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Finally, some movie lawsuit news that doesn't involve 'The Hangover Part II.' According to The Hollywood Reporter, Eastland Music Group has filed a lawsuit against the filmmakers of '50/50,' claiming that the film's title was stolen. EMG says that it has been using the "50/50" and "Phifty-50" name since 2000, and that they have a common law trademark on "50/50" (which means the title is "never formally registered but potentially still recognized as intellectual property if it was used continuously"). The label originally sent a request to the studio back in September (the movie was released on Sept. 30) to stop using '50/50.' Obviously, that didn't work.
THR also states that EMG is demanding "a permanent injunction against use of the title, the destruction of all products where '50-50' is affixed, and an award of all of the film's sales and revenues as a result of the alleged infringement."
'50/50' has currently grossed $34 million. So ... that means the plaintiff wants all of that?
No word on whether EMG is suing individuals who make bets on coin flips.
[via THR]
Gallery | 5 Movie Lawsuits
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'Natural Born Killers'
The family of a Louisiana store clerk, who was shot by a young couple on a crime spree, sued Oliver Stone, claiming this movie inspired the crimes. The lawsuit was eventually dropped. -
'The Hangover, Part II'
What hasn't 'The Hangover, Part II' been sued for at this point? First the filmmakers were hit with a lawsuit alleging that they copied Mike Tyson's face tattoo without permission. That was dropped, but then they were sued again by a stunt man who suffered injuries on set. (That lawsuit is still pending.) A man also sued the filmmakers, claiming that they stole his life story and used it for 'Hangover, Part II.' Yeesh. -
'Borat'
Another movie that spawned a ton of legal trouble: writer/star Sacha Baron Cohen was sued for defamation as well as using footage of people without their permission. -
'Passion of the Christ'
The movie's screenwriter, Benedict Fitzgerald, sued Mel Gibson over not paying him enough money for the film. They settled out of court. -
'Coming to America'
Writer Art Buchwald sued Paramount Pictures, claiming that they stole his idea for 'Coming to America.' Buchwald won the lawsuit.
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