Academy Settles Lawsuit with RAI

Academy settles lawsuit with Radiotelevisione Italiana for its uses of "Oscar"

Beverly Hills, CA(RUSHPRNEWS) 06/26/2008 – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has amicably resolved a trademark lawsuit against the Italian television broadcaster RAI (Radiotelevisione Italiana). The lawsuit, which was filed in 2005 in the United States District Court in Los Angeles, concerned RAI’s broadcast of several Italian language “Oscar” award programs.

Among the titles at issue were “Oscar del Vino” (Wine Oscars), “Oscar della Moda” (Fashion Oscars), “Oscar TV” (TV Oscars) and “Oscar del Teatro” (Theater Oscars).

Terms of the settlement were read into the Court record last Friday but were not publicly disclosed.

However, Academy attorney David Quinto confirmed that the Academy continues to maintain the exclusive right to use the name “Oscar” for awards shows and that the name has not become generic in Italian or any other language.

The case settled after the Academy submitted evidence showing that the “Oscar” trademark is strong with Italian speakers. The evidence included a consumer survey that determined RAI viewers would likely be confused by RAI’s use of the Academy’s trademark.

Additionally, there was undisputed evidence that Italian dictionaries first and foremost define “Oscar” as the award given by the Academy.

Despite the settlement, other Academy lawsuits against RAI are still underway in Germany and Switzerland, as well as in Austria where a court issued a preliminary injunction against RAI’s use of the “Oscar” mark.

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About the Academy

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world’s preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema.

In addition to the annual Academy Awards – in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners – the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history.

Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.
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