Terence Dunn, the self-described "writer/producer/teacher/philosopher" that claims DreamWorks Animation stole the idea for KUNG FU PANDA from him, was won an initial victory in his lawsuit against the studio, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Dunn claims that he pitched the idea of a "spiritual kung-fu fighting panda bear" to DreamWorks, which passed. He then claims months later the studio launched KUNG FU PANDA.

DreamWorks' lawyers issued a motion to split, which would prevent Dunn and his lawyers from seeing the studio's books in order to determine damages. Judge Joanne O'Donnell ruled against the motion and moved the suit into the discovery stage. Depositions of DWA exec Lance Young and Michael Lachance are set for January.