'Dirty Dancing' Makers Mount Copyright Infringement Suit

The makers of iconic movie Dirty Dancing have mounted a lawsuit against companies selling merchandise featuring a popular phrase from the 1987 film. Lionsgate Films filed the suit in Los Angeles District Court last Wednesday against 15 companies which they accuse of illegally using the words "Nobody puts Baby in the corner" on a range of goods. The lawsuit states, "The American Film Institute voted 'Nobody puts Baby in a corner' as one of the top 100 most popular quotes from a motion picture. Plaintiff markets and sells merchandise with the movie trademarks through approved licensees as part of the 'Dirty Dancing' line of approved merchandise." The suit accuses the companies named of "creating confusion" by distributing unofficial Dirty Dancing merchandise, and aims to stop the vendors - including Uncommongoods.com in New York - selling objects featuring the phrase. Lionsgate Films is also seeking a court order to make the 15 companies pay restitution costs and damages.