In the beginning of this year, to be exact January 7, 2015, Fox debuted an American drama series titled "Empire" created by Lee Daniels alongside with Danny Strong. The show focuses on a entertainment company that is ran by a family who individually try to inquire control. With all the drama in screen, of course there had to be some drama in the media world as well. Within the first 6 months of the show being debuted "Empire" was hit with 2 claims, and at least 6 lawsuits. A little crazy don't you think?
“Fox Sues to Keep 'Empire' as Title of Hit Series” an article by Eriq Gardner released in The hollywood Reporter on March 24, 2015, after Fox received multiply demands in order to keep the name of the showing. Which is crazy because the demands from Empire Distribution after sending a second letter to Fox Network were: Broadcaster can either settle the matter for $5 million plus use Empire Distribution artist as “regular guest starts” on the show or pay $8 million or lastly stop using the word “Empire” altogether. These demands seem pretty irrational for the simple fact that the show relates nothing to Empire Distribution. Fox networks main and only concern is protecting its intellectual property rights. Question is how is having the name “Empire” effecting your business or image of what Empire Distribution stands for?
When social media fans got information in their hands it seemed as if everyone had lots to say. In reading some of the tweets on twitter, many fans believe that the simple fact that because the show is a proven success and will continue to succeed Empire Distribution feels that they need to be apart of the success. Others feel as if there is more to the story then what they media is telling readers. Some are saying that Empire has no ties to any relating life story and that people are just suing out of jealously and the greed for money. Whatever the case might be if Fox Network has to cancel season two or change the name their will be a lot of angry fans protesting for the cause.
Of course not all of the information is presented to us but from what I am reading I can honestly agree with a lot of the fans. Empire Distribution has no real reasoning as to why they feel the need that Fox Network has to compile with their demands. It is just a name it is not that serious, an all honestly some could even take their demands as "ransom" or a "threat". I would understand if Fox was portraying the storyline behind Empire Distribution, then it would only be write that they receive a percentage of the making but that is not what it looks to be happening.
Of course not all of the information is presented to us but from what I am reading I can honestly agree with a lot of the fans. Empire Distribution has no real reasoning as to why they feel the need that Fox Network has to compile with their demands. It is just a name it is not that serious, an all honestly some could even take their demands as "ransom" or a "threat". I would understand if Fox was portraying the storyline behind Empire Distribution, then it would only be write that they receive a percentage of the making but that is not what it looks to be happening.
According to Fox Network lawyer Marvin Putnam, of O’Melveny & Myers, in court he goes about to trying to prove that Empire Distribution only agenda is making profit off this hit series success, which is very sad. In a statement Putnam made he makes it clear that, “Fox has no intention of allowing anyone to leverage “Empire” success for their own unwarranted financial gain,” As months go by we can see that season two of Fox Networks series “Empire” returns September 23, 2015 and the name has yet to change.
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