Lionsgate Sues to Protect the Mockingjay
When a big movie is released, you can guarantee that there will be a whole host of merchandise around it and of course The Hunger Games is no different.
One of the most important symbols, or images of The Hunger Games trilogy, is the Mockingjay and especially the Mockingjay pin worn by Katniss Everdeen in the arena.
So when it comes to who can make and sell such symbols and other images and products based on the movie, there are some pretty strict rules. Lionsgate licenses the rights to particular organisations. Now one company that has been accused of making counerfeit Hunger Games stuff is being sued. Lionsgate is not too happy.
The issue has been reported in the Hollywood Reporter. Here’s some of what they had to say:
Lionsgate Entertainment is suing an alleged Hunger Games counterfeiter who hasn’t paid proper tribute to the studio.
In a lawsuit that has been filed in California federal court, the studio is targeting a company, Yagoozon, that seemingly does most of its business selling novelties on Amazon.com. The big item in question is a “Mockingjay Pin.”
It’s no ordinary item. A version of this pin was used on the cover of Suzanne Collins book and also is central to the recently introduced official poster for the next film in the trilogy – The Hunger Games: Catchng Fire.
According to the 160-page complaint — full of colorful pictures and trademark applications — Lionsgate has licensed to third parties the rights to sell various items and merchandise. Among the licensees is the National Entertainment Collectibles Association, which sellsHunger Games calendars, card games, action figures, bookmarks, board games, bags, watches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and yes, a replica of the Mockingjay Pin.
The lawsuit says that in March and April, 2012, the defendants attempted to purchase merchandise from NECA, which refused the request.
You can read the entire article here
I don’t know how to feel. Either mad that people would do such a thing, or thinking that Lionsgate is overreacting, or thinkning as long as they paid tribute for Suzanne Collins that the thing should be okay. That last one is what I thought when I first started reading, but now I’m think that because the actual pin’s design was made Lionsgate, they should get credit. I don’t know. How about we DROP THE PRICES on Mockingjay merch so normal people can AFFORD it! I saw a necklace for $18!!! At WALMART!! I find that outrageous. They CAN’T be that hard to make….
Money speak volumes. As simple as that
I voted for skyfall