A Canadian superior court judge has dismissed a lawsuit challengi...
A Canadian superior court judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Blockbuster’s extended viewing fee policy, the rental chain said. Superior Court Judge Jacques Fournier, Quebec, ruled that Alberto Buonamici’s claim of exploitation didn’t “correspond to commercial reality,” Blockbuster said.…
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Noting that Blockbuster has extended the initial rental period since the suit was filed in Canada in 2001, Fournier said it was “ironic” that Blockbuster should “today be penalized for having offered more than it was before.” Fournier was referring to Blockbuster’s decision in 1996-97 to extend rental periods at its stores from 6 p.m. to midnight, Blockbuster spokesman said. Blockbuster operates 413 stores in Canada. A similar case remains pending in the U.S. While a preliminary agreement was reached in 2001 calling for Blockbuster to pay up to $9.25 million in court and attorneys fees and provide free rentals and discounts to settle class action suit, it was never finalized and remains pending in Texas Superior Court. A Cal. Superior Court judge in a separate decision issued in March 2003 ruled that Blockbuster’s extended viewing fees were fair, adequately disclosed and within the customers’ control.