Han Shot First...

All content creators begin by releasing a first edition of their content. If the first edition is successful, those creators will revise it and release a second edition. Sometimes, the revisions are merely to spelling and grammar, like a change from "Thou shalt commit adultery" to "Thou shalt not..." but sometimes the revisions are to substance.

For example: George Lucas famously released his "remastered" versions of Star Wars beginning in 1997. He made several changes to the originals in his remastered versions. One of the changes was to make a scene, where Han shooting Greedo quite adeptly, into a scene where Han only returned fire after Greedo beat him to the first shot.

Some people liken these changes to vandalism. The argument is that the movies would not have been the phenomenon it was were it not for the fans. Therefore, changing the movies to, perhaps, entertain the younger fans, does a disservice to the fans of the original three movies.

A few years ago in law school, I wanted to write a paper on this, but was stopped before beginning. My professor told me that the copyright owner could do what he pleased with the copyrights. In fact, the copyright owner has the exclusive right to copy, adapt, perform, distribute, and display his works. Here, George Lucas is adapting his three original Star Wars movies to his liking, and it is his prerogative to do so. Even the directors, like Stephen Spielberg, who later regret such changes, like digitally changes guns into walkie talkies in E.T., have the right to mutilate their films.

Lucas however, has little to fear. If I were to take a movie by George Lucas and make changes that I saw fit, I would likely be sued into oblivion. But because Lucas owns the copyrights, he can do whatever the hell he pleases.

That's why it's important to know who the copyright owner is. If you are a content creator who works with one or more other people, do you know who owns the works you create? Do you need help stopping unauthorized uses? If so, email me at David@likelyconfusion.com or call 8018 - PATENT.