A+E Networks has unconventionally settled a lawsuit against production company Big Fish Entertainment and cable network Reelz over the series “On Patrol: Live.”
As part of the settlement, A+E Networks entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with Amazon, which owns Big Fish, to feature numerous titles from the A&E cable channel on Amazon’s Prime Video. The deal also includes the extension of the A&E FAST channel currently available on Prime Video and the launch of new channels.
“A+E Networks and Amazon have agreed to significantly expand their commercial relationship with a multi-year agreement that expands the reach of A+E Networks’ brands and content on Amazon’s Prime Video service,” the companies said in a joint statement. said. “In connection with that agreement, the legal dispute between A+E, Big Fish Entertainment and Reelz regarding Live PD has been resolved.”
A+E Networks sued Big Fish and Reelz in August 2022, claiming that “On Patrol: Live” was a rip-off of A&E’s previous show, “Live PD.” The latter had been A&E’s most popular show for several years, but it was also the latest in the midst of nationwide protests against police brutality and Live PD staff filming (but not airing) an arrest in Williamson County, Texas, near Austin. It was canceled in 2020 amid revelations that it had Javier Ambler passed away in 2019. Texas subsequently passed a law that prohibits law enforcement agencies from contracting with television producers and film parties for the purpose of producing reality television. show. “
In copyright infringement lawsuits, On Patrol: Live has similarities to Live PD (Dan Abrams hosts both series), and Reelz initially called the show a “return” or It was advertised as a “reboot,” he claimed.
Last year, a federal judge denied a motion to dismiss the case, allowing A+E Networks to move forward with its claims.
Amazon’s licensing agreement also expands the availability of A&E add-on subscriptions for Prime Video customers in the U.S. and Japan, allowing users to rent A&E shows and movies on demand via Prime Video in several countries. will also be extended.
