Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

<b><i>Commentary: </b></i>Inequity Is Seen In Film-Rights Reversion Process

By Donald C. Farber
May 31, 2006

I have a lot of trouble accepting something that makes no sense simply because an attorney trying to make a point in a deal says: 'It's always done that way,' or 'Everyone does it like this.' Attorneys preparing a film contract often use this 'irrational' rationale. I am referring to the reversion clause in a contract to acquire rights in a basic work, such as a novel for a film.

The attorney for the film company acquiring the rights may try to convince you that the percentage of the net profits that will go along with the fee payment for the rights in the work are indeed valuable, while both of you know that, in most instances, net profits on a film are really 'pie in the sky.' Turn the argument about the value of net profits around, and the film attorney may try to convince you that the likelihood of net profits is so remote that it shouldn't even be considered part of the consideration so that if the seller of the rights in the book never has the chance to receive net profits, he or she has lost nothing.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment Image

On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.

Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office Image

A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.

Bit Parts Image

Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights

The Bankruptcy Hotline Image

Recent cases of importance to your practice.

How AI Has Affected PR Image

When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.