Big West and Studio Nue have acknowledged the legitimacy of Harmony Gold's Macross license, ending decades of legal disputes and allowing for the international release of multiple Macross anime, as well as the Japanese release of the upcoming Robotech movie.
Harmony Gold licensed the original Super Dimension Fortress Macross anime from co-production company Tatsunoko Productions in 1985, combining the anime with separate series Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross and Genesis Climber Mospeada to create Robotech for American syndication.
When Harmony Gold renewed the Macross trademark with Tatsunoko in 1998, Big West sued, arguing it and not Tatsunoko had the rights to the deal. A 2003 Japanese court ruling held that Tatsunoko did have the rights to license Macross, including sequel rights, to Harmony Gold but that Big West owns the franchise, including the rights to 41 of the original series' designs. This allowed Harmony Gold to release the original Macross anime internationally and develop its own Robotech sequels but did not extend the license to subsequent Macross media.
Harmony Gold still claimed that, since the issue was not settled in U.S. court, its trademark extended to subsequent Macross series. The ongoing dispute has prevented the release of most Macross series internationally, with only the original, Macross II and Macross Plus ever making it to the U.S.
Big West and Studio Nue's new agreement with Harmony Gold recognizes HG's license from Tatsunoko and will immediately allow for Harmony Gold to release most of the Macross films and TV series worldwide. All parties are now cooperating on future Macross and Robotech projects, including the live-action Robotech film from director Andy Muschietti in development at Sony Pictures.
"Stories that feature Valkyries, a transformable realistic mecha, in action among the galaxies while divas sing in the background, as well as love triangles involving the pilots and singers," Best West Representative Director Kaya Onishi said. "That was and continues to be the concept behind the Macross series, and I am happy that I can now help bring Macross to people all over the world on the 40th anniversary of the series. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Harmony Gold Chairman, Frank Agrama for his courageous decision in this matter."
"This is an incomparably historic moment for both Harmony Gold and Big West and the anime industry overall," Harmony Gold Chairman Frank Agrama added. "This is also an exciting moment for fans of Robotech and Macross worldwide. I thank my friend, Big West Representative Director, Kaya Onishi for her hard work to help us reach this long-desired resolution that protects both of our franchises while building a better tomorrow for both our companies."
Sources: Robotech.com, Anime News Network, Kotaku