What to do when your ideas and work are "nicked" ?!
Question: Hi Folks,
Published in paperback in 1985 my childrens' story about the family surrounding Santa Claus, including his brother called Fred has been stolen.
The publishes hold out no hope of succesful action against the makers of the recently released film called "Fred Claus"
Which also contains many of the original amusing banter routines
It is stolen from me, and I would not therefore be adverse to a reasonable share of the film profits
But waving a copy of it at the producers of the fim is met with derision
"Go away, we thought of the concept independatly, and we have better lawyers"
Great !
What to do next except stand outside cinemas selling the original version ?
All notions thankfully received,
Bob
Answers: Hi Folks,
Published in paperback in 1985 my childrens' story about the family surrounding Santa Claus, including his brother called Fred has been stolen.
The publishes hold out no hope of succesful action against the makers of the recently released film called "Fred Claus"
Which also contains many of the original amusing banter routines
It is stolen from me, and I would not therefore be adverse to a reasonable share of the film profits
But waving a copy of it at the producers of the fim is met with derision
"Go away, we thought of the concept independatly, and we have better lawyers"
Great !
What to do next except stand outside cinemas selling the original version ?
All notions thankfully received,
Bob
Get a lawyer versed in plageriasm and intellectual theft; at the very least, the publicity will generate ink for you.
The man who came up with the idea for "Finding nemo" sued and it raised a ruckus.
because you have it in print, you have a much stronger case. Why the publisher is bailing out, for it is still theft of intellectual property is confusing, for they could get a movie tie-in to it.
You have crap lawyers working for you
Forget the publisher, they won't help you. I say get a lawyer and sue.
A similar lawsuit was brought in Britain over the Da Vinci Code.
If you have a publishes copy and proof of when you wrote it then sue them.It may cost you some money but just because they have better lawyers doesn't mean they can steal from other people.