Harry Dunn and Steven Block, two aspiring television producers, launched a lawsuit against TruTV earlier this week claiming the network stole their idea for a series about shoplifters. Ironic? I think so.
In February 2012 TruTV ran a special called Caught Red Handed, based on a team of undercover store detectives that hunt down and arrest shoplifting suspects. TruTV plans to begin airing a series of the same title beginning on November 6th.
The concept for Caught Red Handed directly reflects the idea of Harry Dunn and Steven Block’s show; Hands Off The Merchandise. In March 2008 Harry and Steven pitched the idea for the show to TruTV. Their aspiring show was meant to identify and catch shoplifters. In 2009 TruTV responded to the aspiring producers saying that they would ‘pass on the idea.’
The suit cites a number of charges including breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets. Dunn and Block are seeking punitive, compensatory, and exemplary damages, as well as any profits the network may have made from the unaired series.
Written in their complaint, Dunn and Block’s legal team state “The idea, concept and format of the CRH Special and the CRH Series are identical to and indistinguishable from the HOTM Concept, which was created, developed and is owned in its entirety by Plaintiffs.”
Block and Dunn are being represented by Randall Fink of LA’s the Law Offices of Randall Carlyle Fink.
