Voltron Lawsuit

Japanese animation property "Voltron: Defender of the Universe" has become the subject of a legal battle between a group of indie producers and a family company that controls the property.

Indie producers James Young, Ford Oelman and Mark Costa of banners Animus Films and NHO Entertainment allege that St. Louis-based World Events, which holds rights to the television property, and its partner Kickstart Productions negotiated illegally with other producers during an allegedly exclusive period.  The plaintiffs are suing for breach of contract, fraud and interference with contractual relations, and are seeking various forms of damages.

World Events and Kickstart responded by saying "this lawsuit is frivolous and without merit, and we will defend ourselves vigorously," and "fortunately, these baseless claims do not in any way encumber the film or any other Voltron project, and we are excited to proceed on the long-awaited Voltron feature film with our partner Atlas."

The producers, who were working to develop the property, say they began work on the project in 2004 by bringing on writers, seeking financing and clearing a chain of title for the property.  Source: Thresq.com