There are several steps you can take to protect your film’s title and branding.
- Trademark your film’s title
Applying for a trademark can do wonders for protecting your film’s title, but only if the title meets certain requirements. To qualify for trademark protections, a title must be distinctive and in no way generic. For example, “The Shawshank Redemption” is a very easily trademarked name, as it is unique and in no way genetic. “ The Love Story” on the other hand would most likely not be eligible. You can register a trademark at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
- Design Patents
If your film’s branding included a distinctive visual design, such as a unique logo, then it may be eligible for protections as “trade dress.” A trade dress refers to unique packaging and/or appearance that serves to identify your brand.
- Avoiding Infringement
When searching for a title for your film, check to make sure your intended title is not already trademarked. Also try to ensure that your film title is not too similar to a title that has already been trademarked.
- Contracts and Licencing
Ensure that all work done by graphic designers, or anyone contributing to your film’s branding is considered work for hire. This means that the IP of all work done under your employment is automatically considered your property.
- Social Media Presence
It’s important to secure a social media handle for your movie as soon as possible. This will help you with your branding and marketing, while also preventing confusion that may be caused from others using your film’s name as a handle.
