BBC not happy with American Sherlock

[Backstep]

The BBC are reportedly (and understandably) not very happy that an American version of Sherlock is in the works. Earlier this week it emerged that American TV network CBS were moving forward with their own modern-day take on Holmes in a show called Elementary.
A BBC source apparently told The Mirror: “This looks like a blatant attempt to copy and cash in. We want Sherlock to rate big in the States and this could take the shine off it.”
A US TV source said: “The success of Sherlock in the UK has been major factor of bringing Elementary to life. We believe this modern twist will appeal to viewers.”
The article also says that casting on Elementary begins next week with “fresh American faces in the role.” http://cultfix.co.uk/bbc-not-happy-with-american-sherlock-16144.htm


[h=2]Possible Legal Action over USA Sherlock[/h]This could get messy. According to The Independent, Sherlock producers are prepared to take legal action against CBS TV’s planned modern day Holmes drama, Elementary. http://cultfix.co.uk/possible-legal-action-over-usa-sherlock-16165.htm

 

[Illiterati]

I can't say I blame the BBC for being unhappy about this.

I know they aren't pleased at all with the American version of "Being Human", either.

 

[YoshiKart64]

I can't say I blame the BBC for being unhappy about this.

I know they aren't pleased at all with the American version of "Being Human", either.

At least with that they at least sold the rights and got some money. Here CBS are just jumping on the bandwagon, making a loose adaptation they wont have to pay the BBC for. Given the uniqueness of the BBC version I think the anger over this is justified.

 

[Tropicana]

The BBC should take legal action against CBS. CBS has admittedly it would seem to agree that the only reason why "Elementary" is moving along due to the success of BBC's "Sherlock". And I hope CBS lose!

 

[Bluce Ree]

Would this really qualify as copyright infringement? If the CBS version resembles the BBC version to a high degree then they'd probably have a case. Otherwise, Sherlock still belongs to the Arthur Conan Doyle estate. I believe they hold the copyright until 2023 before it goes into public domain.

 

[Backstep]

For anyone who has not seen season 1 of Sherlock PBS is running the first series this month. http://video.pbs.org/video/1619685888/

 

[Rac80]

Would this really qualify as copyright infringement? If the CBS version resembles the BBC version to a high degree then they'd probably have a case. Otherwise, Sherlock still belongs to the Arthur Conan Doyle estate. I believe they hold the copyright until 2023 before it goes into public domain.

I understand it's a very messy tangle of who owns what....http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/19/books/19sherlock.html?pagewanted=all
a property law professor's dream to discuss ad nauseum.