New Regency Sues Michael Mann to Retain Rights to 'Heat'
New Regency has filed a lawsuit against director Michael Mann to maintain copyright ownership of the 1995 film 'Heat'. The dispute arises as Mann attempts to reclaim rights to his original screenplay ahead of the production of his sequel, 'Heat 2'.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing legal tensions between creators and studios regarding copyright termination rights and the 'work made for hire' doctrine.
Logo text New Regency is suing Michael Mann to reassert its ownership over Heat ahead of the high-profile follow-up to the 1995 crime drama classic.
In a lawsuit filed Friday in California federal court, New Regency argues that Mann can’t exploit a copyright law provision that allows creators to claw back ownership of their works after a certain period. It seeks a court order clarifying that it retains the rights to the screenplay for Heat .
“The Screenplay is not subject to termination,” the complaint states.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Mann said the director is “confident that the courts will vindicate Michael Mann’s statutory rights under the Copyright Act.”
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