Ian Mckellen's Sherlock Holmes Movie Lawsuit Settled

Executors for the Scottish writer's estate sued producers at Miramax, Roadside Attractions and director Bill Condon in May (15) for adapting the film from the book A Slight Trick of the Mind, which allegedly breached copyright by appropriating elements from one of Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories.

The author's heirs were seeking an injunction to block the movie's release, a recognition of the novel and movie's source material and a share of the profits, but they have since agreed on an undisclosed settlement with filmmakers.

Doyle estate attorney, Benjamin Allison, says, "We've reached an agreement in principle with the film company. The estate is very pleased."

The settlement was reportedly reached before the film's release in July (15) and the parties are working to finalise the deal, according to Variety.com.