The Briefing – Top Gun Cleared for Takeoff: The Ninth Circuit Affirms Paramount’s Copyright Win

The Ninth Circuit kicked off 2026 with a serious copyright determination within the long-running Prime Gun dispute, affirming abstract judgment for Paramount within the lawsuit over Prime Gun: Maverick. On this episode of The Briefing, Weintraub Tobin shareholders Scott Hervey and Tara Sattler break down the Ninth Circuit’s reasoning and why it issues for studios, writers, and anybody adapting real-world tales.

On this episode, they cowl:

The background of the declare tied to the 1983 journal article “Prime Weapons”

How the Ninth Circuit utilized the extrinsic and intrinsic exams for substantial similarity

Why historic information and actual occasions stay free for all to make use of, even when dramatic

The courtroom’s give attention to “protected expression” versus unprotectable concepts, information, and style conventions

Key takeaways for nonfiction diversifications, biopics, and tasks impressed by true tales

Tune in for a transparent take a look at the place copyright regulation attracts the road between protected expression and real-world information.Watch this episode on YouTube or take heed to the podcast right here.

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