Truth Or Consequences: Sanctions Fly In Telenovela Copyright Infringement Case

The case of Latele Television v. Telemundo Communications Group might have been a simple factual dispute over copyright ownership, but instead it has devolved into a series of accusations — including allegations of willful discovery violations and forgery — that could have been lifted directly from the telenovelas at issue in the case. This fascinating dispute, still ongoing in the Southern District of Florida, serves as an object lesson on the importance of thorough pre-litigation investigation, open communication among co-counsel, and candor in discovery responses.

Background

Latele Television claims to own the copyrights to the popular Maria Maria, a Spanish-language soap opera that began airing in 1989. Telemundo produces another Spanish-language soap opera called El Rostro de Analia, which began airing in 2008. In July 2012, Latele sued Telemundo, alleging that El Rostro is so similar to Maria Maria that it infringes Latele's copyrights.