The California Federal Court on Monday ruled that the popular animated film Moana did not violate copyright as claimed by a writer and animator, Buck Woodall.
The jury rejected the claim that Disney copied the script, storyboards, and other elements from Woodall’s planned animated film titled Bucky, which tells the story of a teenage surfer who travels back to ancient Polynesia.
According to Disney’s lawyers, “The creators of Moana never saw Woodall’s materials, and the two works are not similar enough to support a copyright claim.”
Woodall, who currently resides in Baja, Mexico, and Taos, New Mexico, claimed to have shared materials for the Bucky project with film executive Jenny Marchick since the early 2000s.
According to his lawsuit, Woodall sent the final draft of the script to Marchick in 2011 and alleged that the executive handed over the materials to Disney without his permission.
Woodall sought at least $100 million in damages, but the case ultimately only involved Disney’s home video distribution arm, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, after the court dismissed claims related to theatrical releases.
Woodall’s lawyer, Gustavo Lage, expressed disappointment with the decision and is considering further options.
In addition to this case, Woodall also filed another lawsuit in January regarding the sequel Moana 2, seeking $10 billion in damages for alleged copyright infringement.
So far, Disney has not issued any official statement regarding their victory in this case. – BOOM!
