Perhaps the sequel to the 2011 film "Atlas Shrugged" should be titled "Atlas Sues."
Relativity Media and Netflix are being sued for $1.5 million by the copyright holders of the Ayn Rand book "Atlas Shrugged," over claims that Relativity failed to pay a licensing fee.
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In the suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, Atlas Productions claims that Relativity agreed to pay two installments of $750,000 each in licensing fees, but never paid the first installment, and likely won't pay the second installment.
According to Atlas Productions, Relativity and its RML Acquisitions — which is also named in the suit — "had no intention of abiding by the terms thereof or paying the license fee.
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Netflix, which offered "Atlas Shrugged" for rental, is accused of copyright infringement in the suit.
Relativity and Netflix had no comment for TheWrap.
Alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment, fraudulent misinterpretation and copyright infringement, Atlas Productions is seeking $1.5 million, plus interest, attorney's fees and court costs.The company is also asking that Netflix be found in violation of the "Atlas Shrugged" copyright, and that Netflix repay "all gains, profits, advantages, and revenues derived from the infringement."
According to Box Office Mojo, "Atlas Shrugged" — which starred Taylor Schilling and Grant Bowler — grossed just over $4.6 million, with a production budget of $20 million.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.