Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New York

I worked on a creating, producing a shooting a short film with a colleague. We both had heavy involvement in producing the movie and spent $$$ separately to pay for various items. I shot the movie, edited it, own all equipment related to producing the actual movie. My colleague basically wrote and directed. With all this going on there was no legal agreement in place. Currently, I have chosen to cease working on the project and my colleague wants a copy of the movie, but I don't feel comfortable giving her one until there is a legal agreement in place. Am I liable for "conversion of property"? Are the files on my computer consider "tangible" property and does she have any legal rights to them?


Asked on 12/11/09, 10:21 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Markowitz Michael A. Markowitz, PC

You have a partnership with your colleague, even if nothing is in writing.

I do not think you would be liable for conversion since, together with your colleague, you have an ownership in the property (you can't "steal" your own property).

The files on your computer concerning the film would be deemed partnership property.

I think that your idea of an agreement dissolving the partnership is correct. If you need help drafting the document feel free to telephone.

Mike.

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Answered on 12/16/09, 12:58 pm


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