WGA Seeks Preliminary Injunction to Block Paramount-WBD Merger

The Writers Guild of America has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to halt Paramount's proposed merger with Warner Bros Discovery, arguing the deal is anticompetitive in the market for writing services for top-grossing films. Filed in federal court in Oakland, the motion claims the combined entity would hold a 35% market share, eliminating head-to-head competition vital for writers. The WGA, which sued to block the merger last month, contends the merger would cause irreparable harm, being virtually impossible to unwind. The guild seeks to align its motion with a separate case brought by a dozen state attorneys general, where Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín has already issued a 14-day temporary restraining order and set an August 3 hearing for a preliminary injunction. Paramount's deal includes a $7 million-per-day ticking fee for delays beyond September 30. A Paramount spokesperson defended the merger as pro-competitive, claiming it would expand opportunities for writers. The WGA warned it may seek its own temporary restraining order if scheduling alignment is not feasible.