Fox has stake in 'Watchmen,' judge says

December 25, 2008 The judge presiding over Fox's suit against Warner Bros. over the latter's Zack Snyder-helmed action film "Watchmen" has issued a ruling that Fox has a copyright stake in the planned March release. "Fox owns a copyright interest consisting of, at the very least, the right to distribute the 'Watchmen' motion picture," U.S. District Court judge Gary Feess said in the ruling. Fox and Warners had been prepping for a Jan. 20 trial date, but the ruling could force Warners to settle -- likely in the form of payment -- if it hopes to put the film in theaters.

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