A Copyright Report is a comprehensive legal review of all creative materials incorporated into a film or series. It confirms that each element — written, visual, or musical — is used lawfully, either through ownership, license, or public domain status.
At the Law Offices of Ernest Goodman, we provide detailed Copyright Reports and intellectual property clearance services for films, television projects, documentaries, and digital productions.
Our goal is simple yet essential: to ensure that every creative element appearing in your project — from the script to the soundtrack — is legally owned, licensed, or properly cleared for distribution.
A Copyright Report is a comprehensive legal review of all creative materials incorporated into a film or series.
It confirms that each element — written, visual, or musical — is used lawfully, either through ownership, license, or public domain status.
This report protects producers, investors, and distributors from costly copyright infringement claims, and is a critical requirement for obtaining Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance and final distribution approval.
A Copyright Report typically examines:
– The screenplay and underlying story (authorship and rights transfer),
– Music compositions and recordings,
– Photographs, artworks, and archival footage,
– Logos, brands, or trademarks appearing on screen,
– Dialogue excerpts, quotes, and literary references, and
– Any third-party materials incorporated into the production.
We prepare Copyright Reports in-house as part of our film and media clearance services.
Every report is attorney-reviewed and includes a written legal opinion detailing the film’s copyright compliance status.
Our process includes:
– Document Review – Analyzing all production files, licensing agreements, and creative elements used in the project.
– Database Searches – Checking the U.S. Copyright Office, WIPO, and international rights registries for ownership confirmation.
– Fair Use Analysis – Evaluating unlicensed clips, quotations, or references for possible fair use protection.
– Public Domain Verification – Confirming expiration of copyrights where applicable.
– Risk Assessment & Recommendations – Identifying potential problem areas and advising how to fix or license them before delivery.
– Attorney’s Opinion Letter – Providing a formal clearance statement that can be submitted to insurers, distributors, or investors.
Our work is precise, proactive, and customized to each production — whether you’re a first-time filmmaker or a seasoned producer managing international rights.
– Independent filmmakers preparing for festivals, sales, or streaming release.
– Studios and production companies handling multiple IP sources.
– Documentary producers using archival or news footage.
– E&O insurance applicants seeking underwriting approval.
– Distributors and investors verifying legal compliance before acquisition.
If your project includes pre-existing content — music, photographs, footage, literature, or real-world trademarks — a Copyright Report is not optional.
It’s the legal foundation that allows your film to reach the world safely and without interruption.
