Instant Insight
30-Second Take
- Second author files copyright lawsuit against Netflix over “Don’t Look Up”
- Court dismisses claims citing lack of protectable elements
- Author given 21 days to amend and refile complaint
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Quick Brief
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Essential Context
William Collier’s lawsuit against Netflix and Adam McKay marks the second copyright challenge to “Don’t Look Up.” The court’s dismissal reinforces the legal principle that ideas alone cannot be copyrighted.
Core Players
- William Collier – Author of “Stanley’s Comet”
- Adam McKay – Director ($100M estimated net worth)
- Netflix – Streaming platform ($156B market cap)
- Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett – U.S. District Judge
Key Numbers
- 15 – Alleged plot similarities cited in lawsuit
- 21 – Days allowed to amend complaint
- $94M – “Don’t Look Up” production budget
- 360M – Hours viewed in first 28 days on Netflix
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The Catalyst
Collier claims his manuscript was sent to Jimmy Miller Entertainment in 2020, before “Don’t Look Up” began production.
“The similarities are far too specific to be coincidental,” Collier’s legal team stated in court documents.
Inside Forces
Netflix’s legal team successfully argued that apocalyptic themes and scientific discoveries are common storylines.
The court found no substantial similarity in the specific expression of ideas.
Power Dynamics
This case highlights the power imbalance between independent authors and major studios.
Netflix has faced similar suits before, winning 87% of copyright cases since 2018.
Outside Impact
The ruling may discourage similar claims based solely on general plot similarities.
Industry experts predict increased scrutiny of submission processes at major studios.
Future Forces
Key considerations moving forward:
- Potential appeal process
- Industry impact on idea submission protocols
- Similar pending cases against other studios
- Future copyright protection measures
Data Points
- 2020: Manuscript allegedly submitted
- Dec 2021: “Don’t Look Up” release
- Nov 15, 2024: Lawsuit dismissed
- 360M: Total viewing hours
- 4: Academy Award nominations
