By Sherri - (3) comments
March 18, 2007
The concept behind NBC’s hit show “Heroes” is a fairly original one in regard to everyday people who discover they have extraordinary talents. With a large number of characters developed and a plotline that’s compelling and fun to watch, “Heroes” is a one-of-a-kind creation.Not so say two artists who have filed suit against NBC Universal and the creator’s of “Heroes.” The suit, filed in U.S. district court, alleges the show copied their ideas for an artist who could paint the future. The pair, Clifton Mallery and his wife Amnau Karam Eele, created a short story, a series of pictures and even a short film based on the concept. They say the idea was lifted by “Heroes” creators.
Whether this is true or not is up to the courts to decide. If it is, NBC should give the artists their due. Taking intellectual property and using it for one’s own benefit is not only wrong, it’s illegal.
Based on what the artists have said, Isaac Mendez does sound very much like their character, but that doesn’t mean he is. It is very possible for creative minds to dream up similar ideas at roughly the same time. It’s even possible to have two or 500 seemingly similar stories that don’t infringe upon each other.
If you think about it, just about every “superhero” creator could try to stake claim to a piece of the “Heroes” pie. The X-Men have their mutants that don’t find their abilities until they’re older, Superman can fly, all kinds of fictional characters can move things with their minds and then there’s the Invisible Man.
I’m not making light of the suit. If it’s valid, these folks should prevail in court. But, if NBC and the “Heroes” team are in the right they should absolutely do as they have vowed and defend the show vigorously.
Related:
‘Heroes’ Spoof Created By NBC
‘Heroes’ Keeps Getting Better
NBC Kicks Up Online 'Heroes' Promotions
Labels: heroes, heroes lawsuit, nbc
