By RismadarVoice Reporters
January 3, 2026
A United States appeals court has rejected a copyright infringement lawsuit against the blockbuster film Top Gun Maverick, delivering a major legal victory for the movie’s producers and distributor.
The lawsuit was filed by the heirs of Ehud Yonay, an Israeli journalist whose 1983 magazine article about elite US Navy fighter pilots inspired the original Top Gun film released in 1986.
The plaintiffs argued that the sequel Top Gun Maverick unlawfully used elements from the original article without proper authorization.
However, the appeals court ruled that the filmmakers did not violate copyright law, noting that the movie’s storyline characters and themes were independently created, substantially different from the protected material in the original article.
The court also found that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate direct copying or unlawful use of protected expression.
Top Gun Maverick – starring Tom Cruise was released in 2022, became one of the highest grossing films of all time, earning widespread acclaim for its action sequences and storytelling. The ruling removes a lingering legal cloud over the film’s success.
Legal experts say the decision reinforces long standing principles in copyright law, particularly the distinction between protected creative expression and general ideas or themes which are not subject to copyright protection.
The producers of the film welcomed the ruling, calling it a reaffirmation of creative freedom within the film industry. The plaintiffs have not yet indicated whether they plan to pursue further legal action.
The judgment marks the end of a closely watched case in Hollywood, underscores the challenges involved in copyright claims against major motion pictures.
