Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California
i wrote a television script, had it copyrighted with the library of congress and registered it with the writers guild of america.
i have since found out that the title of my script is the same as a title of a novel that was written 20 years ago and that has subsequently made into a video game using the same title.
my 2 questions are this:
1- do i have to change the title of my script?
2- if my script was to be picked up by a network what legal problems would we run into with the name of my tv show being the same as that novel and video game?
2 Answers from Attorneys
You don't HAVE TO change your script's title, but it's probably not a bad idea... avoiding confusion is important.
If you don't, you'll have to disclose the existence of the other book/game when negotiating for the sale of the script.
Even if you don't do so.. the studio and/or network that produces the show WOULD, so you may as well come up with something else creative.
Good luck!
Talk to a lawyer first to see what your rights are. Contact me if you have a few minutes for a consultation.
Best,
Daniel Bakondi, Esq.
The Law Office of Daniel Bakondi
870 Market Street, Suite 1161
San Francisco CA 94102
www.danielbakondi.com
415-450-0424
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