Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Summit Entertainment, Lions Gate Sued by 'Twilight' Parodists for $500 Million
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: June 7, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Summit Entertainment and Lions Gate sued by Between the Lines Productions, the popular producers of several “Twilight” parodies over accusations that the makers of the teen franchise derailed the release of another parody film.
In a 219-page document filed with the court, Between the Lines argues that it was engaged in talks with several movie distributors about the release of another parody film “Twiharder.” However, Lions Gate’s Summit Entertainment sent a cease-and-desist letter accusing the parody producer of entertainment law violations, including copyright and trademark infringement.
In court documents, Between the Lines argues that, as a result of the cease-and-desist letter – which it says is unjustified – the distributors revoked their offers to work with the company.
“The ‘Twiharder’ film commits wholesale trademark and copyright infringement,” Summit wrote in an email to Between the Lines Productions after a private screening of the parody film, according to the Los Angeles Times. “Not only does the film use the confusingly similar trademark ‘Twiharder,’ it also uses an identical font style, color, artwork and graphics contained in (original ‘Twilight’) films, DVDs and merchandise, the same storyline verbatim and dialogue, similar costumes and character names, and myriad scenic, visual, and musical references to the films.”
The company says Lions Gate is attempting to hold a monopoly over the Twilight sagas by blocking other legitimate producers from creating new works based on the series, and that Between the Lines should be permitted to release the movie under the “fair use” doctrine. The law protects independent filmmakers, parodists, and other artists, and enables the production of films and other “separate or derivative works that may be related to, inspired by or comment upon the pop culture events that dominate the national Cineplex,” the Times reports.
In its lawsuit, Between the Lines Productions accuses Lions Gate and Summit of violating federal intellectual property and anti-trust laws, and is suing the entertainment behemoths for $500 million in damages.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities
On January 28, 2026, staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Divisions of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets issued a joint statement clarifying how existing federal securities laws apply to tokenized securities. The SEC’s “Statement on Tokenized Securities” does not establish new law, but it does provide greater clarity on the […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Common Legal Mistakes NYC and New Jersey Business Owners Make
Operating a business in the New Jersey and New York City metropolitan region offers incredible opportunities, but it also requires navigating a dense and highly regulated legal environment. From entity formation to regulatory compliance, seemingly minor legal oversights can expose business owners to significant risk. In our work with businesses throughout the region, our attorneys […]
Author: Dan Brecher
What Founders Can Learn From Start-up Suits
High-profile founder litigation is more than just a media spectacle. For startup founders, these cases underscore the legal and structural risks that can arise when rapid growth outpaces formal oversight. While launching a new company can be both an exciting and deeply rewarding endeavor, founders must be mindful that it also comes with significant risks. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Governance Reviews: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Companies
Every New Jersey company should periodically evaluate its governance framework. Strong corporate governance protects directors and officers, builds investor confidence, reduces litigation exposure, and positions a company for sustainable growth. The first quarter of the year is a great time to evaluate your corporate governance practices and perform any routine maintenance needed to keep that […]
Author: Ken Hollenbeck
What to Do After Being Served with a Lawsuit: Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights
Being served with a lawsuit is one of the most stressful legal events a business or individual can face. Whether the claim involves a contract dispute, an employment matter, an intellectual property issue, or another legal challenge, the actions you take in the first few days can significantly shape the outcome of your case. Acting […]
Author: Robert E. Levy
Will 2026 Be a Banner Year for SPACs? Understanding the Risks and Opportunities
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) continue to gain momentum as we move through 2026. After enduring a significant contraction following the 2021 boom and the regulatory scrutiny that followed, SPAC activity rebounded sharply in 2025 and now carries forward into 2026 with real momentum. The SPAC resurgence reflects broader improvements in both market conditions and the […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.