A Los Angeles jury has concluded that Disney did not infringe on any copyright by creating the animated film “Moana.” A man had previously claimed that Disney had used his story about a surfing boy without his permission.
The case revolved around allegations that Disney’s 2016 animated blockbuster, which features the adventures of a Polynesian girl navigating the ocean, was based on the man’s narrative. The man contended that his story, written years earlier, mirrored the core elements and plotlines of “Moana.” However, Disney argued that there was no relation between the two stories and presented their case in court.
After considering the evidence presented, the jury sided with Disney, determining that the entertainment giant did not illegally copy the man’s work. Disney’s attorneys asserted that “Moana” was conceived independently by its creators, drawing inspiration from various Polynesian myths and cultural lore.
This ruling allows Disney to continue distributing and profiting from “Moana” without any legal impediments from this specific lawsuit. Meanwhile, the decision stands as a confirmation of the entertainment conglomerate’s creative process in developing its diverse and popular storytelling content.
