# New Regency Sues Michael Mann Over 'Heat' Screenplay

> New Regency sues Michael Mann to reclaim 'Heat' screenplay copyright.
- Title: New Regency Sues Michael Mann Over 'Heat' Screenplay · TheWrap
- Summary: New Regency sues Michael Mann to reclaim 'Heat' screenplay copyright. New Regency filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles federal court to stop Michael Mann from…
- Keywords: new regency, michael mann, heat screenplay, copyright termination, 1995 crime drama, los angeles federal court, TheWrap
- Source: TheWrap — https://thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/new-regency-sues-michael-mann-heat-screenplay
- Author: Umberto Gonzalez
- Published: 2026-11-14T02:51:26+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new regency, michael mann, heat screenplay, copyright termination, 1995 crime drama, los angeles federal court, entertainment, culture, business
## New Regency sues Michael Mann
New Regency filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles federal court to stop Michael Mann from reclaiming copyright to the 1995 crime drama screenplay.
## Copyright termination claims
New Regency argued the 'Heat' screenplay is not eligible for copyright termination under 17 U.S.C. § 203, and the company retains all rights to the screenplay.
## Work made for hire claim
New Regency claimed Mann wrote the 1995 crime epic as a 'work made for hire' under agreements he personally signed.
## Key takeaway

New Regency filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles federal court to stop Michael Mann from reclaiming copyright to the 1995 crime drama screenplay.