While I don't disagree with you, Tant, White Wolf did allege that Underworld was based on the WoD; note the opening paragraph of their press release on the lawsuit:
http://www.white-wolf.com/News/underworldrelease.html
Atlanta, GA, 5 September 2003—White Wolf, Inc. and Nancy A. Collins yesterday filed suit in US District court in Atlanta, Georgia against defendants Sony Pictures, Screen Gems and Lakeshore Entertainment, alleging 17 counts of copyright infringement for the film Underworld, set for release on September 19. White Wolf alleges that Underworld characters, theme and setting are based on White Wolf’s award winning games Vampire: The Masquerade® and Werewolf: The Apocalypse™, both set in White Wolf’s fictional World of Darkness®. Further, Collins alleges that Underworld’s script is based on her 1994 story Love of Monsters, published by White Wolf and also set in the World of Darkness.
Seems to me they were asserting infringement on the WoD IP just to cover themselves, though. I don't think WW would have had any cause of action without Nancy Collins. I read 'Love of Monsters' a long time back and 'Underworld' was almost the same story, plot point by plot point.
Back on topic: So, who in the TG office is taking point on development, and when are we going to see concept art, class notes, and a forum where DWO fanbois & trolls can shake hands & come out bashing each other? ;-)