Carat, IMS Face Off in Court Over Studio Pitch

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Opening arguments were heard last week in Inde pendent Media Services’ lawsuit against Aegis Group’s Carat USA alleging breach of contract, misuse of trade secrets, unfair competition and illegal interference with bus iness relations. IMS is seeking $30 million in damages.

IMS filed suit in April 2001 after Carat won New Line Cin ema’s $125 million media buying and planning business, following a review.

The suit alleges that Carat based its winning compensation proposal on information that was revealed during 1999 merger talks with IMS.

The discussions about a possible merger began because Carat wanted to pursue movie-studio business and was looking for a partner with entertainment credentials, said Abe Skoff, partner at New York firm Moses & Singer, which is representing Aegis and Carat in the suit.

During those talks, the suit alleges, IMS revealed that it was charging New Line a commission of 3.95







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