Scheduled for a March 2009 release, 'Watchmen', a film shot by Warner Bros. and Legendary pictures, according to a surprise ruling by a Los Angeles United States District Court Judge - Gary Feess, in a 5-page written order declares Fox owns a copyright interest in the film, saying: 'Fox owns a copyright interest consisting of, at the very least, the right to distribute the 'Watchmen' motion picture.'

One of the most eagerly anticipated releases of next year, Fox has been trying to prevent Warner from releasing the super-hero adventure, based on a novel of the same name.

It seems, Fox acquired the rights to the 'Watchmen' for producer Lawrence Gordon, however, later it dropped the idea of making a film on the underside of life as a super-being.

Later, Gordon pursued the project with Universal Pictures, then with Paramount Pictures, before shooting the film with Warner and Legendary, under arrangements for Paramount to distribute the film abroad.

However, Judge Feess in his ruling, recommends Fox and Warner to either come to a settlement or go for an appeal.

While, a more detailed ruling is expected, Warner Bros undeterred by the present one, plan to proceed with the film's planned release date of 6th March.