How Can I Protect My Copyright When Pitching a Revised Film Concept?
Dolan Williams
LawyerGoit it. If [REDACTED] won’t sign an NDA, the next best option is to submit the materials in a way that establishes clear ownership and limits how the materials can be used, even without a formal agreement.
You can prepare a submission cover letter that states the materials are being submitted for review only, and not for any other use or reproduction. The letter can include language such as: "These materials are submitted for evaluation purposes only. All rights are reserved by the author, and no rights or licenses are granted or implied without a signed agreement.”
Include a copyright notice and [REDACTED] registration number and clearly on the materials she sends.
While it doesn’t offer the same legal muscle as an NDA, this method can still serve as a strong deterrent against misuse and can help support a legal claim if your concept were misappropriated later.
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Copyrighted movie concept sales agreementI am re-writing materials related to a documentary/documentary-series film project and need copyright law protection. I currently own the copyright for the original film project that overlaps with the newer version that’s being rewritten.
I don’t have documents to review just questions related to a documentary film I am working on
Hello! My name is Dolan and thank you so much for contacting me!
I just had a few quick questions for you: What is worrying you about the film? How can I help?
I am pitching the sale of my copyright to [REDACTED] and want to make sure that I am legally protected before I proceed
Got it! So if you are looking to pitch, my recommendation is to have an NDA.
An NDA is a great way to ensure that they do not disclose the project and it's a great way to ensure that they promise (in exchange for receiving the pitch) that they do not steal your information.
I'd recommend having it signed and I recommend having it signed BEFORE you actually pitch anything to them formally!
How much would it cost for a customized NDA letter. My only concern is that the [REDACTED] has no idea what this project is about and him signing an NDA seems unlikely to me
You got it - I can draft an NDA for you no problem. The normal price to draft one is $***, but you get a 10% discount with being a member of this site, so it'd be $*** as a flat fee. It may take 1-2 business days for me to complete. If you'd like, I can set up a job for you and we can work on it together if you'd like. Just let me know!
I checked online and [REDACTED] will not sign an NDA but I do own a copyright and am registered with [REDACTED] - what would be a better approach for me to safely submit my documentary film concept to the [REDACTED]?
Goit it. If [REDACTED] won’t sign an NDA, the next best option is to submit the materials in a way that establishes clear ownership and limits how the materials can be used, even without a formal agreement.
You can prepare a submission cover letter that states the materials are being submitted for review only, and not for any other use or reproduction. The letter can include language such as: "These materials are submitted for evaluation purposes only. All rights are reserved by the author, and no rights or licenses are granted or implied without a signed agreement.”
Include a copyright notice and [REDACTED] registration number and clearly on the materials she sends.
While it doesn’t offer the same legal muscle as an NDA, this method can still serve as a strong deterrent against misuse and can help support a legal claim if your concept were misappropriated later.
Dear Dolan, Thank you for your feedback. I will follow-through accordingly and keep in touch with you as my project proceeds. Are you available to help me file an addendum to my current copyright that would protect the new material that I am creating? Sincerely, [REDACTED]
Hi [REDACTED]! So my thing is the chat here not so much legal representation on these things, but don't worry because this site has TONS of lawyers who do that kind of billable work.
You can post a job on the site here.
You can post a job for free, then lawyers will bid on the jobs and you get to choose which lawyer and negotiate the price for the job as well through here. Thanks so much!