Oprah is being sued for allegedly copying the idea of the show "Iyanla: Fix My Life" by Otisa C. Strickland. She says the show is a "carbon copy" of a show she conceptualized and created in 2008 entitled "The Agency"
The concept of the show is basically about people who are currently going through a problem and a counselor goes into their house to help them be better. The counselors go around the country visiting people who need their help. According to reports, both shows may have the same concept but it's not really an original concept that no one has ever thought of.
In the complaint of Strickland, she wants to put a stop of all Oprah's "blatant theft of its copyrightable expression" and recover any damages incurred from the ongoing infringement case. Strickland's suit also includes "Oprah Winfrey was aware of my identity and she was familiar with the television visions which were on record at the copyright office. She researched my copyrights, and stole my copyrightable expression in an attempt to profit from my gifted and creative mind."
It can be remembered that this is not the first time the plaintiff has complained about an OWN show. In 2011, she claimed copyright infringement against "In the Bedroom with Dr. Laura Berman" where she claims Oprah got the idea from her as she has access to her show concepts in the case. However, earlier reports revealed that Strickland's proposed show then was "Conflict Solutions" which centers on a judge and the disputes he resolves while OWN's show is all about a sex therapist and the clients they help.
Strickland is representing herself for the case she filed while Oprah or the OWN network has not responded for any comment regarding the issue. "Iyanla: Fix My Life" has been airing for 6 seasons now.
