ION prevails over Atlantique in $4m Jo action

US cable channel ION Media Networks has won a case worth US$4 million brought against it by French producer Atlantique Productions.

In October 2012, Atlantique alleged in a filing ION had backed out of an agreement to fund production a US remake of French cop series Le Grand (aka Jo) to the tune of US$4 million for eight episodes and make it the network’s first original show.

However, a judge from the United States District Court has agreed with ION’s version of events and ruled against Atlantique.

ION claimed it had never formally signed a deal with Atlantique having only agreed a deal in principle through emails and therefore owed the Paris-based company nothing. The pair had exchanged a term sheet but a final, signed copy was not delivered

The court agreed ION’s executive VP, content acquisitions Marc Zand had made clear the agreement in principle forged via email was “subject to final or to various corporate approvals”.

In related news Ion has acquired off network syndication rights to CBS cop drama Blue Bloods along with local station WGN.