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Charles A. Harris, Executor of the Estate of Charles "Teenie" Harris, deceased v. Dennis Morgan, Jerome Williams, et al.

Date: 03-23-2000

Case Number: 98-CV-639

Judge: Donetta W. Ambrose

Court: United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Plaintiff's Attorney: Kimberly J. Pierson of Reed, Smith, Shaw & McClay, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Defendant's Attorney: Manning J. O'Connor, II and
William Weiler, Jr. of
Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Description:

Breach of contract, Equitable Estoppel, Copyright Infringement and other claims by estate of photographer relating to the sale by Charles "Teenie" Harris of 35,000 negatives from a life time of work depicting black celebrities, street scenes, parties and female impersonators for $3,000. Mr. Harris sold the negatives in 1986 and sought their return in 1998.

Defendants denied wrongdoing and asserted counterclaims for breach of contract and unjust enrichment.

Outcome:

Plaintiff's verdict for $3.4 million.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Mark A. Gleason, expertise unknown and
Frank J. Kurtik, photography

Defendant's Experts:

Unknown

Comments:

Newspaper reports indicated that the jury wanted to return Harris' negatives to his family.

About This Case

What was the outcome of Charles A. Harris, Executor of the Estate of Charles "Tee...?

The outcome was: Plaintiff's verdict for $3.4 million.

Which court heard Charles A. Harris, Executor of the Estate of Charles "Tee...?

This case was heard in United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, PA. The presiding judge was Donetta W. Ambrose.

Who were the attorneys in Charles A. Harris, Executor of the Estate of Charles "Tee...?

Plaintiff's attorney: Kimberly J. Pierson of Reed, Smith, Shaw & McClay, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Defendant's attorney: Manning J. O'Connor, II and William Weiler, Jr. of Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

When was Charles A. Harris, Executor of the Estate of Charles "Tee... decided?

This case was decided on March 23, 2000.