Appeals Court Lets Crichton's Widow Take on Warner Bros. Over 'The Pitt'
A three-judge panel ruled unanimously that 'The Pitt' is similar enough to 'ER' for a lawsuit to proceed, denying Warner Bros. Television's appeal.
A US appeals court ruled on Wednesday that 'The Pitt' is similar enough to 'ER' to allow Michael Crichton's widow, Sherri, to pursue her lawsuit. For many observers, this is a rare instance of the legal system holding entertainment giants to account.
A three-judge panel issued a unanimous opinion, finding 'clear and numerous similarities' between the two medical dramas, according to The Guardian. The panel also denied an appeal from Warner Bros. Television.
Warner Bros. Television has argued for two years that the shows are unrelated, according to The Guardian. Critics of the status quo will see this ruling as a rebuke to a powerful studio's long-standing defense.
The lawsuit is to go to a jury trial in 2027, according to The Guardian. 'ER' is described as an Emmy-winning and award-winning medical drama created by Michael Crichton.
Original reporting
Variety
‘The Pitt’ and ‘ER’ Are Similar Enough to Allow Crichton Suit, Appeals Court Rules
An appeals court ruled on Wednesday that “The Pitt” is similar enough to “ER” to allow Michael Crichton’s widow to pursue a lawsuit over the Emmy-winning show. In a unanimous opinion, a three-judge panel denied an appeal from Warner Bros. Television, which has argued that the two shows are unrelated. “There are clear and numerous […]
Read the original →The Guardian
The Pitt and ER are similar enough for Michael Crichton’s widow’s lawsuit to proceed, court rules
Court finds ‘clear and numerous similarities’ between two medical dramas, allowing lawsuit by ER creator’s widow Sherri to go to jury trial in 2027 The Pitt is similar enough to ER to allow Michael Crichton’s widow to pursue a long-running lawsuit over the award-winning medical drama, a US appeals court has ruled. In a unanimous opinion filed on Wednesday, a three-judge panel denied an appeal from Warner Bros Television (WBTV), which has argued for two years that the shows are unrelated. Continue reading...
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Facts this version was allowed to use
- A US appeals court ruled that 'The Pitt' is similar enough to 'ER' to allow Michael Crichton's widow to pursue a lawsuit over the show.
- The appeals court ruled on Wednesday.
- A three-judge panel issued a unanimous opinion.
- There are clear and numerous similarities, according to the appeals court opinion as reported by Variety.
- The Guardian reported the court found 'clear and numerous similarities' between the two medical dramas.
- The three-judge panel denied an appeal from Warner Bros. Television.
- Warner Bros. Television argued the two shows are unrelated.
- Michael Crichton was the creator of 'ER'.
- Sherri is the widow of Michael Crichton and is the plaintiff.
- The lawsuit is to go to a jury trial in 2027, according to The Guardian.
- Warner Bros. Television has argued for two years that the shows are unrelated, according to The Guardian.
- 'ER' is described as an Emmy-winning and award-winning medical drama.
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