Discussion:
What is the name of your state?Florida? I found a rare 16MM Vince Lombardi Motivational Movie in my parents basement, ( I am a relative of Vince) Copyright 1971. I put a few copies on dvd and sold them on ebay. A company called CMG worldwide sports collectables, contacted me. They told me they manage the Vince Lombardi Estate and told me to cease and desist.Then they told me they would drop all charges if I make a few copies and send it to them. I asked them if they posses the movie of if thet had ever seen it and thy told me no. So...I sent them a letter saying they have to send me a letter releasing me from any liability or wrongdoing before I send the dvd's. My question is do I have the right to any monies or compensation since I'm the on who owns what appears to be the only copy?
Answer:
What is the name of your state?Florida? I found a rare 16MM Vince Lombardi Motivational Movie in my parents basement, ( I am a relative of Vince) Copyright 1971. I put a few copies on dvd and sold them on ebay. A company called CMG worldwide sports collectables, contacted me. They told me they manage the Vince Lombardi Estate and told me to cease and desist.Then they told me they would drop all charges if I make a few copies and send it to them. I asked them if they posses the movie of if thet had ever seen it and thy told me no. So...I sent them a letter saying they have to send me a letter releasing me from any liability or wrongdoing before I send the dvd's. My question is do I have the right to any monies or compensation since I'm the on who owns what appears to be the only copy? You only have the "right" to sell or rent the one copy that you own. Someone else apparently owns the copyright -- they are the ones that have the authority to make copies (or grant permission to you to make copies) and sell them. Unless you can get permission from them, you cannot legally make and sell copies of the tape, and you have no right to do so.
The fact that you own the only copy is irrelevant. You still don't own the copyright. However, the copyright holder cannot compel you to give them a copy -- you own the copy. But in this case, it appears that they have some leverage, so maybe you should give them the copies they are asking for. And yes, make sure they release you from liability...