Rockstar Files Lawsuit Against The BBC for Upcoming Drama Based on Grand Theft Auto

Remember back in March when we reported that The BBC was planning to air a made-for-TV drama centered around Grand Theft Auto’s development? Well, it seems it might have hit a little snag.

Rockstar Games via its parent company Take-Two Interactive, has filed a lawsuit against The BBC for trademark infringement, which could mean trouble for the 90-minute feature film. 

Here’s Rockstar’s complete statement:

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.

The made-for-TV film stars Daniel Radcliffe as Rockstar President Sam Houser, while Bill Paxton portrays the lawyer and everyone’s favorite real life villain, Jack Thompson. Filming has begun this April 20, and is currently scheduled for broadcast later this year as part of The BBC’s “Make It Digital” campaign.

Is Rockstar overreacting or is this something that can seriously damage the GTA brand?

[Source: IGN]

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