Movie Titles Entitled To IP Protection?

As a popular saying goes, first impression is the last impression - when it comes to movies what better for a first impression than a striking title. A title that is catchy and unique finds an instant place in the minds of the audience. Thus, it is one of the vital assets of the movie, which racks up the attention of the public. This has invariably become a subject matter of dispute in the entertainment industry.

The customary practice followed by the majority of film producers is registering the plot and title with the film associations functioning as registered societies such as The Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA); the Film and Television Producers' Guild of India or the Association of Motion Pictures and Television Programme Producers (AMPTPP). Although this ensures protection of the movie plot, it does not safeguard the title of the movie from being used by another filmmaker.