Wow, here’s a bit of interesting news – By way of The Hollywood Reporter comes word that the “inventor” of G.I.Joe, Mr. Stanley Weston, is looking to take back the rights to the franchise from Hasbro. How, you ask? By apparently exploiting a copyright law introduced in the 1970s that allows authors and/or their heirs to gain back rights after 35 years.
Weston has served a notice of termination to Hasbro, which acquired rights to “G.I. Joe” some years back through a predecessor company. He’s seeking to exploit a mid-1970s change in copyright law that allows authors or their heirs to grab back rights after 35 years from assignees. These termination rights have come up often in the music industry; here, it would terminate copyrights associated with a toy and derivative works. Esteemed entertainment attorney Bert Fields, 86, is representing Stanley Weston, 82, who six decades ago “created the original idea of manufacturing and selling male action figures wearing and carrying miniaturized versions of the uniforms, insignias, emblems and equipment of each of the different branches of the United States armed forces.”
That would be “G.I. Joe,” aka “a real American hero.” Two G.I. Joe films starring Channing Tatum have recently come out. A third is being developed. However, a new lawsuit potentially stands in the way.
The full complaint can be viewed here. We’ll keep an eye on this story and see what develops. You can join in on the discussion already in progress after the break.
skinny says
The GIJOE franchise is making headlines today as one of the original creators of the line seeks to reacquire the rights to the franchise.
That would be "G.I. Joe," aka "a real American hero." Two G.I. Joe films starring Channing Tatum have recently come out. A third is being developed. However, a new lawsuit potentially stands in the way.
"G.I. Joe" Inventor Seeks to Grab Back Rights to $100M Franchise - Hollywood Reporter
C.I.A.D. says
Very interesting. This will either lead to a payout where Hasbro maintains the rights, or....?
Stretcher says
What would be the consequences of this?
C.I.A.D. says
The latter is doubtful, but can be considered a possibility.
backhawkdown says
First thing, this is a claim for the copyright of the original specific doll concept -- the toy with interchangeable clothes and the four military branches. This has nothing to do with the brand, which is a trademark and separate from the doll.
The brand would remain owned by Hasbro, they would just lose the rights to the original doll concept. Considering Hasbro doesn't even utilize that doll concept for the brand it would have no impact on Hasbro if they chose to not even fight this and let it go. I doubt they would, but the point is it is a meaningless claim towards how Hasbro manages the brand.
Beyond that, the copyright idea itself is generic enough that I doubt it is even protected at this point. But I haven't read the full complaint yet to see if there is more to the claim that could change this position.
JoeMama says
work for hire, sold the rights, and this dude should be ashamed.
blatant loophole exploiting cash grab.
tell this guy to go pound sand.
C.I.A.D. says
The brand would remain owned by Hasbro, they would just lose the rights to the original doll concept. Considering Hasbro doesn't even utilize that doll concept for the brand it would have no impact on Hasbro if they chose to not even fight this and let it go. I doubt they would, but the point is it is a meaningless claim towards how Hasbro manages the brand.
Beyond that, the copyright idea itself is generic enough that I doubt it is even protected at this point. But I haven't read the full complaint yet to see if there is more to the claim that could change this position.
here, it would terminate copyrights associated with a toy and derivative works.
What kind of impact (if any) do you think would apply here?
truejoefan says
blatant loophole exploiting cash grab.
tell this guy to go pound sand.
C.I.A.D. says
DESTRO just made a point that this just went down with DC and Superman and it touches right on the same point that TJF just made above:
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2008/03/29...?referrer&_r=1
DESTRO says
Yeah Hasbro has a huge problem on their hands with this because of that DC ruling. It sets precedent for this case.
Keep reading: "G.I. Joe" Inventor Seeks to Grab Back Rights to $100M Franchise - Page 2
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