Judge: 'Happy Days' cast may be owed DVD royalties

photo In this July 12, 2001 file photo, from left, actors Tom Bosley, Marion Ross, and Erin Moran, Williams, of the television show "Happy Days," pose after Ross received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. A Los Angeles judge on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 denied a motion by CBS Studios and Paramount Pictures to dismiss claims by several former "Happy Days" cast members that they are owed royalties on DVD sales of the hit comedy series. A trial is scheduled for July. The lawsuit was brought by cast members including Ross, Moran and Patricia Bosley, wife of Tom Bosley, who died of heart failure on Oct. 19, 2010.

LOS ANGELES - A judge has denied a motion by the makers of "Happy Days" to dismiss claims by several former cast members that they are owed royalties on DVD sales.

Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Allen White's ruling Tuesday clears the way for a trial on whether actors Anson Williams, Marion Ross, Don Most, Erin Moran and the widow of Tom Bosley may still be owed royalties on the use of their images in DVD packaging.

CBS Studios and Paramount Pictures sought to have their claims dismissed, arguing the group was properly paid.

Attorney Jon Pfeiffer says the group has received payments for several other types of merchandise since they sued in April 2011. He says the unpaid royalties are worth an estimated $250,000 to $500,000.

Defense attorneys declined to comment.

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