There are several steps you can take to protect your film’s intellectual property during the distribution phase. 

• Copyright your film

Ensure that you fully own the rights to your film through registering it through the U.S. Copyright Office. Having a clear record of ownership helps you prove your rights in case of infringement.

• Use Licensing agreement

When signing distribution deals, make sure to be clear about exactly what rights you’re granting, for how long those rights apply, and where those rights are applicable. Specify the distribution rights and the duration of said rights. Ensure to restrict authorised use. 

• Confidentiality

When crafting an agreement with a distributor, ensure that everyone involved signs and NDA, to prevent them from leaking the details of your film prior to release. 

• Control distribution channels

Try and only use trusted, well-established distribution sites that have their own built in IP protections.  Be cautious with distributing through less trusted channels.