Simon Cowell's role in the Pop Idol franchise was in question this weekend after the show's producers, Simon Fuller's 19TV, began legal action against Cowell's company Syco over that new reality pop show, X Factor.
X Factor, a joint venture between Syco and Bertelsmann owner Fremantle Media, launched on ITV last week, of course. Like Pop Idol it is a music based talent show that begins with filmed auditions. The difference between the two shows is that on X Factor each of the three judges - Westlife manager Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Cowell himself - will adopt a finalist and develop their sound and image on air before a public vote on who is best.
Having seen the first episode of X Factor, Pop Idol creator Simon Fuller decided the two formats were too similar and has begun legal proceedings against Cowell on the grounds of copyright theft. Fuller is also reportedly angry that Cowell has recruited half of the Pop Idol production team to work on his show, and that it is being presented by Kate Thornton, the presenter of Pop Idol's behind-the-scenes spin off.
Cowell this weekend called Fuller's legal action "totally and utterly ridiculous", while his spokesman, Max Clifford, told reporters: "I'm surprised that when Pop Idol started they didn't get a writ from Popstars, Opportunity Knocks, New Faces and all the other talent shows that went before it. Whatever next - will the BBC be getting a writ from Coronation Street for EastEnders? Historically in these situations I can't remember any case when the allegations have been successful, but I'm sure the lawyers will do very well".
More interesting than the question of who will win the legal battle, is what the litigation will mean for Cowell's involvement in future Pop Idol series. He is already contracted for two more series of American Idol, and ITV are likely to demand he features on the next UK series of the show. How either Simon - Fuller or Cowell - will feel about that now remains to be seen.