OT: Film merchandising & copyright

VMP wrote on 3/2/2008, 2:32 PM

Hi,

I am currently working on a movie project with many inspiring characters, names etc.

(A bit star-wars ish ;-)

How can I protect these characters and names so that others will not illegally make dolls etc out of it?

I have myself also interest in merchandising parts of the project.
Could you give any tips, company names etc?

Thanks,

VMP

Comments

TheHappyFriar wrote on 3/2/2008, 7:02 PM

strictly speaking, you can't. If someone wants to, they'll rip you off. Even if you go through all the "correct" legal goop. (besides, copyright doesn't NEED to be registered, it just makes things easier).

however, you can file copyright, trademarks, etc. & the US copyright & trademark office. just google for their website.

richard-courtney wrote on 3/2/2008, 7:10 PM

In the US copyrights and trademarks need to be registered. uspto.gov

All the STAR WARS® logos, characters, etc .

Internationally, I am not sure.

TheHappyFriar wrote on 3/2/2008, 9:00 PM

In the US copyrights and trademarks need to be registered. uspto.gov

trademarks & patents, yes (can't find anything that says otherwise). copyright, no:

"Do I have to register with your office to be protected?

fwtep wrote on 3/3/2008, 7:30 AM

You're right, copyright registration isn't mandatory, but it's the smart thing to do because it provides proof if you ever need it. And if you're going to send the script out or make the film you'll need it.

As for the title and character names, those can't be copyrighted but you can work on trademarking them.

VMP wrote on 3/3/2008, 8:47 AM

Thanks,

VMP