Was wondering what is the best and safest way to copyright movies made by my own video production company? Just thought there would be some pro's that would help me or send me some links?
Plus other then copyrighting my dvd movies do I need to copyright my production companys name also?
Also when picking a name for adult movies do you have to file that name also seperate?
I guess any tips I would appreciate quite a bit. Seems a lot easier when I just shoot for other companies and let them all worry about this stuff.
Forgot to add these would be dvd adult type movies with box covers that I would need copyrighted. And is there a way to get it faster then any usual wait time?
Please any assistance or links I would love to get.
I'm not a pro.. but..Technically, your work is automatically copyrighted once it's created. If you want to protect yourself from infringements, you'll need to register it with US. Copyright Office. From what I read there, the process can take up to 5 months and will cost you $30, but it probably doesn't mean you need to wait that time before releasing the product. Check that site (FAQ section) for more info on how to apply for copyright registration.No. Company name can't be copyrighted. There is different set of laws at work here. You have "trade names" and "trademarks". How they precisely work in USA - I don't know, but each state (California??) may have different regulations. I think you need to file a "trade name", but it doesn't necessarily mean it will be protected.
Also, naming a company (and protection thereof) is quite complicated procedure where a lot of factors play a role such as for example the geographical scope of your business (within state, national, international). Article.
Again, copyrights don't apply to names, slogans, phrases etc. You can register movie title as trademark (I think), although in porn that might be an overkill... I'm not sure. Trademarks are handled by US Patent & Trademark Office.All this legal stuff is not as straightforward as it may seem. If you are serious, I'd definitely recommend making appointment with an attorney who specializes in intellectual property and corporate affairs, and working out the details for your company. Yes, this will cost you money, but it may be worth it in the long run. There are maybe other laws of great significance when distributing adult material.
Lori - Zoid was killer in offering you the great links and his after thought on speaking to an attorney is on the money.
I checked out your site briefly, and BTW, you do have an amzing bod, but I noticed that, according to the lawyer that I've seen to help counsel me in my endeavors, you are not in 2257 compliance. You do not offer a name of the custodian, nor an address for place of manufacture/record keeping.
A lot of people are offering the same limited info on websites, but as I mentioned my lawyer suggested that this is not in compliance.
There are a lot of things to be keen on when producing content, and as Zoid suggested, some of those things are particular to the adult world.
There is an article in the September issue of AVN discussing how this is not a uncommon thing. The article actually pointed out that, although a retailer is not responsible for verifying that a producer maintains these records, if an explicit boxcover does not properly name a specific custodian and place of business, the retailer could be held responsible because it is obvious that the labeling is incorrect.
Patience is a virtue, but who wants to be virtuous? 4283 Posts 4/00
Posted - Sep 10 2005 : 6:09PM
Zoid gave really great advice.
You can release the movie, and as soon as you fill out and send the copyright registration and fee in, you are covered. You should send the DVD of the movie and the cover of the movie with the application and fee.
Your company name, go to his link for US Patent and Trademark office. To cash checks written to your company, you will need to have a Doing Business As or a corporation or official business registered so that you can present the paper to the bank.
So I'm confused I have opinions that say I don't have to copyright the DVD movie I made before I release it and another message that says I should send the $30 and a copy of my dvd to the copyright office? Which is correct before My DVD is released out on the market for distribution?
Lori Lust ww.Lorilustxxx.com
lori lust
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DIAMOND DOG Deactivated User
"Puff Daddy is crap." - Keith Richards 320 Posts 7/04
Posted - Sep 19 2005 : 4:00AM
Copyright anything that you have that is legal and can be copyrighted. Period. It's the only safe way to truly protect your product. Even if someone in the porn biz were to tell you it's not really necessary, do it anyway.
You already know the answer to the question, dont you MS.THIEF. So I see that you are not only a thief, but your a manipulating liar. Thank you for exposing your true self, perhaps you can now think of a name that will truly suit you. Here is your answer: You will never get copyrights to the name LoriLust, because you cannot get anything copyrighted that doesn't lawfully belong to you. I purchased the domain name lorilust.com and lorilust.net more than 6 years ago. The fact that you intentionally took my name and bought the domain lorilust.tv was not only a shitty thing to do, but according to the copyright laws "It was a intentional malicious unlawful act that be which in doing so you profitted. This refers to the name in its pure form LoriLust and your creating any derivitives thereof.
It would behove you to own up to your deceptive statements and questions in a public formum, asking for assistance on how you can "QUICKLY GET YOUR STUFF COPYRIGHTED." I hope you see that you got a lot of responses and people truly wanted to help you , because they understand the how important it is to have the credit and the acknowledgement of what they created and their identity. Shame on you !
You should have asked that question prior to stealing someone elses identity. If you would have contacted me I would have informed you that the name is already copyrighted and I have DBA's legally filed concurrently when I purchased the domains in 2000. You own your image and likeness, I suggest you work on protecting what belongs to you and not try to take what legally does not belong to you.
I have already notified ICANN, GO DADDY of your copyright and intellecutual property rights infringements. My attorney has all the necessary documentation to proceed. You made the mistake of exposing yourself in public what your intentions were, thats all the evidence that is needed now!
Thats all I need to say. Your choice to do the right thing. Sincerely,
Chain Of Command (Brazzers) - review by fu_q
Posted - Sep 10 2005 : 6:43AM