NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge says Abbott and Costello's heirs have failed to get past first base with copyright claims against the producers of a Broadway play in which a character uses a sock puppet to perform part of the comedians' famous "Who's on First" routine.

The copyright holders sued "Hand to God" producers, promoters and playwright Robert Askins in June in Manhattan federal court, accusing them of copyright infringement.

Federal Judge George Daniels in Manhattan tossed out the lawsuit Thursday, saying the play transforms the original routine enough that it does not violate copyrights.

Kevin McCollum, lead producer of "Hand to God," had called the lawsuit "a stunt" and said producers welcomed the attention.

The lawsuit claimed the play "copied the very heart" of "Who's on First."