The Cairo Economic Court has decided to postpone the case filed by Egyptian actress Heba Fahmy against a nutrition and weight loss doctor to October 19. Fahmy accuses the doctor of using a video filmed in his clinic for promotional purposes without her consent. She is seeking 5 million Egyptian pounds in compensation. The court will review the report before making a decision.
According to Heba Fahmy's lawyer, Sharif Hafez, his client visited the medical center in April 2023 for a medical consultation and had two videos recorded to support the center. However, Fahmy changed doctors and did not return to the clinic. Hafez claims that the doctor reused the videos multiple times on social media platforms without Fahmy's consent.
Hafez stated that Fahmy's visit to the medical center was a one-time event, and she did not authorize the doctor to reuse the videos. He added that the doctor's actions constitute a clear violation of Fahmy's literary and financial rights, protected by the Intellectual Property Law. Fahmy's lawyer emphasized that his client had tried to resolve the issue amicably by contacting the doctor and requesting that he delete the videos.
Despite Fahmy's efforts to resolve the issue amicably, the doctor continued to publish the videos, leading Fahmy to file a lawsuit. Hafez argued that the doctor's actions caused Fahmy both material and moral damage, harming her reputation and public image. Fahmy's lawyer requested that the court order the doctor to pay 5 million Egyptian pounds in compensation, plus legal interest.
The case is based on electronic correspondence between Fahmy's manager, Tamer Abdel Moneim, and the doctor, which serves as evidence. Hafez emphasized that the court has the authority to evaluate this evidence according to the law. The lawsuit aims to protect Fahmy's legal rights and deter others from profiting from exploiting artists' names or images without permission.
Fahmy's lawyer stressed that the doctor's actions are a clear example of commercial exploitation of a protected artistic performance, violating the Intellectual Property Law. He cited specific articles of the law that grant artists exclusive rights to license or prohibit exploitation, particularly on the internet and social media platforms.
The postponement of the case to October 19 allows both parties to prepare and present their arguments. The court's decision will have significant implications for the protection of intellectual property rights in Egypt, particularly in the entertainment industry. The case highlights the importance of obtaining consent and respecting artists' rights in promotional activities.
Key points
- The case has been postponed to October 19 to review the report.
- Heba Fahmy is seeking 5 million Egyptian pounds in compensation.
- The doctor's actions are considered a violation of Fahmy's literary and financial rights.
