If someone is fortunate enough to write a book ..how can the author be protected if a production company decides to do a movie based on thier story with out permission and not paying them royalties.. what is the legal process?
2007-01-05 19:42:50 · 4 answers · asked by The doctor is in. 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Civil Penalties. You'd get a cut of the profit plus damages. Depending on the state, it could be three times the damages.
2007-01-05 20:31:40 · answer #1 · answered by i8pikachu 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, get a lawyer by all means. One that's versed in publication rights.
Make sure that you have proof that you wrote this book (is it copyrighted? Or did you take the precaution of sending (via snail mail) a CD with the book burned on it and not opening the package so that you have the post mark as proof of when you wrote it) .
I'm curious how a production company would come by your book, and how do you know that it is your book (there has to be word for word identical phrases). Ideas are not protected, only the actual words of the author.
If you sold the book without excluded the movie rights, your up the proverbial creek.
2007-01-06 13:47:53 · answer #2 · answered by Wanda K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first move would be to get a lawyer. At that point there are several avenues, the simplest would be to put an injunction on the movie company, in order to stop production.
2007-01-06 07:50:21 · answer #3 · answered by sonofwampa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the auther[like me] said they couldn't make a movie and they did any ways I think they get sent to jail.
2007-01-06 03:49:01 · answer #4 · answered by dragon fire 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋