Chain of Title, Copyright, and IP

Service Description

Legal Foundations for Film & Television in British Columbia Chain of Title | Copyright | Intellectual Property Below, we break down three foundational legal pillars every creator, producer and developer must understand: Chain of Title, Copyright, and Intellectual Property. Chain of Title: Establishing Ownership from Script to Screen What It Is: Chain of title refers to the legal documentation that proves a producer has acquired all necessary rights to develop, produce, and distribute a film or television project. It’s the backbone of any production’s legal integrity—and a prerequisite for financing, insurance, and distribution. Why It Matters in BC: In British Columbia, where many productions rely on international co-productions, tax credits, and third-party financing, a clean chain of title is non-negotiable. Distributors, broadcasters, and streaming platforms will demand proof that all rights have been properly secured. Key Components: - Option Agreements for underlying works - Writer Agreements securing screenplay rights - Assignment of Rights from contributors - Clearances for music, artwork, and third-party content - Life Rights and Releases for real-life subjects Copyright: Protecting Original Works What It Is: Copyright protects original works of authorship, including scripts, music, cinematography, and visual designs. In Canada, copyright arises automatically upon creation, but registration strengthens your legal position. Why It Matters in BC’s Film & TV Sector: BC’s production ecosystem is highly collaborative. Writers, directors, editors, and composers contribute creative elements that may be protected by copyright. Producers must ensure they own—or have licensed—these rights to avoid future disputes. Intellectual Property & AI. Why Choose Waller & Co. Our principals bring decades of in-house legal experience, including General Counsel roles advising studio heads, tech executives, and creative entrepreneurs. We’ve negotiated with distributors, drafted licensing deals, and resolved rights disputes—all from a business-first perspective. What Sets Us Apart: • Strategic advice tailored to your production goals • Deep understanding of BC’s film and television ecosystem • Practical, solution-oriented legal services • Clear communication with creatives, executives, and financiers Whether you're developing a new series, preparing for distribution, or navigating IP in the age of AI, Waller & Co. is your legal partner in BC.