Apple Wins Legal Battle Over Servant Copyright Claims

The Legal Dispute Concludes

Apple has secured another legal victory in a copyright infringement case. The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a verdict from early last year that fully cleared the company and director M. Night Shyamalan of plagiarism allegations. The case centred on the popular psychological thriller, Servant, which streams on Apple TV+.

The series, starring Lauren Ambrose, Toby Kebbell, and Rupert Grint, follows the tragic story of a Philadelphia couple and the mysterious forces that invade their home. Following the show's premiere, Italian director Francesca Gregorini filed a lawsuit against Apple and Shyamalan. The plaintiff claimed the plot of the series was a copy of her 2013 film, The Truth About Emanuel, and sought up to $81 million in damages.

What Happened in Court?

In January 2025, a jury reached a unanimous decision in favour of Apple. The jurors determined that the show's creators did not have access to Gregorini's film, ruling out any possibility of copying. However, the director appealed the decision, challenging two main points.

First, Gregorini argued that the jurors had not received sufficient instruction regarding the concept of "widespread dissemination"—specifically, whether her film was famous enough that the show's creators must have seen it. Second, she contested the judge's decision to accept the verdict without addressing a request for clarification submitted by the jury.

Why This Matters

The appeals court rejected both arguments. The judges stated that the jury instructions fully complied with the law and that the court was not required to provide a more detailed explanation of "widespread dissemination." Furthermore, it was confirmed that the trial judge had the discretion to accept a unanimous verdict without answering additional questions.

This victory is significant for Apple as it continues to actively produce original content for its streaming platform. Apple TV+ is home to hits such as Ted Lasso, Severance, and Silo. Such disputes are often a headache for major studios, but in this instance, the court has clearly drawn a line between creative inspiration and copyright infringement. For viewers who use Apple TV+ services, this decision means that the content on the platform is protected and its legal status is clear. The company continues to invest in high-quality drama series, ensuring the platform's future competitiveness in the international market.