The reason papers get away with it is due to the fact that they are not recording any property to which a copyright could be owned. They are recording non-created actions.

If (for instance) Zammo and myself where ever to have a wrestling match the arrangement, content and 'performance' of that match, (because we ourselves would have '_script_ed' it), would be our intellectual property or WORKS (yes, this does include performing arts/theatre [which is how I would describe wrestling] according to british law).

Therefore, the copyright of the actual works would be owned by Zammo and Myself, no matter if someone was filming it or not (unless we specifically told them they could have the copyrights by verbal agreement or contract).

For instance, at the Download festival in Donnigton this year, I was interviewed by Scuzz TV. At the end of the interview, they had to ask my permission to show the footage on their TV channel (still on camera), as it would be used in promotion and advertising their events. By agreeing to do so, I have allowed them to use what would otherwise be copyrighted material bettween us.

As far as i am aware the promoter owns the rights to the show. Thats why in theatre if it is filmed its the company promoting that makes the money and not the performers unles agreed prior that they will gain a share of the profits. So if you want to get a share i beleive a prior agreement would have to be made. Although in Britain if a promtion is selling videos for every wrestler to get a share each would eman they would get about a £1.50 each or somethin

The actuall footage is owned by the promoter. This is the mechanical copyright.

The images that appear on the footage are (usually) owned by the performers. This is the intellectual or artistic copyright.

You can't really compare to WWE because they do things a bit strangely. eg: The characters and costumes (and sometimes signature moves) are owned by WWE not the wrestler themselves.

I like this topic... Right up my street!!

Ok, where to start...
Promoters
These guys are the ones who hire the performers and hopfully aggree contracts with them too. A perfomer's contract will usually state that on the dates they are hired for, all material (physical, intellectual and even verbal) are property of the promoter. There are special cases like Jakco and other huge names (music, im talking at the moment). But even the massive stars aggree to these ownership contracts as the promoter often (or should at all live events) issue a disclaimer. This would normally state the promotion company that the show is being held under and rules and reg's to YOU (the spectator/audience) must follow in order to watch the following. This is a verbal contract, and if you stay present at the show it means that you aggree. This is where show security comes in... If anyone is breaking any of the rules set by the promoter, they are lawfully ejected from the building with no refund and no questions asked.

Wrestlers/Performers
Large companies own name and sometimes likeness copyright on characters. Now c or r will often mean that the name and likeness is owned by the company TM is usually the sole property of the performer/artiste. Again, when working shows the said performer would sign to release their charater/image as property of the promoter. This then allows the promoter to produce Tickets, posters, t-shirts and any other image they wish... aslong as the contract has been signed. All details are aggreed to in contracts (these are an everyday part of my life, i've been known to write some killer ones in the past) :wink: details even include video production. once a performer has signed, the contract then acts as a footage release form which states that the performer aggrees to allow the promoter to release their footage for achived or current veiwing.

Filming Rights
We revert back to the disclaimer that was announced at the start of the show (these are sometimes printed on tickets too) the rules are set by the promoter and must be followed. The promoter can give direct permission... But again, more contracts end up being signed for by any commercial photographer or camera crew. If you have illegally filmed an event (having heard the disclaimer) the only thing that you own is the camera... If the film holds images bellonging to the promoter, the film becomes property of the promoter. photo rules are often bypassed but may be enforced if the promoter sees fit. You would only be in a fix with photographic material if you reproduced them for commercial gain i.e. Sold them.

Trademarks and Patents
Very simple... just because you created it, doesn't mean it bellongs to you. This is a terrible thought but is often true. Any new venture or business should learn to protect themselves from word go. This means trademarking your name and your activities through the main office in Wales, also inform Companies House of your name and exsistance. this can often be very time consuming and you may wait a while for a reply. So... While all this is going on, write up your company details, this will include company name, address, activites carried out and so on, pop it in an A4 envelope and post it to yourself at the company address... This will act as a proof of date as the envelope will be post marked... DO NOT OPEN this as this is your proof of short term copyright and will protect you while your other company information is being processed. By doing this, you will stop any other promoter from stealing your idea as you have the date mark to prove you ideas conception. This will stand up in court and make you look very wise indeed. Some promotions can work under larger organisations but often have their own copyright just to make sure. This can be quite costly (but hey, business is) but you'll be pleased to know that you can register with Companies House for as little as £20. Go and do it now... Before I buy all of your independent federations

I hope this has thrown a little light on the subject for you all... there is loads more to cover in this topic. I've just highlighted some of the basics. No arguing with me either, i am right. It's my job

If anyone needs any extra info, PM me... Always pleased to help in anyway when it comes to wrestling promotions... I do however have loyalty to certain Promotions though.

Take Care All

Stam

Due to some backdoor bandit locking the last forum just as it started to touch upon an important issue, I've decided to start it anew with the appropriate subject.

Do you mind actually having some respect for the moderators around here - the topic was locked cause it was turned in to personal arguements against each other. If you have a problem with people - please do it over an instant messenger program like AIM, or over the PM system or something.

Thank you - my rant is over

I really had nothing to do with the arguement, I just joined in on the end bit about Copyright and stuff. Just not used to moderators actually doing their jobs and stopping stuff when it goes off topic.
I get a little frustrated when I get cut off mid debate, so I appologise.

But, thanks to Stam and this little snippit (which is the bit I'm actually talking about):


Again, when working shows the said performer would sign to release their charater/image as property of the promoter. This then allows the promoter to produce Tickets, posters, t-shirts and any other image they wish... aslong as the contract has been signed. All details are aggreed to in contracts details even include video production. once a performer has signed, the contract then acts as a footage release form which states that the performer aggrees to allow the promoter to release their footage for achived or current veiwing.



It shows that unless we sign/agree whatever to a release our property (image, matches etc), it remains ours.

A small note: This thread is in no-way about me moaning about money, or even if I am on a video thats being sold, whatever. I'm just pointing out the facts. I like to argue with people despite if I'm right or wrong. I do it coz I love it.