Big Idea Theft Case Over Big Ten Network
Thu Mar 06, 2008 @ 09:51AM PSTPosted by Eriq Gardner
Idea theft cases are a dime a dozen in the entertainment industry, but we have to respect any lawsuit that begins by quoting Johann Kasper Lavater's "Aphorisms on Man": "Trust not him with your secrets, who, when left alone in your room, turns over your papers."
That's the taunt that opens this complaint filed by Illinois businessman Robert Welsh against the Big Ten Conference for launching a cable TV network. Welsh claims that in 1997 and 1998, he developed a plan for a Big Ten Network and held confidential meetings with officials from the Midwest-based athletic conference. Ultimately, Welsh was advised that the Big Ten didn't want to "cede control" over its rights to an independent entity.
In 2007, the conference, with help from Fox, launched a network.
Welsh claims a trademark on "Big Ten Network" and is also suing for violation of the trade secrets and unjust enrichment, and is demanding all proceeds and profits flowing from the alleged misappropriation.
Filed Under Litigation
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