Paramount Pictures is demanding that the estate of author Mario Puzo not license any more literary sequels to The Godfather. The studio has filed a lawsuit against Anthony Ruzzo, the son and executor of his late father's estate, and is seeking an injunction precluding any further alleged copyright and trademark infringement.
According to Paramount's complaint, the studio gained a copyright interest in Puzo's famed novel, The Godfather, in 1969, which granted it "the sole and exclusive right: to make and cause to be made literary and dramatic and other versions and adaptations of every kind and character."
The agreement paved the way for the legendary Francis Ford Coppola film in 1972, as well as two movie sequels.
Puzo died in 1999, and after his death, the estate run by his son expressed an interest in "sequel novels" written by other authors.
