Sheldon v. Metro-Goldwyn Pictures Corp.
United States Supreme Court
309 U.S. 390 (1940)
Relevant factsFree
After finding MGM's (defendant) film infringed Sheldon's (plaintiff) play, the district court awarded Sheldon all of MGM's net profits, but the court of appeals reversed, finding the film's success was largely attributable to MGM's own contributions -- popular actors, scenery, and production talent -- and apportioned Sheldon only one-fifth of the net profits.
IssueFree
Whether, in computing an award of profits against an infringer of a copyright, there may be an apportionment so as to give to the owner of the copyright only that part of the profits found to be attributable to the use of the copyrighted material.