Stephen Fry backs pint-sized pub in Hobbit row

Stephen Fry has waded into the row over copyright which has threatened the future of The Hobbit pub in Southampton.

The comedian and presenter, who is filming the new Hobbit film in New Zealand has lent his support to The Hobbit (pub) which has been threatened with legal action by U.S. firm Saul Zaentz Company ( SZC ) – which owns the worldwide rights to most of JRR Tolkien’s work.

Acting like the well meaning and good-natured company they are, SZC has accused the pint-sized pub – which has traded under the name for 20 years - of copyright infringement.

Writing on Twitter about the issue Fry said: "Honestly, sometimes I'm ashamed of the business I'm in. What pointless, self-defeating bullying."

SZC has asked the pub to remove any Hobbit references or face legal action. The pub has gained 15,000 new Facebook fans since the start of the week. Speaking to the BBC landlady Stella Mary Roberts said: "We are overwhelmed. The support has been phenomenal.

"At the end of the day it is a legal mater. This just shows people's support and how petty the actions of the lawyers are."