Academy settles suit with Italian broadcaster over 'Oscars'

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has settled a trademark lawsuit against Italian broadcaster RAI over several "Oscars" spin-offs, an Academy statement said Thursday.

The Academy sued RAI in the US District Court in Los Angeles in 2005 over a series of programs televised by the public broadcaster including "Wine Oscars," "Fashion Oscars," "TV Oscars" and "Theater Oscars."

The Academy statement said the lawsuit had been "amicably resolved" but did not provide details on the terms of the settlement.

The statement said the case was settled after the Academy submitted evidence that demonstrated the word "Oscar" has not become a generic term to describe awards shows. Other lawsuits lodged by the Academy against RAI in Germany and...