Universal Pictures sues porn company for '50 Shades of Grey' films

Universal Pictures has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against the makers of adult film based on EL James' steamy novel 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.

The studio and Fifty Shades Ltd have accused Smash Pictures and adult video director, James Lane, of violating the 'Fifty Shades' copyright and trademark and causing confusion in the marketplace, reported Ace Showbiz.

Universal alleges Smash honcho Stuart Wall for engaging in a "willful attempt to capitalise on the reputation of the book."

In the lawsuit, Universal and Fifty Shades Ltd quote Mr Wall's interview back in summer to prove that he intentionally rips off the sex-themed trilogy for the porn film.

"Since they are going to make a mainstream movie of the books, too, dabbling in the adult world we're choosing to go with a XXX adaptation which will stay very true to the book and its S&M-themed romance," Mr Wall had said.

Universal states, "By lifting exact dialogue, characters, events, story and style from the Fifty Shades trilogy, Smash Pictures ensured that the first XXX adaptation was, in fact, as close as possible to the original works."

"The first XXX adaptation is not a parody, and it does not comment on, criticise, or ridicule the originals. It is a rip-off, plain and simple."

Universal and Focus Features are currently developing an authorised movie adaptation of the 'Fifty Shades' trilogy. The project is still in the hunt for its actors and director, but it has already tapped Kelly Marcel as the writer.

The story of the bestselling book itself follows the relationship of 27-year-old billionaire Christian and college student Ana. Their relationship deepens in the book's sequels, "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed". The first book is included in the New York Times bestseller list.