Discussion:
from wa: i am in the process of creating a trivia card game based on the seinfeld tv show. it will include questions about the plot and will have direct quotes that will have to be identified by the show or speaker. will this game cause me any legal difficulties? is there anything specific i should know?
Answer:
"will this game cause me any legal difficulties?"
*** Yes.
"is there anything specific i should know?"
*** I recommend you start 'interviewing' good copyright attorneys. Assuming you intend to make money on this, you will very likely be 'noticed' for your copyright violation. Not to mention that no game publisher will touch it.
Answer:
You will require permission from the shows owners. And they will probably want some $$$ for that permission. ASCAP or BMI can provide the information you will need.
Answer:
Actually, ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) and BMI (Broadcast Music Inc) do not handle owneship or copyright issues of television programs.
The copyright owner of "Seinfeld" is Castlerock Entertainment, Inc.
In fact, the issue of 'Seinfeld Trivia' and books/games has already been resolved in: Castle Rock Entertainment, Inc. v Carol Publishing Group, 150 F.3d 132 (2nd Cir. 1998)
A copy of the judgment can be found at: