US Copyright Registration and Enforcement for African Films and Music
Dear African Film Producer/Distributor/Marketer,
I am writing to inform all African Film and Music producers, distributors and marketers in the United States of America (US), that Filmmakers Association of Nigeria, USA (FAN), will commence the implementation of Copyrights Enforcement of African Entertainment products in the US on October 1, 2008.
The registration and enforcement program will be applied in three (3) phases:
PHASE 1
Registration of African Films and Music with the US Patent and Trademark Office.
Phase 1 involves the US registration of African Films and Music produced in America and Africa. As you are all fully aware, the critical step of copyright registration of African films and music in the United States provides the only legitimate opportunity for litigation and consequent enforcement. Following a FAN bi-lateral copyright conference with the US and Nigerian governments, FAN USA established affiliations with the International Intellectual Property Institute (US), the US Public Interest Intellectual Property Advisors (PIIPA), and African Artists Collaborative (AAC). Together these cardinal institutions have setup the modalities and structure for zero tolerance for copyrights violations of African entertainment products in the United States.
The first step to actualizing this goal is the registration of African films and music with the US Patent and Trademark Office. Presently, FAN and AAC have worked with top US law firms, such as Foley Hoag LLP, recommended by PIIPA to simplify the otherwise complicated registration process for African entertainment products.
Starting October 1, 2008, registration forms will be available for African film and music producers, and other legitimate copyright holders to begin the registration process. Registration takes 24 hours, but the certificate of registration is issued three (3) to six (6) months after registration. Please note that at the time of registered, your copyright is legally registered in the United States. FAN has been assured that litigation can be effected in most United States jurisdictions immediately after successful registration, form submission and acceptance, which will generally take between a three (3) to four (4) weeks period. It may be pertinent to note that two (2) of my films, "American Dream" and "Back to Africa", has been successfully been registered with the US Trademark and Patent Office through this process.
FAN USA will begin litigation of copyright violators of both films immediately.
PHASE 2
Copyright Infringement Public Education and Warning!
Titles of all FAN USA member films and music registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office, will be published periodically in major African publications in the US and Africa, with clear warning statements to copyright violators.
The general public and supporters of African entertainment products will be made aware as to their vital role in supporting the development of the African film and music industries. By supporting legitimate FAN member registered products, the general public will help sustain the African film and music industries and by so doing create opportunities for greater improvement in quality, and cultural depth. Finally, the general public will help in the critical economic survival of Africa nations.
PHASE 3
FAN USA Hologram Sticker Initiative.
Starting October 1, 2008, all FAN registered entertainment products in the United States, will carry a FAN logo hologram sticker complete with US government assigned registration number and film title on each film or music cover. Any copyright infringement (bootleg) of the entertainment products will be dealt with mercilessly in the following manner:
A violation letter will be issued to copyright violators immediately by FAN Attorney’s informing them of litigation commencement.
FAN, USA will inform the relevant Attorneys office to issue a Cease and Desist letter to copyright violators.
FAN Attorney’s will litigate copyright violators seeking punitive damages for legal copyright owners. Note that the litigation fee is "FREE!" for all FAN legal copyright owners. FAN litigation Attorney’s will receive a percentage of all litigation damages awarded by the US courts.
Conclusion
Invitation for FAN USA Membership
All interested producers, filmmakers, musicians, distributors, marketers, and African entertainment lovers, are hereby invited to become members of FAN USA. This is a "Free" membership offering. This free promotional offering expires November 31, 2008. Several services will be available to FAN members including special invitations to film screenings, African Entertainment Industry conferences and events, a monthly email blast synopsis and recommendations on new film and music releases, exclusive invitation to meet and greet African entertainment celebrities, amongst many other exclusive privileges.
Additional specialized services include the following for copyrights holders:
Copyrights registration of African entertainment products (film & music) with the US Patent and Trademark Office.
Special Theatrical USA screening of producers new releases.
Producer/Filmmakers/Musician exposure to latest technology, training, and US main stream distribution.
For further details, please feel free to reach me directly at (646) 361-2668. Thank you and welcome to a new dawn in the African Entertainment Industry.
