CINAR Corporation, makers of ARTHUR and THE BUSY WORLD OF RICHARD SCARRY,
have settled the lawsuit filed last year against them by the Jim Henson
Company. The lawsuit claimed that CINAR's WIMZIE'S HOUSE features puppets
that violate Jim Henson's copyright and trademark rights on their puppets.
In the settlement, CINAR and its licensees Eden LLC and Carson-Dellose
Publishing Company denied and continue to deny wrongdoing or liability for
infringement. The agreement, the terms of which are confidential, allows
for CINAR to continue distributing WIMZIE'S HOUSE and selling the series'
merchandise. The settlement also provides a mechanism for preserving the
distinctive look of Jim Henson's Muppets in CINAR's future productions.
Broadcast on PBS, the U.S. public broadcasting station, the preschool show
follows the adventures of Wimzie and the unique home daycare called
Wimzie's House. Ronald A. Weinberg, president and CEO of CINAR said, "We
are delighted that it's been settled and that the agreement leaves an open
door between the two companies."