From the outside, it might seem like movie marketing departments operate rather whimsically. But even yesterday’s title reveal of "Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens" was likely planned out weeks in advance. And so, a couple weeks back when "The Avengers: Age Of Ultron" trailer appeared online days before Marvel‘s planned bow on "Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.," they were forced to move quickly and get the official version online so that the far crappier leaked version would stop circulating. And while they recovered, and even treated fans to an extended trailer and clip days later during ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.,’ the company is looking to track down the person who caused their headaches in the first place.
Marvel has been granted a subpoena to get the identity of the person who leaked the trailer from Google. The individual, using the pseudonym John Gazelle, uploaded the video to Google Drive, and now Marvel wants his IP address and those associated with the user’s Google+ and YouTube accounts. And note, if you’re going to pirate video, you probably don’t want to use a major platform where you might be easily identified to get it out there. At any rate, Google will have to appear in court on November 18th with that information.
It’s not a surprise that Marvel wants to shut the valve on any more potential leaks, and also find out who had access and nabbed their property. This is a billion-dollar franchise (and more) and they will do everything they can to protect it. Whether or not this chase for the leaker leads to any results, we’ll have to see, but particularly with Hollywood continuing to try and figure out a way to deal with piracy, we’re certain many will be watching to see how Marvel handles the intel they receive over the coming weeks and months. [The Verge]