A planned non-fungible token (NFT) sale linked to the cult film Pulp Fiction by director Quentin Tarantino has run into some legal snags.
Tarantino revealed earlier this month that the NFT release would include “uncut” portions and “hidden” cinematic content. Tarantino earned an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for his work on Pulp Fiction, which was released in 1994.
According to Variety, Miramax, which produced Pulp Fiction and multiple other Tarantino films, has filed a lawsuit against the director, claiming in a complaint filed on Tuesday that it owns the rights to Pulp Fiction.
Tarantino allegedly “kept his Pulp Fiction NFT plans secret from Miramax” and ignored a cease-and-desist connected to the deal. Tarantino has also argued that his so-called reserved rights permit him to pursue the NFT plans, according to Miramax.
In the complaint, Miramax specifically claimed breach of contract, unfair competition, and trademark infringement.
“Tarantino’s behavior has prompted Miramax to file this lawsuit against a valued colleague in order to enforce, preserve, and protect its contractual and intellectual property rights relating to one of Miramax’s most iconic and valuable film properties,” Miramax claimed in court documents. “Tarantino’s actions, if left unchecked, could convince people to believe Miramax is participating in his initiative. It may also mislead others into assuming they have the rights to pursue similar partnerships or services, when in fact Miramax owns the rights to develop, market, and sell NFTs based on its extensive film library.”
