CBS’ ‘Elementary’ looking even more (if that’s possible) to be a rip off of BBC’s ‘Sherlock’
From Dark Horizons:
Since CBS announced they were making a contemporary set Sherlock Holmes series entitled “Elementary”, many wondered how much of it was owed to the success of the BBC’s “Sherlock” and how closely it will match said property.
Turns out there’s more to the story than first realised. “Sherlock” producer Sue Vertue, who is also the wife of show co-creator Steven Moffat, says that before “Elementary” was announced CBS had approached those involved in “Sherlock” about a remake of the BBC hit according to The Independent.
That never eventuated. Shortly after however came the announcement of “Elementary”, a similar enough sounding show that it has not only raised concern but also early suggestions of possible legal action.
Vertue says “We understand that CBS are doing their own version of an updated Sherlock Holmes. It’s interesting, as they approached us a while back about remaking our show. At the time, they made great assurances about their integrity, so we have to assume that their modernised Sherlock Holmes doesn’t resemble ours in any way, as that would be extremely worrying.”
She goes on to say “We are very proud of our show and like any proud parent, will protect the interest and wellbeing of our offspring.”
Most of Doyle’s works are in the public domain so CBS has every right to do a series based on the Sherlock Holmes character. Where it gets iffy is if “Elementary” starts outright lifting elements of “Sherlock” unique to that incarnation.
Copyright specialist Margaret Tofalides says “if the unusual elements of the BBC series - the modern settings, characters, clothes, plots and distinctive visual style - were closely reproduced in the CBS version, that could form the basis of a potential copyright claim.”
