US Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against Netflix's 'Squid Game', Rules No Copyright Infringement

US Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against Netflix's 'Squid Game', Rules No Copyright Infringement

Introduction

A US federal court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Indian filmmaker Soham Shah, alleging that Netflix's popular series "Squid Game" copied his 2009 film "Luck". The court ruled that there was no substantial similarity between the two works and that Shah did not own the copyright to "Luck".

Factual Background

Shah claimed that "Squid Game" infringed on his film "Luck", arguing that both stories feature people in debt risking their lives for cash prizes. He sought to stop the show's continuation. However, the court found significant differences between the two works.

Issues

1. Whether "Squid Game" infringes on the copyright of Soham Shah's film "Luck"?
2. Whether Shah owns the copyright to "Luck"?

Contentions of the Parties

Plaintiff's Contentions: Shah argued that the similarities between "Luck" and "Squid Game" were "striking" and claimed copyright infringeme

Defendant's Contentions: Netflix likely argued that the works are distinct and that Shah did not own the copyright to "Luck".

Reasoning and Analysis

The court held that "Luck" and "Squid Game" have different tones, themes, and overall feels. The judge noted that "Luck" is more light-hearted with a sense of magical realism, while "Squid Game" is dark and deeply unsettling. The court concluded that the differences between the two works are significant, and Shah failed to establish copyright infringement.

Decision

The court dismissed the lawsuit, decision in favor of Netflix. The dismissal allows "Squid Game" to continue without further litigation over the alleged copyright infringement.

Implications

The judgment highlights the importance of establishing substantial similarity in copyright infringement cases. The court's decision also underscores the distinctiveness of "Squid Game" as a work of fiction.