A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against ‘N Sync by a firm that made giant look-alike puppets of band members for their 2000 American Music Awards performance.
Sid and Marty Krofft Pictures Inc. filed the U.S. District Court copyright suit in November 2000 seeking damages and a portion of the profits from sales of a souvenir program and backstage “pass” using the puppet likenesses.
U.S. District Judge Robert Kelleher dismissed all claims against group members Justin Timberlake, J.C. Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Lance Bass and Joey Fatone Jr., and band manager Johnny Wright, court documents showed Friday.
The judge found the Kroffts “cannot establish vicarious liability and no genuine issues remain for trial,” according to the court papers.
The giant puppets were used during the performance of the hit “Bye Bye Bye” from the “No Strings Attached” album. The Kroffts copyrighted the puppets in July 2000.
The suit claimed a photograph of the Krofft puppets on the back of souvenir programs sold at ‘N Sync concerts as well as the laminated backstage pass that carried its image violated the puppet firm’s copyright.
Here Are ‘N Sync’s Remaining Tour Dates:
- April 15-16 – Boston – FleetCenter
- April 18 – Philadelphia – First Union Center
- April 19 – Hartford, Conn. – Hartford Civic Center
- April 21 – Washington, D.C. – MCI Center
- April 22 – Pittsburgh – Mellon Arena
- April 23 – Columbus, Ohio – Nationwide Arena
- April 25 – Memphis, Tenn. – the Pyramid
- April 27 – Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – National Car Rental Center
- April 28 – Orlando, Fla. – TD Waterhouse Centre
