CopyrightC.D. Cal.2:22-cv-09021Closed

Changing World Films LLC v. Nathaniel Parker

Summary

Changing World Films sues Nathaniel Parker and others for copyright infringement over film rights.

Summary generated by AI from public docket data. Verify against the original filing before relying on it.

Deep summary (AI brief of the complaint)

**Plaintiff:** Changing World Films LLC, Selton Shaw, and Langston Shaw (D.C.-based filmmaking brothers and their production company) **Defendant:** Nathaniel Parker a/k/a Nate Parker (writer/director), TM Film Finance LLC d/b/a TM Films, Tiny Giant Productions LLC d/b/a Tiny Giant Entertainment, Vertical Entertainment LLC, Shelton Jackson Lee a/k/a Spike Lee, and ASP Film LLC **Core allegation:** Defendants copied Plaintiffs' 2017 screenplay *A Routine Stop* — including its plot, characters, themes, and logline — and used it to create, produce, and distribute the 2019 film *American Skin*, which Nate Parker falsely presented as his original work. Plaintiffs received no compensation or credit. **Asserted IP:** - Screenplay: *A Routine Stop* (written 2017; copyright registration No. PA0002314277, registered September 29, 2021) **Relief sought:** Damages (direct, contributory, and vicarious copyright infringement) and vindication of Plaintiffs' authorship rights; jury trial demanded **Why it matters:** The case directly implicates the liability of a prominent filmmaker (Nate Parker) and…

AI-generated from the filed complaint. Always verify against the original document.

Coverage vs reality meter

Coverage vs realityNo signal

Latest ruling: plaintiff (2025-08-11)

Coverage sentiment vs. docket activity over time

Coverage sentiment vs. docket activity over time▲ plaintiff-favorable▼ defendant-favorableDocketFiled 2022-12-132025-04-18 · filing · favors plaintiff OPPOSITION to NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Attorney Fees 82 filed by Plaintiffs Chang…2025-05-02 · filing · favors defendant REPLY in support of NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Attorney Fees 82 filed by Defendants…2025-08-11 · ruling · favors plaintiff ORDER from Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals filed re: Notice of Appeal to 9th Circuit Cour…Dec 22Apr 24Aug 25filingruling■ plaintiff■ defendantweekly coverage · docket events

Counsel of record

For the plaintiff
For the defendant
Other counsel (amici, etc.)
Court
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Docket no.
2:22-cv-09021
Nature of suit
Copyright
Filed
2022-12-13
Last filing
2025-08-11
Terminated
2025-01-10

Cause

17:101 Copyright Infringement

Entities in this case

Changing World FilmsNathaniel Parker

Parties

Alan M Kindred ASP Film, LLC Shelton Jackson Lee Vertical Entertainment, LLC. Tiny Giant Productions, LLC TM Film Finance LLC Nathaniel Parker Langston Shaw Selton Shaw Changing World Films LLC

Docket entries

  1. #1022025-08-11

    ORDER from Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals filed re: Notice of Appeal to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals 85 filed by Langston Shaw, Selton Shaw, Changing World Films LLC. CCA # 25-900. The motion (Docket Entry No. 17) for voluntary dismissal is granted. See Fed. R. App. P. 42(b). This case is dismissed. This order serves as the mandate of the court. (car) (Entered: 08/12/2025)

  2. #1012025-07-29

    Notice of Withdrawal of Motion for Attorney Fees, 82 filed by Defendants ASP Film, LLC, Nathaniel Parker, TM Film Finance LLC, Tiny Giant Productions, LLC, Vertical Entertainment, LLC.. (Jampol, Nicolas) (Entered: 07/29/2025)

  3. #1002025-05-09

    (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER by Chief Judge Dolly M. Gee. The Court finds that the Motion for Attorney Fees 82 set for hearing on May 16, 2025, is appropriate for decision without oral argument. Fed. R. Civ. P. 78(b); C.D. L.R. 7-15. Accordingly, the motion is taken UNDER SUBMISSION and the hearing is vacated. No appearances are necessary on this date. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (dd) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 05/09/2025)

  4. 2025-05-09

    No description on file

  5. #992025-05-02

    REPLY in support of NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Attorney Fees 82 filed by Defendants ASP Film, LLC, Nathaniel Parker, TM Film Finance LLC, Tiny Giant Productions, LLC, Vertical Entertainment, LLC.. (Burns, Sarah) (Entered: 05/02/2025)

  6. #982025-04-18

    OPPOSITION to NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Attorney Fees 82 filed by Plaintiffs Changing World Films LLC, Langston Shaw, Selton Shaw. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of G. Rossman, # 2 Declaration of L. Shaw, # 3 Declaration of S. Shaw)(Schiller, Joshua) (Entered: 04/18/2025)

  7. #972025-04-09

    ORDER by Judge Dolly M. Gee: The parties' Stipulation Requesting an Extension of Time to Respond to Defendants' Motion for Attorneys' Fees 96 is hereby APPROVED. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the deadlines associated with the Fee Motionshall be extended, as follows: Plaintiffs' opposition to the Fee Motion shall be filed on 4/18/2025. Defendants' reply in support of the Fee Motion shall be filed on 5/2/2025. The hearing on the Fee Motion shall be set for 5/16/2025 at 9:30 AM. (gk) (Entered: 04/09/2025)

  8. #962025-04-08

    Joint STIPULATION for Extension of Time to File Response filed by plaintiff Changing World Films LLC, Langston Shaw, Selton Shaw. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order to Grant Joint Stipulation)(Schiller, Joshua) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

  9. #952025-03-14

    ORDER RE BRIEFING SCHEDULE ON DEFENDANTS' MOTION FOR ATTORNEYS' FEES 94 by Judge Dolly M. Gee. FOR GOOD CAUSE SHOWN, the parties' Stipulation requesting an extension is hereby APPROVED. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the deadlines associated with the Fee Motion shall be extended. [See Order for further details.] (san) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

  10. #942025-03-13

    Joint STIPULATION for Extension of Time to File Response to Defendants' Motion for Attorneys' Fees, STIPULATION for Extension of Time to File Response filed by Plaintiffs Changing World Films LLC, Selton Shaw, Langston Shaw. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Schiller, Joshua) (Entered: 03/13/2025)

  11. #932025-03-05

    NOTICE OF FILING TRANSCRIPT filed for proceedings 1/10/2025 re Transcript 92 THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (Hourigan, Terri) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 03/05/2025)

  12. #922025-03-05

    TRANSCRIPT for proceedings held on 1/10/2025 2:00 p.m.. Court Reporter/Electronic Court Recorder: Terri Hourigan, phone number hourigan.terri@gmail.com. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Electronic Court Recorder before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Notice of Intent to Redact due within 7 days of this date. Redaction Request due 3/26/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 4/7/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 6/3/2025. (Hourigan, Terri) (Entered: 03/05/2025)

  13. 2025-03-05

    No description on file

  14. #912025-02-24

    DESIGNATION of Record on Appeal by Plaintiffs Changing World Films LLC, Selton Shaw, Langston Shaw re 85 (Schiller, Joshua) (Entered: 02/24/2025)

  15. 2024-11-25

    No description on file

  16. 2024-09-09

    No description on file

  17. 2023-12-14

    No description on file

  18. 2023-12-13

    No description on file

  19. 2023-12-08

    No description on file

  20. 2023-04-13

    No description on file

Docket history from CourtListener/RECAP — most recent first.

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