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Iconic 'Eleanor' Mustangs aren't copyrightable characters, US appeals court rules

By Nick Robertson ( May 28, 2025, 22:56 GMT | Insight) -- The group of Ford Mustangs named “Eleanor” from the “Gone in 60 Seconds” films is not a copyrightable character, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled, affirming in part and reversing in part a summary judgment ruling in favor of Carroll Shelby Licensing following copyright infringement counterclaims by Denice Halicki. The court said “Eleanor” does not have the anthropomorphic qualities to be considered a character, drawing a clearer line for the copyright eligibility of purported characters in creative works.The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit provided clarity on the copyright eligibility of specific aspects of creative works yesterday in a decision regarding “Eleanor,” the Ford Mustang cars known mostly from the “Gone in 60 Seconds” films. In affirming in part and reversing in part a summary judgment ruling in favor of Carroll Shelby Licensing, the panel said “Eleanor” does not have the anthropomorphic qualities to be entitled to character copyright protection....

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