TBS 'House' hit with Kiwi suit

Claim alleges cabler copied format after halting talks

By JOHN DRINNAN

AUCKLAND -- A tiny New Zealand TV format developer has filed a suit in the U.S. alleging that "House Rules," set to bow Oct. 10 on TBS, breaches copyright of Kiwi hit "Dream Home."

Ninox Films and Kiwi pubcaster TVNZ co-own the copyright of "Dream Home," a house makeover show that airs in primetime in its home market. Format is licensed for broadcast in South Africa and France.

A claim lodged Aug. 27 in the U.S. District Court in New York alleges that "House Rules" uses material supplied by Ninox through its U.S. agents. It names advertising agency McCann-Erickson Worldwide, the agency's production division Magna Entertainment, U.S. hardware chain Lowe's and Turner Broadcasting Systems.

Claim relates to discussions Ninox execs held with Lowe's and McCann-Erickson Worldwide between October 2001 and January 2002.

Ninox alleges McCann-Erickson reviewed the confidential copyrighted proposals in November 2001 and was enthusiastic for a show on PBS.

Before the agreement was executed, McCann "abruptly and inexplicably changed its position," rejected them and replicated the show for TBS, Ninox alleges. Claim alleges that McCann then set up Magna Entertainment. TBS refused to comment on the lawsuit.

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