Rockstar Games is looking to sue the BBC over the broadcaster’s upcoming film about the creation of the Grand Theft Auto series.
The film, set to star Daniel Radcliffe as Rockstar co-founder Sam Houser, has raised the ire of the world famous Scottish game development studio, who are seeking damages from the BBC for their use of the Grand Theft Auto title.
Rockstar releases a statement to IGN regarding the lawsuit, which reads: “Take-Two Interactive (Rockstar’s parent company) has filed [a] 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.
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“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.”
Wherever GTA goes, controversy follows.
The BBC have stated that they “won’t comment on legal matters”, with it now uncertain whether the movie will be allowed to go ahead in its current form, or whether the trademarked names will have to be altered.
The film is set to focus upon Houser’s battles with US lawyer Jack Thompson, who called for the mature-rated games to be banned and was instrumental in a large backlash against violent games, purporting that they were directly linked with youth violence.
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