White Wolf, Inc., Author Nancy A. Collins Sue for Underworld Copyright Infringement

White Wolf, Inc., Author Nancy A.
Collins Sue for Underworld Copyright Infringement

Sony Pictures, Screen Gems and
Lakeshore Entertainment Targeted

Atlanta, GA, 5 September 2003—White Wolf, Inc. and Nancy A. Collins yesterday
filed suit in US District court in Atlanta, Georgia against defendants Sony
Pictures, Screen Gems and Lakeshore Entertainment, alleging 17 counts of
copyright infringement for the film Underworld, set for release on September 19.
White Wolf alleges that Underworld characters, theme and setting are based on
White Wolf’s award winning games Vampire: The Masquerade® and Werewolf: The
Apocalypse®, both set in White Wolf’s fictional World of Darkness®. Further,
Collins alleges that Underworld’s script is based on her 1994 story Love of
Monsters, published by White Wolf and also set in the World of Darkness.

Plaintiffs claim over 60 points of unique similarity between Underworld and
their work. "Ours is a huge fictional world, supported by over 200 volumes of
fictional material," asserts Mike Tinney, White Wolf’s President. "It’s
infuriating to see Underworld’s script riddled with our property." Plaintiffs
also claim that Underworld’s entire plot is based on Collins’ short story Love
of Monsters. "Apparently they are marketing this as a remake of Romeo and
Juliet," comments Collins. "What I think they really mean is that it’s an
on-screen adaptation of my story."

White Wolf and Collins are seeking immediate injunctive relief and damages. "The
volume of confusion in our marketplace is amazing," observes Tinney, "our fans
think they’re going to be seeing our film. Of course, if the movie gets
released, in a way they will be."

Please direct press inquiries to:
for White Wolf: R. Schaeffer, 404-292-1819 x200
for Collins: Pamela Koslyn, 310-271-1833; or Nancy A. Collins, 678-637-2407
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Since its entry into the roleplaying game
market in 1991, White Wolf Publishing, Inc. has grown, maintaining an average
market share of 26%. With collective book sales in excess of 5.5 million copies
during this time, White Wolf is one of two undisputed worldwide publishing
leaders for pen and paper roleplaying games. White Wolf properties have been
licensed to television series, comic books, action figures, professional
wrestlers, a myriad of merchandising, replica props and weapons, interactive
media events, coin operated arcade games and, of course, video games. More
information on White Wolf can be found at www.white-wolf.com .

Nancy A. Collins is the author of several novels and numerous short stories, and
is perhaps best known for her popular character Sonja Blue, a
vampire/vampire-hunter who most recently appeared in the novel Darkest Heart and
the collection Dead Roses for a Blue Lady. A recipient of the Horror Writers
Association’s Bram Stoker Award, The British Fantasy Society’s Icarus Award, and
the Deathrealm Award, as well as a nominee for the Eisner, World Fantasy, and
International Horror Guild Awards, Collins’ works include Knuckles and Tales,
Sunglasses After Dark and Avenue X