Universal Orlando Settles Lawsuit
ORLANDO, FL (AP) -- Universal Orlando has settled a lawsuit brought by a New York businessman who claimed the theme park resort stole his idea for a Latin-themed nightclub and restaurant. Under the terms of the settlement announced Monday, Universal agreed to pay $85,000 in legal expenses to Gilbert Feliciano's company, Cafe Caliente. Both parties agreed that the Latin Quarter concept was created independently and did not copy Feliciano's plan. The settlement acknowledged no liability by Universal. Feliciano's attorney, Madison McClellan, and Universal spokesman Jim Canfield said they couldn't comment on the settlement. But in a statement, Universal said the settlement emphasized its position that the claims were groundless. In the suit, filed in December, Feliciano accused Universal City Development Partners of theft of trade secrets, breach of implied contract, conspiracy, negligent misrepresentation and fraud. Feliciano was seeking between $500 million and $700 million in damages. Latin Quarter combines cuisine, music and art from 21 nations in Latin America. It has live entertainment, a dance studio that teaches salsa, tango and samba, an art gallery and a retail store.
ORLANDO, FL (AP) -- Universal Orlando has settled a lawsuit brought by a New York businessman who claimed the theme park resort stole his idea for a Latin-themed nightclub and restaurant. Under the terms of the settlement announced Monday, Universal agreed to pay $85,000 in legal expenses to Gilbert Feliciano's company, Cafe Caliente. Both parties agreed that the Latin Quarter concept was created independently and did not copy Feliciano's plan. The settlement acknowledged no liability by Universal. Feliciano's attorney, Madison McClellan, and Universal spokesman Jim Canfield said they couldn't comment on the settlement. But in a statement, Universal said the settlement emphasized its position that the claims were groundless. In the suit, filed in December, Feliciano accused Universal City Development Partners of theft of trade secrets, breach of implied contract, conspiracy, negligent misrepresentation and fraud. Feliciano was seeking between $500 million and $700 million in damages. Latin Quarter combines cuisine, music and art from 21 nations in Latin America. It has live entertainment, a dance studio that teaches salsa, tango and samba, an art gallery and a retail store.
