Court Challenge Puts Klingon Language In Copyright Crosshairs

Klingon has entered the pop culture collective conscience as the true mark of a hardcore Trekkie with the most diehard fans becoming fluent in the surprisingly developed language. But a copyright battle between Paramount and a group of fans who produced a high budget movie based on the Trek universe has put control of Klingon at center stage. Paramount, the owner of the franchise rights, is seeking to enforce a copyright over the language which could potentially give the studio the right to restrict it's use at any time. However, opponents of the power grab have filed amicus briefs seeking to restrict Paramount from exercising complete control while drawing comparisons to the Academie Francaise which regulates the French language. So, for the time being, the future of Klingon is in doubt but at least the battle will be fought with a ferocity that would make a warrior of the empire (well, the lawyer warriors at least) proud.

QaStaHvIS yIn tlhIngan wo'!!!!

See Ed Krayewski, Paramount Copyright Claim on Klingon Language Challenged in Klingon Language, Reason Magazine, April 28, 2016.

Special thanks to Brian Cohan (Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Brian J. Cohan, P.C.) for bringing this article to my attention.