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August 31st, 2005, 06:32 AM | #1 |
Join Date: Jul 2002
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ATT: Paul Tauger -- Fan Films Question
Paul, I've been wondering...
Characters from literature, comic books, television, movies, etc., are clearly copyrighted material. With the advent of "desktop movie-making" there has been a plethora of "fan films" based upon these characters (Star Wars and various super heros), comic books, and movies. Are these fan films not violating copyright laws? I would think they are. Why, in your opinion, have we not seen any of the copyright holders (studios/publishers) pursuing legal action against the makers/distributers of fan films? Jay |
August 31st, 2005, 09:31 AM | #2 |
Air China Pilot
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
Posts: 2,389
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I know you want the legal answer from Paul but in the case of Star Wars, fan films are allowed as long as they 'register' with Lucasfilm and meet their requirements. Look at the site and you'll find that information there.
In the case of one fan *series* for Star Trek, the New Voyages, there is actually an endorsement from Paramount (the newest episode is written by D.C. Fontana and actually has Walter Koenig reprising Chekov).
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August 31st, 2005, 10:41 AM | #3 | ||
Wrangler
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles (recently from San Francisco)
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Quote:
Quote:
Copyright, unlike trademark, is not a "use it or lose it" right, i.e. every infringement discovered doesn't have to result in a lawsuit. |
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August 31st, 2005, 12:00 PM | #4 |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Iget the impression it's more a matter of corporate philosophy rather than law in many cases. I think Mattel has agressively pursued almost all the Barby fan and collector's sites over copyright and trademark infringment, for example.
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August 31st, 2005, 01:27 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Jul 2002
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Much appreciated, Paul. Thank you for your time and insights!
Jay |
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