| Director of "The Secret" Files Copyright Lawsuit |
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Profits generated by popular product line subject of federal lawsuit “To all who have been inspired by ‘The Secret,’ please know that I amnot suing the universal principles of ‘The Secret’” says Mr. Heriot.“Rather, I am suing the corporate principals behind ‘The Secret,’ whopromised at the outset that profits would be shared, and who have notkept faith with ‘The Secret’s’ tenets of gratitude and integrity.” The lawsuit alleges that Rhonda Byrne, executive producer of “TheSecret,” and Robert E. Rainone Jr., a Chicago businessman, conspired todeny Mr. Heriot’s rights to co-ownership and profits from the movie andrelated works through a maze of U.S. and foreign-based companies. It isestimated that the combined gross revenue from DVD and book sales of“The Secret” currently exceeds $300 million. “Although Rhonda Byrne has repeatedly claimed to be the sole creator of‘The Secret’ and associated works, we have evidence that she and DrewHeriot collaborated and shared source materials to produce the originalfilm and book,” says Mr. Heriot’s attorney Mark Werbner of the Dallas-based trial firm Sayles Werbner. “‘The Secret’ franchisewould never have existed if it weren’t for Drew, and all he’s asking isto be compensated for his work and creative contributions.” Originally released in March of 2006 for DVD and online sales, “TheSecret” uses a documentary format of interviews and dramatizedsequences to present what is called the “Law of Attraction.” Embracedby many self-help experts and the subject of extensive media coverage,the film teaches that thoughts and feelings attract real events intoindividuals’ lives, creating a basis for a higher sense of personal andspiritual fulfillment. “As Director, Drew gave ‘The Secret’ its distinctive approach andstyle. He created the structure and order for the film, conducted thevast majority of those interviews, worked for months on the screenplay,directed the most important dramatic scenes and supervised the editingand post production,” says Mr. Werbner. “The book is essentially atranscript of the movie. Drew’s pivotal role and ownership rights inthese materials should be upheld, and we look forward to our day incourt.” The lawsuit seeks a declaration that, as co-author and copyrightholder, Mr. Heriot has a right to a full accounting of proceeds fromall creative forms of “The Secret,” as well as a percentage of thoseprofits. The lawsuit also seeks financial compensation to Mr. Heriotfor copyright infringement and unjust enrichment on the part of Ms.Byrne and other defendants. Sayles Werbner has an international reputation as a “go to” trial lawfirm in multifaceted business litigation, intellectual property,life-altering personal injury cases, product safety lawsuits and otherareas of the law. More information about the firm can be found at www.swtriallaw.com. To interview attorney Mark Werbner about “The Secret” lawsuit,please contact Bruce Vincent at 214.559.4630, toll free 800.559.4534,cell 214.728.6747, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . |