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'ER' and 'The Pitt' are similar enough for lawsuit to move forward, appeals court finds
Compiled Nov 5
What happened
A California appeals court ruled that 'ER' and 'The Pitt' have enough similarity for the lawsuit to move forward.
The detail
A three-judge panel from California's 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled unanimously on Wednesday.
The detail
The panel found the trial court judge was correct to reject Warner Bros. Television's motion to throw out the case.
The detail
The judges dismissed Noah Wyle and two other producers, John Wells and R. Scott Gemmill, as defendants.
How it unfolded
1994 to 2009: 'ER' airs on NBC as a hit medical drama. · 2008: Michael Crichton dies of cancer. · two years ago: Sherri Crichton files the lawsuit against Warner Bros. Television, before 'The Pitt' had aired. · since filing: 'The Pitt' airs on HBO Max and wins multiple Emmys, including two for best drama and two for Wyle as best actor. · Wednesday: A three-judge appeals court panel rules unanimously that the lawsuit can proceed.
Still unresolved
Emails seeking comment on the ruling were sent to lawyers for Warner Bros., with no response noted in the article.