Walt Disney Productions v. Basmajian
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
600 F. Supp. 439 (1984)
- Written by Eric Miller, JD
Facts
John Basmajian, Sr. (defendant) worked in the animation department of Walt Disney Productions (Disney) (plaintiff) in the 1940s. During that time, Basmajian brought home several animated celluloids, background drawings, and production sketches from Disney productions—materials that Disney was then in the habit of destroying. Basmajian received permission to save the materials from two highly placed Disney employees, one of whom oversaw the destruction process. In the 1980s, Basmajian sought to sell some of his collection through the auction house of Christie, Manson & Woods International, Inc. (defendant). Upon learning of the planned auction, Disney filed for a preliminary injunction in federal district court, arguing that it was the rightful owner of the materials.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Carter, J.)
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