Relation to Sherlock (BBC)
In January 2012, Sue Vertue of Hartswood Films, the company that produces Sherlock, said, "We understand that CBS are doing their own version of an updated Sherlock Holmes. It's interesting, as they approached us a while back about remaking our show. At the time, they made great assurances about their integrity, so we have to assume that their modernised Sherlock Holmes doesn't resemble ours in any way, as that would be extremely worrying."[7]
The next month, Vertue said, "We have been in touch with CBS and informed them that we will be looking at their finished pilot very closely for any infringement of our rights."[2] CBS made a statement on the issue: "Our project is a contemporary take on Sherlock Holmes that will be based on Holmes, Watson and other characters in the public domain, as well as original characters. We are, of course, respectful of all copyright laws and will not infringe on any stories or works that may still be protected."[2]
Doherty spoke about comparisons between Sherlock and Elementary that July:
Sherlock has been contemporized dating back to the forties. There were movies with Basil Rathbone set in the Victorian era, and then suddenly there were movies with Basil Rathbone in World War II where they're fighting Nazis. So, the idea has been around a long time. Sherlock has done it extremely well. I think it's a brilliant show. I've only seen the first series, but I hear the second series is just as excellent. But as far as taking from the show, I just don't think that's true and Sherlock again has been... because he exists mostly in the public domain, many hands have handled Sherlock over the years and Watson and the premise and the show. He's been everywhere. He's been to the future. He's been to the past. I've seen him in comics. I've seen him in books. I've seen many, many different takes and interpretations on the character and the franchise. They're all great. I don't think any of them hurt any of the others.[6]