Files Federal Lawsuit in Southern District of Texas Against First Look Studios

Rin Tin Tin Incorporated and Daphne Hereford have filed a Federal Trademark Infringement Lawsuit against First Look Studios and four other defendants following their release in the United States of the DVD "Finding Rin Tin Tin." The lawsuit is a matter of Open Record and can be viewed at the following link.

See the Ruling and the Actual Lawsuit Documents As Filed

September 16, 2008 ~ Rin Tin Tin cautions consumers to not be mislead by the Tuesday, September 16, 2008 release in the United States by First Look Studios (Pictures) of a movie on DVD titled "Finding Rin Tin Tin." ( NuImage Films)

The movie was filmed in Sofia, Bulgaria between January 25, 2006 and February 28, 2006 and the German Shepherd Dogs used were provided by Lary Mak in Bulgaria and in no way connected to or endorsed by the Authentic Rin Tin Tin dogs.

"I am deeply saddened and distressed to see this film company intentionally deceive the public by representing the dogs they used in the movie as Rin Tin Tin," said Miss Daphne Hereford, owner/breeder of Rin Tin Tin and Trademarks associated with the canine icon.

"For more than 9 decades and 10 generations, Rin Tin Tin and his direct line descendants that have continued the Rin Tin Tin bloodline have been highly respected and sought after. I fear this action by the production company will not only confuse the public but tarnish the Rin Tin Tin dogs good name and reputation."

"Through our attorney we made several attempts to discuss the matter with First Look Studios but they were non-responsive, Miss Hereford added.

Some years ago a similar situation arose with Lassie when a production company tried to substitute non-genetic line dogs that were not direct descendants of the original Lassie in the filming of the series in Canada. Fans rallied to the deception and sent letters, faxes and emails to the production company expressing their outrage at the deception. As a result, original direct genetic descendant line dogs of the original Lassie were returned to the series.

"We ask for the public's support in protesting this deception and bringing the matter to a postive conclusion that will ensure the good name of Rin Tin Tin dogs is not tarnished nor the consuming public deceived," Miss Hereford said.

We encourage the consuming public to boycott the release of this film on DVD and express their outrage at the deception by sending their comments directly to the production and distribution company.

© copyright 2009 Miss Daphne Hereford and Rin Tin Tin incorporated. Vintage photographs and collectibles courtesy of Rin Tin Tin Museum.
Rin Tin Tin are the Registered Trademarks of Miss Daphne Hereford and Rin Tin Tin incorporated.
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