This seems like somewhat of a rights mess. They may or may night have movie* and TV** rights. They obviously don't have the book plubishing rights (though I ima

This seems like somewhat of a rights mess. They may or may night have movie* and TV** rights. They obviously don't have the book plubishing rights (though I imagine they could make printed derivative works e.g. comic books). The value of Tolkien's work seems to entirely be in the media works that people like. Now this may sounds silly or obvious, but what I mean is: I can't imagine people buying generic merchandise like they do with Star Wars. People will buy Star Wars toys for their children even when a movie isn't released that year; People will buy paper party plates, napkins, paper cups, party balloons, etc. with Darth Vader's face on them; People will buy Star Wars themed chess sets and monopoly games. I have a hard time imagining people doing that year around, even when there isn't a movie or television series people like to tie into. * Sounds like there is a dispute between Zaentz/Embracer and Warner Bros. about who currently controls the movie rights. I believe the agreement was that Zaentz sublicensed the Movie rights to Warner and they revert after a certain period of time if no more movies come out. Zaentz bought the movie rights from Tolkien himself. ** When Zaentz bought the Movie and TV rights, the TV rights were based on a certain number of episodes. I can't remember which way it goes but Amazon should be in the clear based on if they make more/fewer episdoes than what Zaentz right's specified. I think Zaentz's rights are also limited to LotR and The Hobbit while I believe Amazon also licensed Silmarillion from the Tolkien Estate. Considering the press release states Zaentz has a financial interest in The Rings of Power, I imagine Amazon just paid them off to not cause legal trouble.