Justices Finalize Sony’s Escape in Tarantino Film Trademark Suit

Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. cemented its defeat of trademark and publicity rights claims over Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film “Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood” as the US Supreme Court declined to review it.

Paule McKenna, partner to the late 1960s actor Christopher Jones, accused Sony of impermissibly basing characters played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt on Jones while also using his name in the film and in ads. But a California state court tossed the case under anti-Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation law, which allows quick disposal of of meritless free speech-chilling lawsuits.

The justices’ Tuesday denial of McKenna’s petition ...