David Cassidy on the Web
Former teen idol David Cassidy's lawsuit against Sony may be decided by jury
June 12, 2012
By Sharon Raiford Bush
http://www.examiner.com
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge said today he needs a few more days to think about whether former teen idol David Cassidy's money issues with the Sony Corporation should be placed in the hands of a jury, rather than decided by an arbitrator.
The star from The Partridge Family, a 1970s musical sitcom, filed a lawsuit on October 5, 2011, claiming the multinational conglomerate owes him millions of dollars in royalties.
In the suit, the actor, singer and songwriter alleges that Sony has yet to pay him for using his likeness on merchandising products from the popular television show.
According to Cassidy's complaint, "The Partridge Family" was one of the first TV projects to be merchandized globally.
Cassidy raises issue that his image has appeared on posters, pillow cases, toy guitars, lunch boxes, board games, beach towels, pencil cases, comic books and other items that have been marketed and sold.
"For nearly 40 years, defendants have swindled Mr. Cassidy out of his rightful share of the profits from The Partridge Family, and when Mr. Cassidy has inquired as to the matter, have lied to him so as to continue to conceal their deception," the lawsuit states. [Beverly Hills Courier]
Under a 1971 contract with Screen Gems, a movie production company, Beverly Hills Courier reports that Cassidy signed on then to receive 15 percent of net merchandising revenues for the use of his image, voice or likeness, among other incentives.
Although Sony's legal representatives claim that both sides once agreed to arbitrate their dispute, Cassidy asked a judge to consider a trial by jury instead.
