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted or, in the alternative, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(f) to strike certain allegations and requests for relief against Ms. Crededio. (Docket entry no. 56 (the “Motion”).) The Court has jurisdiction of the dispute pursuant to 28 U.S.C. sections 1331 and 1338(a). The Court has reviewed carefully the submissions in connection with the instant motion. For the following reasons, Mr. Doyle’s motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint is granted in its entirety. BACKGROUND Factual Background The following facts, drawn from the Second Amended Complaint, are taken as true for the purposes of the instant motion practice. The Untitled Wyoming Project This case concerns ownership of two draft versions of a screenplay referred to as the “Untitled Wyoming Project” or “The Monarch” (the “Work” or the “Untitled Wyoming Project”). Mr. Gentile first conceived of the idea for the Work approximately fifteen years ago, when he was inspired by the idea of a show “focused around a flawed female heroine.” (SAC

24-25.) After learning that Wyoming was the “first state or territory in the nation to grant suffrage to women, in 1869[,]” Mr. Gentile decided to create a show based upon the women’s suffrage movement in the American West, led by a “ madam” in the Wyoming area who “ran a brothel” and also “championed women’s rights.” (Id.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
September 06, 2024
Johannesburg

The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.


Learn More
September 12, 2024
New York, NY

Consulting Magazine identifies the best firms to work for in the consulting profession.


Learn More

Our client, a boutique litigation firm established by former BigLaw partners, is seeking to hire a commercial litigation associate to join e...


Apply Now ›

COLE SCHOTZ P.C.Prominent mid Atlantic law firm with multiple regional office locations seeks a senior attorney with commercial real estate ...


Apply Now ›

ATTORNEYS WANTED ROCKLAND/BERGEN COUNTYKantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. Expanding and established multi-practice, mul...


Apply Now ›
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
06/21/2024
Daily Business Review

Full Page Announcement


View Announcement ›
06/14/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›