A federal judge has refused to halt the release of the Chris Rock film "Good Hair."

Rock and the film's producers were sued in Los Angeles by documentary filmmaker Regina Kimbell, who claimed the comedian stole several ideas for his film from her work.

Kimbell produced the documentary "My Nappy Roots" earlier this decade and says she screened her film for Rock in 2007. U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer watched both films and says she didn't see substantial similarities.

Kimbell had been seeking an order blocking the film's release.

"Good Hair" has been in limited release and will open nationwide Oct. 23.

Kimbell and her attorney say they will continue to pursue the case to a trial.

Source: AP