Case:Marder v. Lopez

Actions

,450 F. 3d 445 - Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit 2006.Facts:The movie Flashdance was based on the story of Maureen Marder. Paramount paid $2300 for the rights and signed a full release. The movie grossed over $150 million.

Subsequent to this, Sony Music paid Paramount for the release of copyright and produced a Jennifer Lopez song, "I'm Glad", in which Ms. Lopez sings and dances, recreating scenes from the movie. Marder sued paramount, Sony, and Lopez, asserting rights as co-author of Flashdance and co-owner with Paramount of the copyright. The district court dismissed her claims and she appealed.

Issue:Was the General Release signed by Marder an enforceable contract?

Discuss the decision of the U.S. court of appeals, and the reason why the court upheld the dismissal of the actions against the defendants.