OT: Certificate of ownership of copyright

NickHope wrote on 11/3/2005, 8:10 PM
I'm licensing my DVD for sale with newspapers in Spain.

The licensee has asked me for a "certificate of origin", which I take to mean "certificate of ownership of copyright". Does anyone know where I can get hold of a sample of this document? A quick Google search didn't turn up what I was looking for and I don't know the common industry term for this document.

Note that (I assume) it will have to contain wording to the effect that I own the copyright to the video personally, and that I have obtained permission to use the music on the DVD (which was licensed to me by a number of composers).

Thanks,

Nick

Comments

fldave wrote on 11/3/2005, 8:43 PM
Congrats. Would a standard US copyright application suffice? $20 I understand, submit, and save for posterity.

By the way, I like your office, and your sample vids.
Spot|DSE wrote on 11/3/2005, 8:48 PM
There is no document called "certificate of ownership of copyright." When you register, you don't get any kind of a cert. What they might be looking for, and putting into different language, would be a "representation and warranty" or "warranty and rep" that you have the right to use the contents of intellectual property.

Just googling that term, found this sample agreement that spells it out pretty clearly. It's a simple form, but this is a simple thing. Either you have the right or you don't. Even if you Acid-composed the music yourself, you can fill out this form, representing and offering warranty that would indemnify the licensee of your product from any harm should a copyright issue arise from a third party. In other words, if there is a potential issue, you're agreeing that all responsibility falls upon your shoulders, and saying in writing, that you'll be the one dealing with it. More importantly, you're also saying in writing, that there can be no issues, because you have permission, ownership, or right to use the intellectual property used in the product. It's simple, but very important to any licensee. Anyone who licenses anything from anyone, will virtually always ask for this form/indemnification. It's smart on their part. And additionally demonstrates at least a certain level of professionalism.
HTH
NickHope wrote on 11/3/2005, 9:36 PM
Beautifully put Spot, thanks, a "warranty and rep" document seems to be what they are looking for. To save any confusion I've asked the licensee himself for the wording he requires or a sample form. Just didn't want to appear too "green" to the customer, which is why I asked here first.

Any while I'm at it I guess I'll register USA copyright on it if it's as cheap as that to do so.

Nick
Steve Mann wrote on 11/8/2005, 12:24 AM
"Certificate of Origin" is a customs form. It has nothing to do with copyright.

Certificate of Origin is required by most countries to establish proof of origin of the goods being imported by them. The form identifies the seller, mode of transport, date of export and consignee and a description of the merchandise.

Most international shippers can prepare the form appropriate for the destination country. For a small fee, of course.

Ask your contact if US Customs form 3229 is sufficient.

Steve Mann
NickHope wrote on 11/9/2005, 6:58 PM
Yes Steve, that is also my understanding of the term "certificate of origin" but in this case I'm not exporting anything other than a couple of DVD-R containing the master files.

Anyway now the customer has clarified what they require, and I quote:

Certificates of origin must have a signature of a Notary Public, as an example I can tell you:

Now if only I could find a notary public. Apparently there are none here in Phuket and they are not recognised in Thailand :-(

Nick