Chase-Riboud
Chase-Riboud v. Dreamworks, Inc.
Opinion
Opinion
Collins, J.
ORDER RE: PLAINTIFF CHASE-RI-BOUD’S MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION
Plaintiff BARABARA CHASE-RIBOUD’s Motion for Preliminary Injunction came on regularly for hearing before this Court on December 8, 1997. The Court has reviewed the materials submitted by the parties, argument of counsel, and the case file relating to Plaintiffs Motion for a Preliminary Injunction. Because Plaintiff has failed to meet her burden, the Court DENIES Plaintiffs motion.
I. Procedural Background
For three years Plaintiff researched the story of the Amistad. Chase-Riboud Decl. ¶¶ 9-13. In Plaintiffs rendition of the Amis-tad story, she selectively used the historical record. Chase-Riboud Decl. ¶¶ 15-16. Where gaps in the historical record appeared, she filled them with fictional scenes and characters. Chase-Riboud Decl. ¶¶ 17-22. Plaintiff published her historical novel Echo of Hons in 1989. Since then, Plaintiffs book has sold over 500,000 copies and has been translated into five languages. Chase-Riboud Decl. ¶ 28.
In February 1993, Plaintiff granted Punch Productions, Inc. a 12-month option for the right to license the theatrical motion picture rights of Echo of Lions. Punch renewed that option…