Film law is a branch of entertainment law that deals with the legal issues related to the production, distribution, and exhibition of films. Film law covers a variety of topics, such as contracts, intellectual property, censorship, defamation, privacy, publicity, labor, tax, and insurance. Film law cases can involve disputes between filmmakers, studios, distributors, exhibitors, actors, writers, directors, producers, composers, agents, and other parties involved in the film industry.
Some of the most famous and influential film law cases are:
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947): This classic Christmas film was the subject of a lawsuit by Macy’s department store, which claimed that the film violated its trademark and portrayed it in a negative light. The case was settled out of court, with Macy’s agreeing to allow the film to use its name and logo in exchange for a share of the profits.
- Rear Window (1954): This Alfred Hitchcock thriller was based on a short story by Cornell Woolrich, who sued the filmmakers for copyright infringement. The case was dismissed by the court, which ruled that the film was a fair use of the story.
- The Godfather (1972): This epic crime saga was the subject of several lawsuits by author Mario Puzo, who claimed that he was entitled to more royalties and creative control over the film adaptations of his novel. The cases were settled out of court, with Puzo receiving more money and credit for the films.
- The Exorcist (1973): This horror film was based on a novel by William Peter Blatty, who sued the filmmakers for breach of contract and fraud. Blatty claimed that he was promised a share of the profits and creative input on the film, but was denied both. The case went to trial, where Blatty won a $2 million verdict. However, the verdict was overturned on appeal, and the case was eventually settled out of court.
- Jaws (1975): This blockbuster film was based on a novel by Peter Benchley, who sued the filmmakers for breach of contract and defamation. Benchley claimed that he was promised a percentage of the gross profits and creative input on the film, but was given neither. He also claimed that the film misrepresented his novel and damaged his reputation. The case was settled out of court, with Benchley receiving more money and an apology from the filmmakers.
- Star Wars (1977): This sci-fi phenomenon was the subject of several lawsuits by George Lucas, who claimed that he was cheated out of royalties and merchandising rights by his distributors and collaborators. Lucas also sued other filmmakers for infringing on his trademarks and copyrights. The cases were mostly settled out of court, with Lucas gaining more control and revenue from his franchise.
- The Terminator (1984): This action film was based on a script by Harlan Ellison, who sued the filmmakers for plagiarism. Ellison claimed that the film copied elements from his stories “Soldier” and “Demon with a Glass Hand”. The case was settled out of court, with Ellison receiving an undisclosed sum and an acknowledgment in the film’s credits.
- The Social Network (2010): This biographical drama was based on a book by Ben Mezrich, who chronicled the creation of Facebook by Mark Zuckerberg and his associates. The film was the subject of several lawsuits by Zuckerberg and his co-founders, who claimed that the film defamed them and distorted the facts. The cases were mostly dismissed or settled out of court, with no changes made to the film.
These are just some examples of film law cases that have shaped the history and culture of cinema.