Disney Loses $319 Million Appeal of Millionaire Verdict
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
The Walt Disney Company has lost its appeal for a new trial against the creators of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?, who won a $319 million lawsuit against the company in 2010.
In ruling issued Monday, an appeals court panel denied Disney's request for a new trial, meaning the massive damage award stands barring a Supreme Court intervention.
Has your favorite show been canceled? Check out our Fall TV scorecard to find out
"We are extremely disappointed with the decision, as ABC and Buena Vista Television continue to believe that they fully adhered to the Millionaire agreement," a representative for Disney told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement.
Millionaire creators Celador International, Inc. filed suit against Disney and its affiliates ABC, Buena Vista and Valleycrest Production in 2004, claiming the companies miscalculated profits and denied Celador its deserved revenue. In 2010, Celador was awarded almost $270 million for Disney's breach of license agreement, with $50 million in interest charges added later.
"What the court of appeal did today validates what a careful and thoughtful trial judge and a attentive jury did two years ago," Celador lead litigator Roman Silberfeld said. "We're pleased for the client."