As recently reported by the Hollywood Reporter, Victor Miller (“Miller”), the screenwriter of the original Friday the 13th film, successfully reclaimed the U.S. domestic rights to the Friday the 13th franchise.
Miller relied on copyright termination rights — a part of copyright law that permits authors to reclaim the rights to works they created after a set period of time elapses.
The decision hinged on the characterization of Miller’s relationship with the producer. The court held that Miller was an independent contractor and rejected the producer’s argument that Miller created his screenplay as a "work for hire" that is ineligible for termination.
Author: Eran Rubman
Authors
Expertise
Insights
-
Intellectual Property Litigation
Regulatory Updates – Impacts of Global Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals
Recent tariff measures affecting pharmaceutical products and ingredients have introduced new compliance and cost considerations for manufacturers, distributors, and importers operating in Canada and… -
Intellectual Property Litigation
US Appeals Court: Supertramp Songwriter Must "Give a Little Bit"
As reported by Reuters, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Roger Hodgson, the former Supertramp singer and songwriter, must compensate three former band members for a share of… -
Intellectual Property Litigation
Fallout from Trade Secret Theft in Taiwan
As reported by Reuters, three former employees of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company ("TSMC") were charged with violating security law and other offences in Taiwan. The prosecutors have… -
Intellectual Property Litigation
U.S Appeals Court Sends $81 Million Award Against Boeing Flying Back In!
As reported by Reuters, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated an $81 million award against Boeing, in a suit brought by Zunum Aero, an aircraft startup, accusing Boeing of stealing trade… -
Intellectual Property Litigation
Carrot Puff Copycat: Copyright Infringed in Federal Court of Australia Case
As reported by Mason Hayes & Curran, the Federal Court of Australia has reportedly found the supermarket chain, Aldi, liable for copyright infringement regarding illustrations used on the… -
Intellectual Property Litigation
Carnegie Hall Takes Trademark Center Stage in Legal Battle
Carnegie Hall has reportedly commenced an action against Carnegie Diner and Café for trademark infringement.In its complaint filed with the United States District Court, Southern District of New York…