### Apple Prevails in Lawsuit Regarding “Tetris” Documentary Claims
In a notable judicial triumph for Apple, the technology powerhouse has effectively defended itself against a lawsuit asserting that its documentary “Tetris,” accessible on Apple TV+, copied material from a book authored by tech journalist Dan Ackerman. The decision, made by U.S. District Judge Katherine Failla, established that the resemblances between Ackerman’s book, “The Tetris Effect,” and the documentary were inadequate to support the accusations of copyright infringement.
#### Origin of the Lawsuit
Dan Ackerman, a well-known name in technology journalism and the former editor-in-chief of Gizmodo, initiated the lawsuit in 2023. His book, released in 2016, examines the background and cultural significance of the legendary video game Tetris. Ackerman claimed that the documentary was “substantially similar in nearly all material aspects” to his publication. The lawsuit included multiple defendants, among them Apple, screenwriter Noah Pink, Marv Studios, and the Tetris Company.
Court documents revealed that Ackerman had forwarded a pre-release copy of “The Tetris Effect” to the Tetris Company in July 2016. However, the Tetris Company, under the leadership of CEO Maya Rogers, reportedly directed its team not to license any of the Tetris intellectual property for film or television endeavors. The lawsuit alleged that the Tetris Company subsequently sent a cease and desist notice to Ackerman’s agent, warning of legal action if Ackerman sought any licensing agreements for adaptations of his book.
#### Claims of Copyright Infringement
Ackerman’s lawsuit gained momentum when he identified what he termed “substantial similarity” between his book and the teaser for the “Tetris” documentary released in March 2023. Following this discovery, he dispatched a cease and desist letter, insisting that the film should not be released until the legal matters were addressed. Despite knowing about this letter, Apple moved forward with the documentary’s launch on its streaming platform a week later.
#### Judicial Decision
Judge Failla’s decision highlighted the difference between non-fiction works and creative interpretation. She concluded that since Ackerman’s book is a non-fiction narrative, the defendants had the right to use the factual data contained within the book to produce the documentary, as long as they did not duplicate Ackerman’s distinctive expression of those facts. This legal tenet is grounded in copyright law, which safeguards the specific formulation of ideas but permits the use of factual information.
#### Reception of the “Tetris” Documentary
Notwithstanding the legal hurdles, the “Tetris” documentary has been positively embraced by viewers and critics, boasting an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film investigates the intriguing history of Tetris, highlighting its inception, cultural importance, and the legal disputes surrounding its intellectual property.
For those eager to view the documentary, it is available for streaming on Apple TV+.
#### Final Thoughts
The rejection of Ackerman’s lawsuit emphasizes the intricacies of copyright law, especially in the context of non-fiction storytelling. As the media landscape continues to change, this case illustrates the intricate equilibrium between safeguarding intellectual property and facilitating creative expression rooted in factual information.
