Chain of Title
As it is common for scripts to be stuck in development hell, the options for a script may expire and be re-sold multiple times. As well, producers who purchase an option and re-work the script own the rights to their own derivative work- while the original rights holder owns the underlying rights. This lineage is referred to as the chain of title. This lineage can become cloudy if the underlying rights are divided. Producers may purchase the rights to specific territories (i.e. a country, the entire world, or the universe) and/or they may purchase ancillary rights such as merchandising rights.
In some cases, it may be uncertain as to the exact owners of a particular version of a script and to the exact set of rights. It is important for an entertainment lawyer to determine how 'clean' a chain of title is.
Read more about this topic: Film Rights
Famous quotes containing the words chain of, chain and/or title:
“It is the future that creates his present.
All is an interminable chain of longing.”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
“Oft, in the stilly night, Ere Slumber’s chain has bound me, Fond Memory brings the light Of other days around me.”
—Thomas Moore (1779–1852)
“That title of respect
Which the proud soul ne’er pays but to the proud.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)