Indiana Jones lawsuit centers on artifact from Belize

Dr. Jaime Awe, director of the Institute of Archeology of Belize, recently filed a lawsuit against the makers of the latest Indiana Jones movie, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” The most interesting aspect of this case is that Awe is suing for the representation of the crystal skull artifact, which was allegedly stolen from Belize 88 years ago by a treasure-hunting family, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The case accused Paramount Pictures, Lucasfilms and the Walt Disney Company of using a replica of the crystal skull in the making of their movie. The film made almost $180 million worldwide and the plaintiff has claimed these are “illegal profits.”

The skull is purported to have been developed by the ancient Mayans and is carved from quartz to resemble a human skull. According to legend, the Mitchell-Hedges family, travelers in the 1920s, allegedly took the skull illegally from ancient ruins. The suit accused these movie makers of illegally profiting from the likeness of the real artifact and not paying royalties for its use.

“The primary goal of the litigation is to preserve and return the artifact to the people of Belize; to enforce the nation’s rights to the artifact and the profits derived therefrom; and to make known to the global community that while a relatively small, yet vibrant and growing nation, Belize will take whatever action necessary to preserve, and prevent the exploitation of its culture and cultural artifacts/landmarks,” Awe’s lawyer Adam Tracy told a reporter from LiveScience.

Though this specific case is unique, it represents the sensitive nature of disputes involving complex issues like intellectual property and personality rights. Phoenix business attorneys can provide businesses in Arizona with the necessary aid to comply with laws involving the use of another’s name or likeness.

Categorised in: Entertainment Law

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