LOS ANGELES – A writer, director and producer known for his work on "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" alleges that his name was unlawfully used in connection with a series.
Luc Besson filed a complaint on June 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Blackpills Inc. alleging false and misleading association under the Lanham Act and violation of the right of publicity.
According to the complaint, the defendant, Together Studio and Coven Garden Productions entered into a production agreement to produce a series called "Playground" with the notation "Original idea: Luc Besson."
The plaintiff holds Blackpills Inc. responsible because the plaintiff alleges he never authorized the defendant to produce any content using his ideas or name.
The plaintiff seeks injunctive relief, monetary damages, disgorgement of profits, interest, all legal fees and any other relief as the court deems just. He is represented by Dale Kinsella and Gregory P. Korn of Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert LLP in Santa Monica.
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California case number 2:17-cv-04578-PA-JEM