Laugh Factory and Harith Iskander in legal ding-dong

American comedy club chain Laugh Factory is suing the winner of its ‘world’s funniest person’ competition for more than $10million.

The venues’ owner, Jamie Masada, claims Malaysian comedian Harith Iskander stole his company’s intellectual property while pretending to make preparations for opening a string of Laugh Factory clubs throughout Asia.

‘In 35 years, I’ve never once sued a comedian,’ Masada said. ‘I’m standing up for all the comics that have had their work or intellectual property stolen in the past.’

His lawsuit comes after Iskander launched his own lawsuit against Laugh Factory for the lion's share of his prize for winning the International Stand-Up competition they ran in 2016.

In papers filed last month, Iskander claimed he was still owed $70,000 of the promised $100,000 jackpot.  He also wanted a refund of his costs for participating in the contest, which included travel, immigration fees and loss of earnings.

‘I seriously had no intention to have it come to this point but was given little choice by the actions of the organisers,’ he said at the time.

Masada said of the case: ‘It has been very frustrating and unfair for the many honest and hard-working people of the Laugh Factory.

‘Several websites online are targeting the Laugh Factory as the aggressor in this story. With this lawsuit, the truth will come out so we can get back to doing what we do best: providing laughs for those who need it most.’

After filing for ‘massive breach of contract and copyright infringement’ against Iskander, Laugh Factory attorney, Clifton W. Albright predicted: ‘The impact of this case will be significant and far-reaching for comedy clubs and the protection of their brands, reputation and trade secrets.’

Chortle has approached  Iskander for comment.

Published: 6 Mar 2019