Copyright Infringement Lawsuit: 'She The People' Founder Sues Tyler Perry And Netflix

Michael

3 min read

Post on Jun 04, 2025

4.1

Share

Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Rocks Hollywood: 'She the People' Founder Takes on Tyler Perry and Netflix

The entertainment industry is reeling from a major copyright infringement lawsuit filed by attorney and founder of the non-profit organization "She the People," Barbara Bernard, against media mogul Tyler Perry and streaming giant Netflix. Bernard alleges that Perry's Netflix film, A Fall From Grace, directly copies her original screenplay, also titled A Fall From Grace. This high-profile case raises crucial questions about intellectual property rights and the responsibilities of major players in the film industry.

The lawsuit, filed in the [Court Name and Location - replace with actual location once known], claims substantial similarities between Bernard's screenplay and Perry's film, encompassing plot points, characters, dialogue, and overall narrative structure. Bernard asserts that she registered her screenplay with the [Relevant Copyright Organization, e.g., U.S. Copyright Office] years before the release of A Fall From Grace, establishing clear ownership and precedence.

Key Allegations of Copyright Infringement

Bernard's legal team argues that the similarities between the two works are not coincidental but rather constitute a clear act of copyright infringement. Specific points of contention reportedly include:

• Identical Plot Points: Both works allegedly revolve around similar central narratives, including a key relationship dynamic and a pivotal betrayal.
• Character Similarities: Characters in both A Fall From Grace (the film) and Bernard's screenplay share strikingly similar personalities, motivations, and backstories.
• Dialogue Parallels: The lawsuit claims several instances of nearly identical dialogue between the two works.
• Overall Narrative Structure: The overarching structure and progression of events in both projects allegedly mirror each other closely.

These allegations, if proven, would constitute a significant breach of copyright law, potentially leading to substantial financial penalties for Perry and Netflix.

The Implications for Independent Filmmakers

This lawsuit carries significant weight beyond the immediate parties involved. For independent filmmakers, who often invest considerable time and resources into their projects, the case highlights the vulnerabilities they face in protecting their intellectual property against powerful players in the industry. It underscores the importance of diligently registering screenplays and taking proactive steps to safeguard creative work. The outcome could significantly impact future litigation involving smaller creators versus larger production companies.

What Happens Next?

The legal battle promises to be protracted and complex. Both Perry and Netflix are expected to mount a robust defense. Experts anticipate a thorough examination of both screenplays, along with evidence regarding the creative process behind each work. The case will likely involve expert testimony from screenwriters, film industry professionals, and legal scholars specializing in copyright law. The ultimate decision will hinge on the court's assessment of the degree of similarity between the two works and whether that similarity constitutes actionable copyright infringement. Further updates will be provided as the case progresses.

Learn more about copyright protection for screenwriters: [Link to a reputable resource on copyrighting screenplays - e.g., Writer's Guild of America website]

Stay tuned for further developments in this high-stakes Hollywood legal drama.