The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) isn't just a
red carpet for filmmakers – it's a global marketplace
where content creators, distributors, investors, business
professionals, and film enthusiasts converge. Amid all the glitz
and creative content, intellectual property (IP) issues may not be
top of mind for many at TIFF, but a film's journey from
inception to screening should carefully curate relevant IP rights
to avoid unhappy IP plot twists. In this post we discuss five
practical IP considerations for navigating the film festival.
1. Chain of Title
Before any distribution, streaming, or financing deal can
proceed, buyers and partners will want to confirm the necessary
rights are in place. A clear chain of title is an important
consideration for the business side of TIFF. This involves
documenting rights for scripts, music, performances, and any source
material, including adaptations from books or social media. In
Canada, explicit waivers of moral
