Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California

copyright infringement?

Me and J, a friend, copyrighted a story thinking that a

deal was in place with a film production co. J decided

he wanted to cut me out of the deal and offered to buy

my part of the copyright for $25,000. I agreed and we

signed a contract that clearly stated the purchase price.

He recenly sold the story, received $50,000 and sent

me a check for $10,000 saying that he would not be

paying the full price of the agreed upon contract, that

$10000 was all i'd be getting. hasn't he breached the

contract? if he has breached the contract, does he own

the copyright? can he sell it without paying me

anything? have my copyrights been infringed?


Asked on 2/19/04, 9:23 pm

6 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: copyright infringement?

The answer to your question depends on factors like the language of the contract and whether the copyright is registered with the US Copyright Office. My best guess is that since the agreed-upon price was not paid, you still own 50% of the copyright and you have the right to sue him for either a legal ruling that you own 50% of the copyright (you would have to repay $10,000), or $15,000. I would not be quick to bother the production company as you do not want to possibly dissuade them from producing the movie (after the movie is made or released, there might be more money involved, you might want to read the Writers' Guild of America Minimum Basic Agreement). Obviously you need to see a lawyer with copyright law experience without delay. You might (or might not) be well advised not to cash the check.

Read more
Answered on 2/21/04, 10:38 pm
Erik Hart Law Office of Erik A. Hart

Re: copyright infringement?

From the facts as you have given, your friend has breached your agreement.

You should hire an entertainment litigator and pursue any claims you have.

Read more
Answered on 2/19/04, 9:33 pm
Lawrence Graves Coolidge & Graves PLLC

Re: copyright infringement?

You appear to have a viable case based upon the facts that you presented. The sooner you consult with counsel, the better, since you can exert leverage with the production company if you do not get prompt satisfaction from your co-author.

Best wishes,

LDWG

Read more
Answered on 2/19/04, 9:41 pm
Douglas MacLean Douglas MacLean

Re: copyright infringement?

You could actually have a legitimate claim that you own the copyright since you agreed to sell the copyright in exchange for $25,000. Since he only paid you $10,000, he has paid inadequate consideration and in fact, you could argue that the copyright was not in fact transferred to him. I would pursue this claim as soon as possible since the longer you wait, the fewer remedies you could potentially have.

Douglas F. MacLean

www.powderhouselawgroup.com

Read more
Answered on 2/19/04, 10:26 pm
James Cook Cook & Ferreira

Re: copyright infringement?

Thank you for your inquiry. It would appear that you may well indeed have a legitimate claim. However, I would need to review the contract to answer your question. Please feel free to personally call me at toll free 866/866-5295.

I will be pleased to discuss the matter with you at no charge. Thank you, and best of luck.

James Cook

Attorney at Law

Read more
Answered on 2/20/04, 12:45 am
Sheldon G. Bardach Law Offices of Sheldon G. Bardach

Re: copyright infringement?

The first thing you should do is to notify the buyer of the motion picture rights that you are the owner of 50% of the screenplay. That they are not authorized to do anything with your former partner alone. You do still own 50% of the rights and, if you like the deal, 50% of the proceeds.

Read more
Answered on 2/21/04, 3:19 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Entertainment & Sport Law questions and answers in California