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Writing Dilemma Resolved-Sort Of

         I did a little research and discovered that I should not continue my writing project as planned. But I'm not scrapping all the months of research and planning. I just have to have different names and take them in a different direction. It's better than a legal battle.

         I have seen sequels to other people's work or rewrites that escaped prosecution. But it's better to be safe. I discovered in an unrelated matter that a screen writer with a number of successful screenplays for TV behind him could not do a sequel a decade later using a character he personally invented. The original production company had been bought by someone else, the original creators had passed away, one of the actors had bought a piece of the syndication, and a legal entanglement began that lasted for years. It ended in confusion while no one could figure out who actually owned the rights to the original, even though the original characters and story lines would not be used. Only the character developed by this one writer would be used. He had to give it up.

         An article by Ivan Huffman states that writers/creators should copyright everything. "Own it" is his advice. The original work, say a children's book, may not be as valuable as the merchandise or services that may be derived from it. Say a friendly crocodile may become a plush toy, an emblem on clothing, or games, video games, songs, puzzles, toys, etc. So it's best not to use someone else's characters or continue what they started.

         We know many people have modern versions of Shakespeare's plays, Steve Martin did his version of Cyrano de Bergerac and Silas Marner. But when it comes to TV or modern books, unless we know the original owner, we are safe to stay away from the idea.

         How the other group were able to use my inspirational characters without pause I don't know. They either knew the right people or bought the rights or they're gambling. I'll play it safe.