In 2022, a landmark UK intellectual property (IP) case shook the immersive entertainment world – and it had nothing to do with tech, lasers, or hard-to-solve puzzles. Instead, it hinged on a beloved sitcom and a dining experience gone legally sideways.

The case? Shazam Productions Ltd v Only Fools The Dining Experience Ltd. And it should be required reading for anyone operating an escape room or immersive attraction in the UK.

What happened?

Shazam Productions, which owns the rights to the classic British sitcom Only Fools and Horses, took legal action against a company that had been running a live, interactive dining event based on the show. The event wasn’t a direct re-creation – it involved original scripts, was set in a pub, and featured lookalike actors playing “parody” versions of characters like Del Boy and Rodney.

The operators of Only Fools The (Cushty) Dining Experience claimed they were creating a tribute – comedic and clearly unofficial. But the court saw it differently.

The verdict

The High Court ruled decisively in favour of Shazam Productions. Crucially, it found:

• Character copyright infringement: For the first time in UK law, a fictional character – Del Boy – was recognised as a “literary work” protected under copyright. The show’s characters had sufficient originality and consistency to be protected in their own right, beyond just the scripts.
• Script infringement: Even though the dining show used original material, it drew so heavily on familiar expressions, catchphrases, and plot themes that it constituted infringement.
• Passing off: Despite disclaimers, the court ruled that the use of the show’s branding and characters could easily lead the public to believe the experience was officially licensed. That’s a textbook example of “passing off”.

Why it matters for your business

If you run an escape room or immersive event, this case sets a serious precedent. The lines between parody, tribute, and infringement are thinner than many realise – especially when you’re using well-known characters, storylines, or branding.

Imagine you create an escape room loosely themed on a popular movie or show. You change the name, modify the visuals, and write your own script. But if the characters or world are recognisable, you could still face a legal challenge – the courts have made it clear that characters themselves may be protected.

What insurance can – and can’t – do

Unfortunately, most commercial insurance policies, including Public Liability or Property cover, don’t include protection for intellectual property disputes by default. 

If you’re concerned about this kind of risk, you’ll want to speak to No Spoilers about what IP insurance is available, noting that it’s a specialist cover that can help defend against IP infringement claims and cover legal costs or settlements.

The best protection? Prevention. Invest in legal advice before launching any experience that draws on existing works, characters, or brands.

The bottom line

Creativity is the soul of the escape room and immersive sector – but it has to play by the rules. If you’re inspired by pop culture, take care not to cross the line into infringement. As this case proves, you could end up in court faster than you can say “lovely jubbly”. Get in touch with No Spoilers today to check you’re not at risk.

Photo by Carl Raw on Unsplash