Copyright Infringement Archives

The Rise, Fall, and Return of Axanar: Alec Peters’ Legal Battle with CBS and Paramount

by Play A Sci FiUncategorized June 4, 2025June 4, 2025No Comments

In 2015, Alec Peters, the producer behind Prelude to Axanar, faced a lawsuit from CBS and Paramount over his fan film, which was inspired by Star Trek. After two years of legal wrangling, the two sides reached a settlement in 2017, allowing Peters to continue working on the project, provided he adhered to a strict …

The Legal Battle Between MXC and Wipeout: A Case of Copycat or Common Ground?

by Play A Sci FiSeries March 21, 2025March 21, 2025Comments are Disabled

The world of obstacle course game shows has seen its fair share of quirky challenges and high-flying stunts, but one of the most notable legal disputes in this genre came between MXC (a Japanese game show known for its outrageous challenges) and Wipeout, an American hit game show that launched on ABC in 2008. Allegations …

How Warner Brothers Tried to Sue a TV Superhero Out of Existence

by Play A Sci FiSeries March 16, 2025March 16, 2025Comments are Disabled

In 1981, ABC introduced audiences to a bumbling superhero named Ralph Hinkley in The Greatest American Hero. Viewers loved it. Warner Brothers didn’t. Just 48 hours before the show’s premiere, Warner Bros. sued ABC, claiming the show was a blatant ripoff of Superman. But was it? Let’s break down the allegations with a side-by-side comparison. …

Uncovering the 34 Allegations: Did Battlestar Galactica Really Rip Off Star Wars?

by Play A Sci FiLists February 15, 2025February 15, 2025Comments are Disabled

In 1978, Twentieth Century Fox and Lucasfilm sued MCA, alleging that Battlestar Galactica wasn’t just inspired by Star Wars—it was outright stealing from it. Many fans know the 13 examples of alleged copying commonly cited online, but the real court documents revealed a total of 34 separate claims. Below is a comprehensive look at those …