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Calling Godzilla. 'Colossal' lawsuit stirs up trademark infringement claims

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A lawsuit is reminding producers of a new film that when it comes to Tokyo-destroying giant reptiles, you have to pay Godzilla its due.

Japanese company Toho Co. Ltd., which owns the rights to the iconic film series, is suing Los Angeles-based Voltage Pictures L.L.C. for trademark infringement over its yet-to-be-released film Colossal, which centers on a woman who shares a special connection with the monster. According to the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for Central District of California, Voltage was attempting to fund raise for the film, which is set to begin production in September and will star Anne Hathaway, at the recent Cannes Film Festival.

“Toho is informed and believes, and based thereon alleges, that Defendants have knowingly used the Godzilla Character to attract interest and attention in their 'Colossal' project so that it would stand out in a crowded field of competitors on the film sales circuit,” the lawsuit states.

As longtime Godzilla nemesis Mothra can no doubt attest, one messes with the King of the Monsters or his intellectual property rights, at his own peril.

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