The judge presiding over Fox's suit against Warners over the latter's "Watchmen" release has issued a ruling that Fox has a copyright stake in the Zack Snyder action pic.

"Fox owns a copyright interest consisting of, at the very least, the right to distribute the 'Watchmen' motion picture," judge Gary Feess said in the ruling.

The preliminary ruling throws a monkey wrench into Warners' planned March release of the Legendary Pictures-produced movie. Fox and Warners had been prepping for a Jan. 20 trial date, but the ruling could force Warners to settle -- likely in the form of payment -- if it hopes to go ahead with the release.

Fox developed the project but eventually passed; "Watchmen also moved around to other studios before Warners picked it up and greenlit it. The tale is based on Alan Moore's serial about a band of heroes.