HC Deb 20 November 1990 vol 181 cc83-4W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what supporting evidence, in the form of artisitic works, was adduced by MCA Merchandising of Universal Studios to substantiate its claim for(a) licence fees and (b) redress for alleged breach of copyright re the Frank N. Stein advertising campaign for the flotation of the electricity distribution companies and his similarity to Herman Munster of the Munsters.

Mr. Baldry

Visual evidence and supporting explanations were supplied by MCA Merchandising, in support of its claim for licence fees. The claim for alleged breach of copyright is a matter between the advertising agency, WCRS, and MCA Merchandising.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what policy considerations in relation to intellectual property rights affected the decision to authorise payments(a) in purchase of a licence and (b) as settlement for alleged breach of copyright to the MCA Merchandising subsidiary of Universal Studios in respect of Herman Munster's similarity to Frank N. Stein.

Mr. Baldry

The payment of a licence fee was a commercial decision based on legal advice. No policy considerations in relation to intellectual property rights applied in this respect. The settlement for alleged breach of copyright was a matter for WCRS and MCA Merchandising.