A+E Networks Settles ‘Live PD’ Legal Dispute With Reelz & Big Fish, Strikes Licensing Deal With Amazon
The long-running dispute between A+E Networks, cable network Reelz and Amazon-owned Big Fish Entertainment over Live PD has been settled.
The three companies have “reached a resolution” in the case, which was related to Reelz launching On Patrol: Live after the cancellation of Live PD on A&E.
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In addition, A+E Networks has struck a non-exclusive licensing deal with Big Fish owner Amazon.
It comes more than two years after A+E Networks sued Reelz and Big Fish.
“The legal dispute between A+E and Big Fish Entertainment and Reelz concerning Live PD has been resolved,” an A+E Networks spokesman said Friday.
The case started in August 2022; Deadline broke the news in June 2020 that Live PD had been canceled amid ongoing protests against police brutality following the murder of George Floyd. In June 2022, Reelz ordered On Patrol: Live from Live PD producer Big Fish Entertainment, but then in August the company sued Reelz and Big Fish.
In December 2022, Big Fish hit back at the lawsuit filed by the cable networks group in August, calling it “meritless” and laying out the reasons why in a motion to dismiss filing in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
The crux of the issue was whether On Patrol: Live, which became a ratings success for Reelz, was a “clone” of Live PD. In its August filing, the Hearst- and Disney-backed company used phrases such as “brazen theft” and “flagrant violation.”
By June 2023, the two companies looked to be heading to court after a judge denied a motion.
This morning, A&E lawyers told the court that they had resolved the situation.
Separately, in connection with the settlement, Amazon and A&E Television have closed a multi-year, non-exclusive licensing deal. The deal will see A&E shows available on Amazon Prime Video as well as subscription packages and the launch of FAST channels.
“A+E Networks and Amazon have agreed to significantly expand their commercial relationship in a multi-year agreement that will amplify the reach of A+E Networks’ brands and content on Amazon’s Prime Video service,” the spokesman added.
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