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Movie title stuff that I found within 5 minutes of searching....
Movie titles are not copyrightable. Legally, you can name your movie whatever you want.
In cases of sequels who have a common name element ('The Twilight Saga:' 'Harry Potter And The ...') the common name element can be trademarked since it identifies more than one unit belonging to the whole.
Movie studios that belong to the MPAA or use its movie rating service to appoint ratings to their movies have to follow the rules that MPAA establishes.
As filmmakers prepare to make their movie, they typically take action to secure the unique nature of the title of their film. Enter the Title Registration Bureau. The Bureau is a voluntary central registration entity for titles of movies intended for U.S. theatrical distribution, and it is intended to prevent public confusion over films with similar titles.
In order to register titles, filmmakers must subscribe to the Bureau's registry. There are currently almost 400 subscribers, including all of the major motion picture studios. Subscribers are bound by the Bureau's rules, which prescribe procedures for registering titles and handling any related disputes.
It’s impossible to talk about title clearance without mentioning the way Hollywood decides motion picture title disputes. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) set up its own Title Registration Bureau in 1925 in response to filmmakers' wishes to protect their titles. By agreement each member (mostly the major Hollywood studios and their subsidiaries) is required to register forthcoming titles with the bureau. Independent distributors can opt in for a small fee. If the title is registered, the other members agree not to use a confusingly similar title. A compulsory arbitration system applies where there is a dispute and, over the years, there have been many.
V: Warner Bros wins... The Butler [BUTLR] must choose a new title (according to MPAA) Jul 02, 17:05
With only one month out, will TWC delay the film? Can they get away with a variation such as "White House Butler"? {nm} Jul 02, 17:10
I dont think they will delay... Weinstein wants BUTLR to be another 'The Help' {nm} Jul 02, 17:13
Then they should call The Help 2! {nm} Jul 02, 17:16
No, you won't. {nm} Jul 02, 17:17
They either get permission (or in most cases) the owning studio doesnt care to pursue the matter (they don't care) {nm} Jul 02, 17:27
Movie title stuff that I found within 5 minutes of searching.... Jul 02, 17:58
The First Butler perhaps? Or just First Butler. {nm} Jul 02, 17:18
The West Wing Butler? 8 Presidents? The Executive Butler? The President's Butler? {nm} Jul 02, 17:20
Lee Daniel's The Butler Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire {nm} Jul 02, 17:25
Here is a list of same title - different movie Jul 02, 17:32
I Can't Believe It's Not Butler? {nm} Jul 02, 17:56
Dude, Where's My Butler? {nm} Jul 02, 18:04
Or: "You made Batman and Robin, Warner Brothers." {nm} Jul 02, 18:29
The Butler of OZ. {nm} Jul 02, 18:11
Butler Begins {nm} Jul 02, 18:17
they cant use Butler at all {nm} Jul 02, 19:38
Stick a fork in it {nm} Jul 02, 18:11
..... It's Done. {nm} Jul 02, 18:49
DL: TWC has already hired noted attorney David Boies to explore a potential lawsuit Jul 02, 18:39
Black Oscar Bait: The Movie {nm} Jul 02, 19:31
James Rocci suggests, and I agree "UNINTENTIONALLY HILARIOUS GREASY HUNK OF OSCAR BAIT MADE FOR THE WORST KIND OF PEOPLE" {nm} Jul 02, 20:12
How about "They call me Mr. Rhett !" {nm} Jul 02, 22:30
...White House Gentleman's Gentleman {nm} Jul 02, 22:31