Brief: Disney learns meaning of irony over 3D patent shambles

Disney licensed IP from the Digital Domain Media Group to build 3D versions of key films. Then DDMD went bankrupt, and the patent deal came up for grabs. Those who know the history of Disney's attitud
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Disney licensed IP from the Digital Domain Media Group to build 3D versions of key films. Then DDMD went bankrupt, and the patent deal came up for grabs. Those who know the history of Disney’s attitude to IP over Mickey Mouse are already laughing.

In September 2012, the Digital Domain Media Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US. We covered that story extensively, because Digital Domain had been supported by the NSW government to set up shop in Sydney to bring its unique face construction technology. Some people in the post-production industry considered that supporting a foreign competitor when the sector is under enormous financial pressure is pretty startling.

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David Tiley was the Editor of Screenhub from 2005 until he became Content Lead for Film in 2021 with a special interest in policy. He is a writer in screen media with a long career in educational programs, documentary, and government funding, with a side order in script editing. He values curiosity, humour and objectivity in support of Australian visions and the art of storytelling.