In class we discussed shows like South Park and Family guy getting sued based on celebrity likeness as well offensive material. Well I found an October 2007 article regarding the latest law suit for Family Guy.
In the case the plaintiff, Bourne Co. (“Bourne”), is suing for its complaint against defendant TwentiethCentury Fox Film Corporation. The copyright owner of “When You Wish Upon a Star” has sued Fox over “I Need a Jew.” In the episode, Peter Griffin can’t manage his family’s finances so he decides he needs a Jewish person to handle his money. Hence, the song “I Need a Jew.”
This action arises from defendants’ willful infringement of plaintiff’s copyright interests in the famous and iconic song. “When You Wish Upon a Star” is one of the most famous songs of all time. The song was originally written for Walt Disney.
According to Law Blog "It looks like Bourne (big-time music publisher ) has a good case, but it will have to be able to demonstrate that this parody has harmed the value of its original song."
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The show Family Guy is clearly a parody. Granted, tasteless at times, but an animated parody that intentionally pokes fun at pretty much everything. Personally, I'm not a big fan of the show. However, it's broadcast on the FOX Network, which is known for airing shows with "high-brow" content (i.e., The Simpsons, MAD TV, reality shows that bleep out expletives right and left, etc.).
The plaintiff might as well go after NBC (Saturday Night Live) and a host of cable networks that air all sorts of syndicated episodes. Besides, I'm sure Disney Corp. has compensated Bourne Co. handsomely for use of the "iconic" song in most of its marketing and advertising.
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