O.C. Couple’s Suit Says Muppet Firm Stole Their Ideas
An Orange County couple has sued the Jim Henson Co. for $250 million, accusing the Muppet makers of stealing their ideas and using them in a number of best-selling children’s books.
The copyright and trademark infringement lawsuit, filed Wednesday in federal court, alleges Henson stole the idea for a character called “Nicky Moonbeam” who would comfort children afraid of the dark. Also stolen were designs for a playful moon and stars and the concept of children’s books containing a night-light, attorney Martinas Silas said Friday.
A call seeking comment from the Henson Co. was not immediately returned.
According to the suit, Wanda Cavalier, a former teacher from Orange County, came up with the “Nicky Moonbeam” character in 1992 and developed a marketing plan with her husband, Christopher, that would include merchandise and books.
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