Legal Question in Entertainment Law in New York

I'm about to submit my original work to a television show (who is publicly accepting submissions with the possibility of finding "talent" to be a guest on the show). I was all set to submit, until I saw this line in the fine print: "All photos and any other materials submitted to producer ("Materials") become the sole and exclusive property of producer and cannot be returned at any time."

The way this SOUNDS is that by submitting a video of my original song, I'm granting exclusive ownership and all rights of the song to the producers of this show. It doesn't seem like that's something they could or would do though, so I was wondering if someone knew what they might really mean. Thank you very much.


Asked on 5/26/10, 2:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Steven Mark Steven Paul Mark, Attorney at Law

The materials refers to the physical video, not the intellectual property contained on it. The same goes for the photo. They'll own the photo, they won't acquire the right to use your likeness in any manner except in connection with the submission. This is done so the producer doesn't have to go to the time, trouble and expense of returning every submission. Of course, not reviewing the entire materials release I couldn't be absolutely certain as to the answer but the forgoing is what is customarily meant. I have a client who hosts a hit show who got his start through a similar route. Good luck.

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Answered on 5/26/10, 5:43 pm


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