Off Topic Post: Quentin Tarantino Sues Gawker for Copyright Infringement

 Hat Tip: Hollywood Reporter

This does have some relevance when discussing photography.  Copyright law covers photography the same way it covers things like movie scripts.

The complaint filed by Tarantino's lawyers can be viewed on the Hollywood Reporter web site in .pdf form.  I find some of the language used amusing.  I especially like the accusation of "predatory journalism" and "violating people's right to make a buck."

That is not language used by a professional attorney.  That is language used by a Drama Queen.

I get the distinct impression that Tarantino was heavily involved in drafting the complaint.

The complaint basically boils down to Tarantino complaining that Gawker had the audacity to include a link to the script that someone else had posted online in their online article about the script being leaked.


Script leaks happen all the time in Hollywood.  They usually result in creating interest in the film.

So Tarantino scraps the film after the script for his film is leaked?


Sounds like he didn't like the response he was getting from the people that read it and is now looking for a way to make money off of it that doesn't involve actually shooting the movie.

He apparently has reached the conclusion that the movie would be a money looser.


Why Does This Matter?

The cause of action against Gawker is something called "contributory infringement."  Gawker itself did not engage in copying or disseminating the script.  No copying on their part means no copyright violation.

They're being accused of something akin to aiding and abetting.  Photographers should keep this in mind when dealing with cases involving unauthorized use of their material.  The person copying and disseminating the material may not be the only party subject to a suit for damages.

The problem I see Tarantino having is that he hasn't named the actual party responsible for the copyright violation and he's going to have problem showing damages.

The movie script only has value to Tarantino if he makes the movie.  He chose not to do so.  His actions are why the script lost it's value, not Gawker's actions in linking to the upload.  And any argument that leaking the script harmed Tarantino will face a large uphill struggle.

It's not like knowing the text of a script will prevent people from seeing the Movie.  How many people read the Harry Potter books before watching them on film?