Cairns

Cairns v. Franklin Mint Co.

Good Law

24 F. Supp. 2d 1013·1998 WL 762635·49 U.S.P.Q. 2d (BNA) 1396·1998 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17359

United States District Court, Central District of CaliforniaOctober 16, 1998CV 98-3847 RAP (BQRx)California16,146 words

Opinion

Paez, J.

ORDER GRANTING IN PART AND DENYING IN PART DEFENDANTS’ MOTION TO DISMISS, OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE TO STRIKE PORTIONS OF, PLAINTIFFS’ FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT; AND ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION FOR A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION AGAINST ALL DEFENDANTS

I. Introduction and Factual Allegations

Diana, Princess of Wales (“Princess Diana”) was one of the most beloved, most photographed and most talked about celebrities of the last seventeen years. As a result of her tragic and untimely death, her name has been at the crest of the wave of global popular culture for over a year. Princess Diana’s public persona is now the subject of this dispute about the right to use her name and likeness to market goods and services.

This action involves defendants’ production and advertisement of jewelry, commemorative plates, sculptures and dolls depicting Princess Diana. Plaintiffs are the executors of the Estate of Diana, Princess of Wales (the “Estate”) and trustees of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund is a non-profit charitable trust organized under the laws of England and Wales, which, through its U.S. entity, engages in charitable activities in the United States and…

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Parties

Lord Simon CAIRNS
Plaintiff
FRANKLIN MINT COMPANY
Defendant

Judges

Paez

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