Russell Brand & Kaley Cuoco Entangled In Theft Lawsuit: Their Kids Film ‘Hop’ Is Accused Of Stealing Artwork!
April 7 2014, Published 6:34 a.m. ET
The filmmakers behind Russell Brand, James Marsden and Kaley Cuoco’s box office kids film, Hop, are being sued -- nearly three years after the film premiered in theaters, RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned.
According to documents filed in the District Court in Los Angeles, Greg Young Publishing — a company representing the artist Scott Westmoreland — has filed a lawsuit against Comcast Corporation (Universal Pictures), Relativity Media LLC, Illumination Entertainment and Rhythm and Hues Studios, Inc. for copyright infringement.
In it, it is alleged that the defendants, who created, produced and distributed Hop, used “unauthorized reproductions” of Westmoreland’s “original piece of artwork entitled ‘Starting Lineup'… in the animated scenes of the movie."
“The defendants produced at least two trailers for ‘Hop,’ that are still available for viewing on the Internet,’ in which unauthorized reproductions of ‘Starting Lineup’ appear,” the papers said.
- The Stars in the Grip of Hollywood's Secret Bipolar Epidemic - From Mariah Carey to Linda Hamilton, Selena Gomez... and Many More
- Hollywood's Secret Bipolar Epidemic Exposed: The Stars Who Have Battled to Manage Horrific Ups-and-Downs — From Mood Swings to Crippling Depression and Psych Ward Admissions
- Russell Brand Facing Sex Offence Charges Following Three Grillings by Cops — Weeks After Party Clip of Him With 'Diddy' Was Branded 'Sick'
DAILY. BREAKING. CELEBRITY NEWS. ALL FREE.
It is also claimed that Westmoreland’s artwork also shows up at two different times within the film.
You Can Sue For That? The 53 Wackiest Lawsuits
Greg Young Publishing is demanding that the defendants “pay their profits… or election statutory damages” as well as pre and post judgement interest on the money damages and costs and attorneys’ fees.
The plaintiff is also asking for a trial by jury.