BBC, RAI launch 'Dancing' suit in Italy

ROME -- BBC Worldwide and Italo pubcaster RAI are suing Mediaset, Endemol and Mexican multimedia conglomerate Televisa for copyright infringement in Italy, claiming that upcoming Mediaset show "Baila!" is an illegal copycat of the BBC's "Dancing with the Stars" format. Baila!," which is adapted from Televisa's popular Latin American format "Bailando por un Sueno" (Dancing for a Dream), is due to debut on Mediaset's flagship Canale 5 station on Sept. 27. Known as "Ballando sotto le Stelle," RAI's adaptation of "Dancing with the Stars" has been reaping stellar ratings in Italy since 2005. Mediaset in a statement has said Endemol, from which it purchased the "Baila!" format, has guaranteed it to be original. The top Italian commercial broadcaster, in rejecting accusations of plagiarism, also quoted Mediaset VP Pier Silvio Berlusconi as saying that a key difference between the two shows is that "Baila!" has "the peculiarity of involving both celebrities and normal people," unlike "Dancing with the Stars." The same Endemol format is the basis for "Mira Quien Baila," the dance talent show that is a hit with Hispanic audiences on Univision in the U.S. But the BBC and RAI claim that the "Baila!" version Mediaset is preparing to air would certainly violate Italian copyright law. BBC Worldwide takes the protection of its copyright extremely seriously and is currently undertaking legal action in Italy to protect its 'Dancing with the Stars' format," the BBC said in a statement. 'Dancing with the Stars' has been named as world's most successful reality TV format, and has been licensed to more than 35 international broadcasters. It is very important to BBC Worldwide and its international licensees that the format is protected from infringement." A decision by a Rome court is expected in coming days. Steve Clarke in London contributed to this report. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

Watch Movies Now