UPDATE: 12/30/08 - Fox and Warner Bros. remain at war over ”Watchmen,” with Warners proclaiming it’s not moving off its March 6 release date.

No settlement emerged Monday, when U.S. District Court Judge Gary Allen Feess held a status conference with attorneys for the two sides.

 

Original Story:

Today a federal judge ruled that 20th Century Fox owns a copyright stake in ‘Watchmen’.  This puts Warner Brothers and Legendary Pictures in a difficult position with it’s much-anticipated March release.

U.S. District Judge Gary Feess of Los Angeles revealed his decision in a five-page written order on Wednesday, December 24th.  “Fox owns a copyright interest consisting of, at the very least, the right to distribute the ‘Watchmen’ motion picture,” the order said.  He also said said he would provide a more detailed order soon.

This preliminary ruling will likely stall the March release date as 20th Century Fox and Warner Brothers/Legendary Pictures will be forced come to terms so the studios can capitalize on the already strong track built with the teaser trailer revealed at Comi-Con and subsequent trailers, interviews and “behind the scenes” buzz surrounding the film.

Already looking to be one of the best films of 2009, ‘Watchmen’ is directed by Zack Snyder who previously directed 300 and Dawn of the Dead.  ‘Watchmen’ is based on Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ 1986 comic book series Watchmen.