GoKawiilNinth Circuit affirms Apple, Shyamalan win in Servant copyright case
The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld a jury verdict clearing Apple and M. Night Shyamalan of copyright infringement claims over the series Servant. Director Francesca Gregorini had alleged the show copied her 2013 film The Truth About Emanuel and sought up to $81 million in damages, but a jury found last year that Servant's creators never had access to her film.
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The ruling closes out a multi-year legal dispute that had lingered even after Servant's four-season run ended in 2023, removing a lingering liability for Apple tied to one of its flagship original series. The appeals court's rejection of Gregorini's arguments about jury instructions on 'widespread dissemination' could also serve as a reference point for how similar access-based copyright claims are evaluated in future entertainment lawsuits.
- Ninth Circuit upheld the jury verdict clearing Apple and Shyamalan of copying Servant from Gregorini's 2013 film.
- Gregorini had sought up to $81 million in damages, claiming the show's creators had access to her work.
- The appeals court rejected both of Gregorini's challenges regarding jury instructions and clarification requests.
Apple TV 4K streaming device — If you want to watch Servant and other Apple TV+ originals in the best quality, the Apple TV 4K is the easiest way to stream them straight to your television. It supports HDR and Dolby Atmos, making tense thrillers like Servant even more immersive.
See Apple TV 4K streaming device on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: 9to5mac.com — Marcus Mendes, 2026-10-23
Published there as: “Apple wins again in copyright infringement battle over Apple TV thriller series”
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