The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the ruling that Apple TV's 'Servant' did not plagiarize the film 'The Truth About Emanuel.' Filmmaker Francesca Gregorini filed the lawsuit in January 2020, accusing M. Night Shyamalan and Apple of copying her work. After initial dismissal, the case was revived for a jury trial, which ruled in favor of Apple.
Gregorini appealed, but the appeals court rejected the challenge. While both works feature a grieving mother attached to a doll, the court found no substantial similarity beyond that premise. The jury viewed both the film and the first three episodes of the series before reaching its decision.
Shyamalan maintained there was 'clearly, 100% a misunderstanding.' 'Servant' concluded in March 2023 but remains available on Apple TV.
Source: AppleInsider · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing