Funimation is reporting that the Big West versus Harmony Gold tussle over Macross and Robotech is over. As a result, the live-action Robotech film may see distribution outside Japan.
The dispute, which had lasted years, as ended with Big West recognising that Harmony Gold had the license for Macross and Harmony Gold accepting that Big West had the license for the Macross spin-offs the other company had produced.
Other licenses wrapped up in the universe are unaffected and now the two companies will work to distribute Macross outside of Japan.
The press release states;
The landmark agreement immediately permits worldwide distribution of most of the Macross films and television sequels worldwide, and also confirms that Big West will not oppose the Japanese release of an anticipated upcoming live-action Robotech film. The agreement also recognizes Harmony Gold’s longstanding exclusive license with Tatsunoko for the use of the 41 Macross characters and mecha in the Robotech television series and related merchandise throughout the world excluding Japan.
Moving forward, both parties will cooperate on distribution regarding future Macross and Robotech projects for the benefit of both franchises.
Funimation has some skin in the game as the Sony-owned anime platform announced in 2019 that it had bought the home video, streaming and merch rights to Robotech from Harmony Gold.
The franchise was first published in 1982 in Japan under Super Dimension Fortress Macross and then licensed by Harmony Gold USA and released as Robotech in the US in 1985.
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