Diane Russomanno, et al. v. Gianni Russo, et al.
Published: Oct. 7, 2000 | Result Date: Jul. 20, 2000 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: LC031514 Verdict – $54,232,500
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central West
Attorneys
Plaintiff
A. Barry Cappello
(Cappello & Noel LLP)
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Stephen R. Greenwald
(technical)
Defendant
Judy Price
(technical)
Franklin R. Johnson
(technical)
Facts
The plaintiffs co-wrote a childrenÆs educational book series featuring Ricky Rocket, a young boy who
traveled through space and time with a magic rocket. The plaintiffs worked with the defendants on adapting
the story to television.
In 1994, a lawsuit ensued after the defendants excluded the plaintiffs from the television project "A.J.Æs Time
Travelers," which used Ricky Rocket scripts, sets and other materials.
The settlement reached required the defendants to give up all rights to Ricky Rocket and to make changes to
A.J.Æs story. Four A.J. episodes aired on Fox ChildrenÆs Network in late 1994. Thirty-six more episodes were
distributed for broadcast.
Damages
$4.5 million compensatory ; $2 million emotional distress; $1.7 million prejudgment interest; $46 million punitive damages.
Deliberation
13 days
Length
two months
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