In 2004, Chaiyo Productions of Thailand won a court case that granted them distribution rights to the Ultra-shows from Ultraman to Ultraman Taro in most countries outside of Japan. Both during and after this period, Chaiyo created two Ultramen of their own: Ultraman Millennium and Ultraman Elite, primarily for stage shows.
Opinions and tempers have run high since this ruling. It is the opinion of the author/editor of this site that, because the court recognizes Chaiyo's rights to the Ultraman brand, their Ultra-warriors should be considered part of the "mainstream" Ultra-warriors.