The iconic comedy-drama film, which follows the story of Marcello, a journalist, and his search for happiness in the Eternal City, was critically acclaimed when it was released in 1960.
The famous fountain scene, in which Marcello, played by Marcello Mastroianni and Sylvia, portrayed by Anita Ekberg, wade into Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain, is one of the most famous in cinematic history.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, American film studio Paramount had been engaged in a legal battle with International Media Films (IMF) since 2011 over the rights of the film.
Paramount sued IMF after it released a 50th anniversary edition of the film in November 2011, claiming it had rights to the film through a chain of rights ownership.
“Partial summary judgment is granted in favour of Plaintiffs with respect to their First Claim for Relief because as a matter of undisputed fact and law, Defendant does not own, and at no time has owned, the United States copyright in the Film,” wrote federal Judge S. James Otero in the court ruling.
The damages to be awarded to Paramount have yet to be assessed.
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