The Legal Battle Between Harmony Gold USA and Big West: Why Macross Sequels Were Delayed in the U.S.

In the world of anime and science fiction, the delayed release of Macross sequels in the U.S. is a topic of interest for many fans. This delay was not due to market strategy but rather a complex legal battle between Harmony Gold USA and Big West. This article delves into the legal agreements, disputes, and the eventual resolution that explain why Macross sequels faced significant delays in the U.S. market.

Introduction to the Dispute

Harmony Gold, a company known for its involvement in the advertising and distribution of television series, is at the center of a long-standing legal dispute that impacted the release of Macross sequels in the U.S. The company's legal battles with Big West, a production company, created significant delays in the availability of Macross episodes and films under U.S. exclusive licensing agreements.

The Legal Agreements and Disputes

In a 1991 agreement, Tatsunoko, the original producer of Macross, granted Harmony Gold USA the exclusive right to exploit 36 episodes of Macross, 25 episodes of Mospeada, and 23 episodes of Southern Cross for 10 years. This agreement was extended multiple times, in 1998, 2002, and again in 2019, indicating a continuous effort to maintain control over the series' distribution.

However, in 1998, Big West filed a lawsuit claiming that Tatsunoko did not have the rights to produce sequels to Macross. A 2003 court decision ruled in favor of Tatsunoko, but Big West retained the rights to 41 original designs used in the series. This legal wrangling complicated the distribution of Macross content.

The 1998 agreement between Big West and Tatsunoko led to the revocation of Harmony Gold USA's right to make sequels to the three shows in question. However, the 2002 agreement restored these rights for Mospeada and Southern Cross only. In a subsequent 2003 agreement, Harmony Gold USA regained the right to make derivative works of Macross, except with the designs owned by Big West. Tatsunoko disputed this agreement in its counterclaims, but the court ultimately upheld the agreement as valid.

The Impact on the U.S. Market

The legal battles had a significant impact on the release of Macross sequels in the U.S. While Harmony Gold USA had the rights to distribute these works outside of Japan, the complex legal agreements and disputes created a significant delay in the availability of Macross content in the U.S. market. This delay frustrated fans who were eager to see more of the beloved series.

One of the key reasons for the delay was the dispute over the rights to certain designs. Big West's retention of these designs made it challenging for Harmony Gold USA to produce sequels without infringing on Big West's rights. However, the court's decision in favor of Harmony Gold USA paved the way for the eventual distribution of Macross sequels and films.

Resolution and the Future

In November 2021, Studio Nue and Harmony Gold USA announced that they had agreed to allow the immediate distribution of most Macross television sequels and films. This agreement came after years of legal proceedings, and it signifies a significant step forward in the distribution of Macross content in the U.S. market.

Furthermore, the agreement with Tatsunoko also resolved the dispute over the protection of Macross trademarks outside of Japan. This resolution allows Harmony Gold USA to continue its work in promoting and distributing Macross content, which is good news for both fans and the broader anime community.

Despite the legal battle, it's important to note that Macross remains a beloved franchise with a passionate fanbase. The resolution of the legal disputes not only benefits the rights holders but also opens up new opportunities for fans to enjoy the series.

Conclusion

The legal battles between Harmony Gold USA and Big West had a significant impact on the release of Macross sequels in the U.S. market. Through a series of complex agreements and disputes, the rights to certain designs and the distribution of the series were negotiated. However, the resolution of these legal proceedings has paved the way for the distribution of Macross sequels and films, allowing fans to enjoy the beloved series once again.

For those interested in learning more about this legal battle and its impact on the release of Macross sequels, you can read more at the link below:

Big West Studio Nue, Harmony Gold USA Agree to Global Distribution of Macross, Robotech