MIAMI - A federal judge ruled against tennis star Maria Sharapova on
Wednesday, saying a Florida production company was entitled to market a
documentary on her despite her agents' attempts to halt distribution.
![](xin_360803030909778316926.jpg) Maria Sharapova of
Russia reacts after winning a point during the first set of her tennis
match against Vasilisa Bardina of Russia at theAcura Classic on Tuesday,
Aug. 1, 2006, at the La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif.
[AP] |
U.S. District Judge Donald Middlebrooks said Byzantium Productions Inc. was
lawful in its production of two films, "Anna's Army" and "Russian Women's
Tennis." The documentaries did not violate trademark laws, the judge found.
Jonathan Koch, a Tampa attorney representing Sharapova, said he initially
believed there was potential for confusion among consumers that the films were
official documentaries. As the litigation progressed, though, he said he changed
his mind.
"As we investigated and as the controversy developed we concluded that the
commercial significance of the matter did not justify being involved in a
lawsuit," Koch said.
The decision means Byzantium, a two-man operation in West Palm Beach, can
move forward with plans to distribute its work in Japan and elsewhere, though
the filmmakers said the damage had already been done.
"We're thrilled to have this all over with. It's been a long battle ¡ª they
destroyed our business," said Peter Geisler, the company's vice president. "This
should allow distribution to continue, but my guess is that it's most likely too
late."
In addition to footage of Sharapova, the films include interviews with
Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert and others.
IMG, the agency that represents Sharapova and her company, SW19 Inc., had
said Byzantium illegally used the tennis player's identity and infringed on her
company's trademark and legal rights, among other claims. The agency threatened
legal action.
Martin Reeder, a Jupiter, Fla.-based attorney for Byzantium, said those
threats kept the film from further distribution.
"It's still sitting in warehouses," he said.
Sharapova was the first Russian to win the Wimbledon title. She was born in
Russia but now lives in Florida.