November 30, 2009
According to the federal complaint, Snap TV purchased rights to 102 images through a deal with Minden Pictures. But the licensing rights were nontransferable, the photographers say.The restaurant chain handed out 2 million of the unlicensed products through its 5,800 U.S. restaurants, according to the complaint. The DVDs feature animal-themed games and meals from the kid's menu.The photographers seek $11.2 million in damages for copyright infringement from Taco Bell and Snap TV.
"In fact, this case is about a simple dispute between Snap TV and Minden Pictures over a partially unpaid invoice of a few thousand dollars. All of the images used were properly licensed. In our view, this is a frivolous lawsuit and we intend to vigorously defend the case."