Oscar contender 'The Shape of Water' facing copyright infringement lawsuit; Los Angeles Times, February 26, 2018

Nardine Saad and Christie D'Zurilla, Los Angeles Times; Oscar contender 'The Shape of Water' facing copyright infringement lawsuit

"Fox Searchlight, Guillermo del Toro and others associated with the Oscar contender "The Shape of Water" are facing a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by the estate of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Zindel."

Exclusive: playwright's estate says The Shape of Water used his work without credit; Guardian, January 25, 2018

Sam Levin, Guardian; Exclusive: playwright's estate says The Shape of Water used his work without credit

"The estate of the Pulitzer-winning playwright Paul Zindel has accused the film The Shape of Water of using the late writer’s work without credit, arguing that Guillermo del Toro’s movie, which is leading in Oscar nominations, was “obviously derived” from a 1969 play.

David Zindel, son of the American playwright, told the Guardian he believes his father’s work Let Me Hear You Whisper, a play about a female janitor in a research laboratory who bonds with a captive dolphin and tries to rescue the creature, is a source of inspiration for The Shape of Water. Del Toro’s film was nominated on Tuesday for 13 Oscars, including best picture, best director and best original screenplay."