Who own the project? A Copyright Issue

[Cinema For Thurso Group]

Here at CFT we have an issue going where another film group which joined CFT
and has been working with us and has received support and assistance from
our group have parted ways. Shortly before this two release forms were filled
out and signed for two separate projects one of which was a the setting up
of a band. On the release form the signitures belong to a contributing artist
and a member of the other film group but the form is clearly headed as CFT
and Picture House Films indicating that the contributions are signed over
to our group. The name of the band is given by the 'Name of production' heading.
What we need to know for sure is whether or not the band name is fully our
property given it's presence on our release form. Any suggestions in this
murky area of law please.

[NedC]

You have to consult a lawyer who specialises in intellectual property law
as if there is litigation or threatened litigation the comments of non lawyers
are more likely to be dangerous than helpful,

Ned C




"Cinema For Thurso Group" <forums@theiac.org.uk> wrote:

Here at CFT we have an issue going where another film group which joined
CFT
and has been working with us and has received support and assistance from
our group have parted ways. Shortly before this two release forms were filled
out and signed for two separate projects one of which was a the setting
up
of a band. On the release form the signitures belong to a contributing artist
and a member of the other film group but the form is clearly headed as CFT
and Picture House Films indicating that the contributions are signed over
to our group. The name of the band is given by the 'Name of production'
heading.
What we need to know for sure is whether or not the band name is fully
our
property given it's presence on our release form. Any suggestions in this
murky area of law please.

[Cinema For Thurso Group]

Anyone know a copyright lawyer?

[Dave Watterson]

Anyone know a copyright lawyer?

No, but I'm pretty sure what she or he would suggest first: sort it amicably.

All lawyers know the last thing you ever want to do is get into a confrontation
or - God forbid - go to court. Seriously. Nothing but trouble and expense
lies in that direction.

Is there no chance that you and the other group can agree to differ and to
cooperate in order not to spoil things for the band? After all you have all
been trying to help them haven't you? Two promos are better than one! Play
to your various strengths. For example with your experience of drama you
could maybe build a fiction film round the band - it worked for the Beatles
in 'Hard Days Night'. It may be more fun too.

If you are feeling aggrieved the soft approach may not seem appealing, but
it is almost always the most productive way to go.

Dave (Peace Man) Watterson

[Cinema For Thurso Group]

Thanks for the good advice Dave. There are no plans to go anywhere near a
court. We are just wondering if we can use the title ourselves as it is on
our release form as a production title. In appearance at least the other
party may not be standing on firm should it be decided to make use of it.(not
that there are any plans right now)
There is supposed to be an agreement to differ only we are aware that the
other party has differed from the agreement by throwing the name of one of
our members into a forum with every effort to discredit our group. It is
a very sad state of affairs but one which we are quite able to turn our backs
on as we know how it will pan out in the long run. We have over 20years good
work at our backs and have seen this kind of behavior from people now and
then. It just dissappears when it's ignored. It's nice to know, however that
we have a rock (the release form) to chuck back if need be! If we can say
to any firm degree that the name against the production title is our property
then we are happy at that and will leave it in our files for future use.