PUPPET MASTERS PULL
NSYNC’S STRINGS

Marionettes created in the likeness of NSYNC are the center of a lawsuit filed against the popsters by puppet masters Sid & Marty Krofft. The creators of "H.R. Pufnstuff," "The Far-Out Space Nuts" and "The Banana Splits" are suing the teen dreams for copyright infringement and breach of contract.

According to Launch, the suit, which was filed Tuesday (11/28) in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, also names band manager Johnny Wright, merchandising consultant Rick Barlowe, Winterland Concessions Company and Winterland Productions as defendants.

Krofft's actions stem from the alleged unauthorized use of puppets created for the group. Marty Krofft created 25-foot marionettes of NSYNC's members for use at the 2000 American Music Awards, which took place in January.

Krofft recorded the copyright registrations for the puppets in July, making him sole owner of the NSYNC puppets.

The suit claims NSYNC merchandise was created based on the copyrighted work, including images on the band's souvenir tour program and laminated backstage passes.

The suit claims Wright verbally guaranteed Krofft, "Don't worry, you are ‘in' on any and all merchandise," including NSYNC marionettes currently being sold at toy stores. While the dolls are not based on Krofft's designs, the suit maintains they were crafted due to Krofft's "creative effort."

Meanwhile, the Sleestaks from "Land Of The Lost" have filed their own suit against NSYNC-er Chris Fitzpatrick, claiming they want their look back.