Paramount and Late Journalist's Heirs Continue Legal Battle Over 'Top Gun: Maverick' Copyright Infringement Claims

Heirs of late journalist Ehud Yonay argue that scenes in 'Top Gun: Maverick' infringe on his previously credited 1983 article "Top Guns", after reclaiming rights in 2020 while Paramount defends story disregard claim by noting it used actual Navy consultations.

• In a lawsuit between Paramount and the heirs of late journalist Ehud Yonay, the latter alleges that scenes in 'Top Gun: Maverick' infringe on Yonay's 1983 article 'Top Guns'. The rights to the story had reverted back to Yonay's heirs in 2020, which they argue means that Paramount was required to negotiate a new deal before releasing the sequel.
• Paramount defends the story against the claim, noting that the movie was mostly completed before the rights reverted. Additionally, they argue that any overlaps with the article are either factual or based on the experiences of the film's director Joseph Kosinski, making them ineligible for a copyright claim.
• As the legal battle continues, both sides are attempting to convince a judge to make a summary judgment. Meanwhile, Yonay's heirs have expanded their argument, pointing out specific scenes in the sequel that they believe come from the 'Top Guns' article.
• The Yonays argue that Paramount switched its position on the 'Top Guns' article, considering it a 'copyrightable story' until they lost the rights in 2020. In contrast, Paramount argues that they have always treated the information in the article as factual and non-copyrightable.
• The case turns on a comparison of the works' plots, themes, and characters. The 9th U.S. Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has directed lower courts not to prematurely dismiss these cases, suggesting a full investigation will be necessary to decide this lawsuit.

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