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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) alleges that it first became aware of the existence of these "counterfeit replica" statuettes in November 2013, when it found an eBay listing for an "Academy Award Hollywood Metal Movie Acting Trophy Prop Replica" selling for $850.00.
AMPAS then contacted De La Rosa, who signed a sworn Declaration attesting that he had made seven statuettes, selling six and surrendering one to the Academy.
AMPAS now claims that it has identified four additional statuettes sold by De La Rosa on eBay and another sold by him on Etsy, making De La Rosa's Declaration seemingly false.
AMPAS has filed other lawsuits attempting to protect its intellectual property rights in the Oscar statuettes. For example, AMPAS sued a chocolatier in North Hollywood who made chocolate figurines.
Officially named the Academy Award of Merit, the Oscar statuette is the most recognized trophy in the world, and has stood on the mantels of the greatest filmmakers in history since 1929.
Since the initial Academy Awards banquet began on May 16, 1929, 2,809 Oscar statuettes have been presented. Each January, additional new golden statuettes are cast, molded, polished and buffed by R.S. Owens & Company, the Chicago-based awards manufacturer retained by the Academy since 1982. Oscar stands 13 1/2 inches tall and weighs in at 8 1/2 pounds.
On its website, AMPAS notes that the Academy, as the copyright owner of the Academy’s “Oscar” statuette, and owner of its trademarks and service marks, including “OSCAR®,” “OSCARS®,” “ACADEMY AWARD®,” “ACADEMY AWARDS®,” “OSCAR NIGHT®,” “A.M.P.A.S.®” and the federally registered “Oscar” design mark, is required to protect its properties against unauthorized uses and infringements.
