Judge ends Pooh merchandise battle
A judge has ended a legal fight against the Walt Disney Company that has stretched more than a decade over Winnie the Pooh merchandise royalties.
US Superior Court Judge Charles W McCoy Jr ruled in Los Angeles that the owner of the rights unlawfully obtained confidential documents from Disney offices.
McCoy dismissed the suit with prejudice, meaning Pooh rights owner Stephen Slesinger Inc cannot sue again on the claim.
“SSI’s misconduct is so egregious that no remedy short of terminating sanctions can effectively remove the threat and adequately protect both the institution of justice and (Disney) … from further SSI abuse,” McCoy wrote in the 28-page ruling.
The decision, if it survives appeal, brings to a close a 13-year legal bid by SSI, which sought to recover millions of dollars it claims Disney owes it for Pooh-related merchandise and royalties on the sale of video tapes, DVDs and computer software.
Disney has claimed those items were not covered in its 1983 licensing agreement with SSI.
“After 13 years in the courts, the Winnie the Pooh case is finally over,” said Disney attorney Daniel Petrocelli.
“Disney’s position has been vindicated in its entirety. We’re obviously extremely pleased with the outcome and we think it was the only appropriate one.”
SSI said it would appeal.
