COPYCENSE

"Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. and Universal Studios will lose out on millions of dollars in royalties because they missed a deadline to file paperwork with the government, a federal appeals court ruled Friday.

"The U.S. Copyright Office collects fees from cable and satellite companies that broadcast films and distributes the money to copyright owners after they file claims. Those claims must be sent by July 31 each year.

"In 2001, MGM’s claim arrived on Aug. 2, and Universal Studios’ on Aug. 3."

Erica Werner. Missed Deadlines Cost Studios Millions in Royalties. New York Lawyer. April 12, 2005.

See also:
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Universal City Studios LLP and Universal City Studios Productions LLP v. Marybeth Peters, in her Official Capacity as Register of Copyrights, and Copyright Office. (.pdf) April 8, 2005.

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