Protecting A Tv Format

[Yanisin]

Greetings!

I have completed a new TV format for a Reality Programme by creating a 30 pages text where I describe in detail the way it works. I believe it is great and unique, internationally. Now, I want to register it in such a way so as to avoid plagiarism before contacting a production company. I think that a solicitor is not enough for my case because my concept is enough complicated and it would very easy for someone to change some of its parameters and then present it as one's own. So, I have made an enough thorough research by contacting various US, European and international organizations(such as wipo, epo, copyright.gov etc) but I haven't figured out yet how to move. Do you have anything to suggest.

(my e-mail is [email protected] )

thank you,

pP

ANSWER: Hello.

Thank you for the question.  

I need to disagree with you.  You should engage a solicitor ---- but one who specializes in intellectual property.  I am not at all certain you can register a format expecting the kind of copyright protection that you can get from registration of an actual program.

I usually advise U.S. writers to do two things while they are investigating their options -- 1) register their material with the Writers Guild of America(www.wga.org).

2) take a printed copy of the registration, and a copy of the material, then mail them to yourself via registered mail --- once received, do NOT open the envelope.

These are very low tech actions, and probably not sufficient for your needs.  Again, I suggest you contact an attorney specializing in intellectual property matters.

Good luck,

Marrissa

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

Thank you Marissa,

I am called pan and I live in Athens, Greece. So, sorry, I think I didn't use the terminology in a correct way. By saying that "a solicitor is not enough" I meant that a "notary" or a "scrivener" is not enough. Of course I need an attorney specialized in intellectual property. My real problem is that the copyright laws of Greece are not enough clear and that the attorneys here are not sufficiently informed concerning the european and international copyright laws. I have to tell you that I aim to contact eupopean or US production companies for the reason I believe my concept is a bit "too much" for Greek television for various reasons. You said something about the Writers Guild of America. Could I register my material there alhough i am not a citizen of US?

You also said that you are certain whether I could protect the written material in the way an actual program would be protected. Could you further explain that?

Would it possible to suggest me any attorney specialized in intelectual property? If not, do you know how I could find one through the net?

Thank you again,

pP ANSWER: Hi, Pan --

I am unsure about the Writers Guild registration protection, but I'm sure that you could contact them through their website and confirm whether you would be allowed to register for protection(again, it's www.wga.org).

My understanding of U.S. copyright law is that ideas cannot be copyrighted.  Scripts and productions can be, so I don't know how this would actually apply to you.

In terms of finding an attorney - I would suggest that you concentrate your search on the US, British, and Australian markets.  These are the attorneys most likely to be up to date on current laws and provisions.  In the U.S., you can look at http://lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/practice/Intellectual-Property-Law .  I found this website for London:  http://www.helplinelaw.com/lawyers/uk/london  and this one for Australia: http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/

Hopefully, this will get you started in the direction you wish to go.

Good luck,

Marrissa

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

Greetings Marissa,

This is pan once more. I contacted some of the Law offices I found in the addresses you sent me but I have no answer yet. I am patient though, I need to be. So, meanwhile, I would like to ask for your advice once more, if you please.

As I have told you, I live in Athens, Greece. The production companies I intend to come in contact are located abroad. Which you think is the best way to use to come in contact with them? I mean,I have already sent an e-mail at Endemol, asking information of how to present them my idea but I had no reply. It is easily understood that many people try to do the same, so it would be impossible for them to reply to all. Thus, how you think I should proceed? I had two ideas. The first one is to find an attorney to represent me. In such a case, I suppose it would be better to find an experienced and well known one. Do you know how this procedure works? The other idea was to travel and attend a forum(I am not sure this is the name for it) where they present TV or movie products etc. to show my idea to various people. Do you know how to find such forums? I used the google search but I didn't find any, maybe I didn't use the correct key words. Also, do you know how this procedure works? I mean, in case I find one, I will simply go there, say "here I am" and pass them the thing? Or, it needs a different approach?

Thank you again,

pP  

[Scully]

Hi, Pan.

Sorry to hear things are not progressing as you had hoped.

I would indeed recommend you engage an attorney.  Again, you should be able to find some entertainment ones through the California and New York state Bar Associations.

There are two good television festivals I know of and I would definitely suggest you try to attend them.  The next one is in January in Las Vegas and called NATPE(www.NATPE.org).  The other one is MIPCOM(www.mipcom.com) and more international in flavor.  By visiting these websites, you can find out lots of information about the festivals, selling floors, attendees, etc.

Good luck!