Animator Claude Robinson wins copyright battle over Cinar
Cartoonist wins 20-year battle over Robinson Sucroe show
The Supreme Court of Canada has found in favour of Quebec animator Claude Robinson after a 20-year legal battle, ruling that Montreal-based production company Cinar violated his copyright and must pay compensatory damages.
Robinson created a cartoon character and show called The Adventures of Robinson Curiosity in the 1980s. The show, inspired by Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe, was shopped around.
Almost a decade later Robinson saw a similar show called Robinson Sucroe — which became quite popular. He sued for copyright infringement.
Robinson won at the Quebec Court of Appeal in 2009, which ruled that the Montreal-based production company, Cinar, had essentially copied his idea.
After he was originally awarded more than $5 million in damages, Cinar appealed to the Supreme Court.
The production company lost the legal battle Monday in a unanimous ruling.
With files from The Canadian Press