Warren Beatty Being Sued over "Dick Tracy"

According to BBC News, actor Warren Beatty is being sued by Tribune Media Services over the rights to the "Dick Tracy" franchise.

Court papers show Tribune feels Beatty has "made no productive use" of the rights for more than a decade, meaning the rights would return to Tribune.

Tribune states Beatty "wrongly claims" to have exclusive film and TV rights to the franchise.

Beatty purchased the rights in 1985. He also acted and directed in the film, Dick Tracy, in 1990. The film, which also starred Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino and Madonna, went on to win at the Oscars.

The fight over the rights dates back to 2006. Last November, Beatty took action against Tribune, stating that a "Dick Tracy" TV special was forthcoming, citing that as right to retain ownership of the rights.

Tribune accuses Beatty of using the special only as a way to keep the rights.

Tribune, a division of bankrupt newspaper publisher Tribune Co., said the economic profit of the property was possibly worth millions to the company and its creditors.