The estate of Philip K. Dick has filed suit against Media Rights Capital and director George Nolfi over their refusal to pay royalties on their film THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU, which was based on Dick's short story, writes The Hollywood Reporter.

The suit claims that Nolfi licensed the story from the Dick trust in 2001 for only $25,000 per year with the caveat that if the film ever got made the trust would receive royalties. Nolfi went on to set up the project a Media Rights Capital. Following the release of the film this March, Nolfi and MRC allegedly found "an issue with the copyright chain of title for ADJUSTMENT TEAM," which led them to believe it is in the public domain and no longer owe royalties.

The suit says, "Using heavy-handed means, they seek to 'adjust' agreements entered into long ago, 'adjust' determinations made long ago by the U.S. Copyright office, and even 'adjust' history so as to hoard any and all monies rightfully earned by the estate of the man whose genius inspired what is indisputably a highly successful film."

MRC II Distribution Co., MRC Holdings, Oaktree Ent., Nolfi and Michael Hackett are listed as defendants. Distribution company Universal is not.