Universal, which has bought the film rights of the trilogy, said it is “a rip-off plain and simple.”
“The first XXX adaptation is not a parody, and it does not comment on, criticise, or ridicule the originals,” it said.
The lawsuit was filed by both Universal and James’ British company, which owns the copyright to the novels first published in 2011.
It seeks unspecified damages, an injunction and aims to recoup any profit from sales of their adaptation.
Two subsequent movies by Smash Pictures were reportedly in production, claims Universal.