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FASA Corp. v. Playmates Toys, Inc.

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

892 F. Supp. 1061 (1995)

Facts

FASA Corporation (plaintiff) was a developer of fictional gaming universes. FASA authorized Robert Allen, a toy designer who was not otherwise employed by FASA, to present ideas to toy companies in connection with one of FASA’s gaming properties. Before Allen made his presentation to Playmates Toys, Inc. (Playmates) (defendant), Allen signed a document that included a waiver of all past, present, or future claims against Playmates regarding the proposed idea. FASA had not authorized Allen to waive intellectual-property rights. When FASA brought an action against Playmates for copyright infringement, Playmates cited the waiver as a defense.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Castillo, J.)

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A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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