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Take-Two files lawsuit over the BBC’s GTA TV movie

It was announced by the BBC last month that it would produce a TV movie — Game Changer —starring Daniel Radcliffe based on the real-life conflicts between Florida attorney Jack Thompson and Rockstar Games Co-Founder Sam Houser.

Radcliffe is set to star as Houser with Bill Paxton reported to be playing Thompson, however the production may have hit a snag with Take Two Interactive (Rockstar’s parent company) filing suit against the BBC and the production claiming trademark infringement. Take Two issued a statement regarding the lawsuit which reads;

Take-Two Interactive has filed suit against the BBC for trademark infringement based on their movie currently titled ‘Game Changer’ as it relates to Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto video game series.

While holders of the trademarks referenced in the film title and its promotion, Rockstar Games has had no involvement with this project. Our goal is to ensure that our trademarks are not misused in the BBC’s pursuit of an unofficial depiction of purported events related to Rockstar Games. We have attempted multiple times to resolve this matter with the BBC without any meaningful resolution. It is our obligation to protect our intellectual property and unfortunately in this case litigation was necessary.

It appears that neither Take Two nor Rockstar are attempting to prevent production of the film, but rather are seeking to ensure that the Grand Theft Auto property isn’t misused or misrepresented.

Rockstar’s latest title, Grand Theft Auto V, is available now for PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.


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