Disney sues over title likeness to 'Frozen'

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Disney is suing a California-based film studio for changing the name of an animated release to mimic its hit movie "Frozen," lawyers said.

Disney lawyers filed suit in California federal court against Phase 4 Films, which created the animated film originally titled "The Legend of Sarila." Knowing Disney was about to release "Frozen" the studio changed the name and artwork associated with Sarila to a new title, "Frozen Land," with, Disney argues, the hope of benefiting from the success of the hit Disney film.

While movie titles themselves cannot be trademarked, associated items such as marketing material and merchandise can be, the Hollywood Reporter said Wednesday.

Last year, Warner Bros. sued the makers of a film "The Age of Hobbits" on similar terms because it was timed to be released alongside "The Hobbit," though in this case, the knock-off was intentionally named because it spoofed the larger film.