Sheldon v. Metro-Goldwyn Pictures Corp.
United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
81 F.2d 49 (1936)
- Written by Eric Miller, JD
Facts
Edward Sheldon (plaintiff) wrote a play based on a historical murder trial. Sheldon entered into negotiations with Metro-Goldwyn Pictures Corporation (MGM) (defendant) for purchase of the rights. The negotiations were unsuccessful. MGM then made a film based on the same historical incident. Sheldon brought suit, asserting that the film copied elements from his play though the film also drew from a book on the same subject by another author. The district court granted MGM’s motion for dismissal of the suit. Sheldon appealed. The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (L. Hand, J.)
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