Titles from a producer

[Pat]

When finding a title for a video production, is it legal to use names that have been used in other productions? For instance: Convent of Sin, Intruders, etc. These are titles that have been previously chosen by other directors or companies.
Thank you so much.

[Ace]

These titles were from John Lindsay, and as they were his work, I expect he had a copyright on them, which legally would include titles.

[joe king]

I don't think you can copyright a title, 'les Vampyres' - porn and 'les Vampyres' - horror film by Jos? Larraz (there is supposed to be a longest version of this horror film in Australia - Buttsie?)

American word play on some titles isn't liked by the original directors (spielberg with some title I forget)

BBFC gives a unique code to each work

[Ace]

I think you are right about titles Joe, BUT I am sure titles that are very famous like Deep Throat or Debbie Does Dallas can't be used as they already legendary in their own right and someone using these without putting 2 (ala Rocky) would be hauled up. Whoever wants to use already established titles like Intruders or Convent of Sin must be pretty lame NOT to think up their own titles.

[Pat]

However, I've seen some cases (such as: Home Alone) when porn companies take copyrighted movie titles and add them to their videos. I thought that it might be possible to do that, because, since there are so many titles out there that you can't ever get to know, you easily can "go wrong" and put a copyrighted title to your video production.
How can I avoid that to happen?
And, even if I know that such title exists, what if my story fits with an already-taken title?

[Pat]

Am I lame if I do that?

[Ace]

No offence intended, but if you have an idea you think will sell, then copyrighting protects you. That includes a title, and if there is come back, you could plead coincidence then sue your solicitor for not checking things out!!

[Pat]

Holy ...! It's so hard to find a good title nowadays! Do you agree with me?

[Ace]

Give a description of your work on here and I GUARANTEE you will be inundated with replies, especially from the master, Magoo. Although Lizard and Buttsie will also come in with worthwhile suggestions, BUT avoid ANYTHING Steve56 sends.........trust me!!

[Pat]

OK, I have a video production. Budget was high since we had to use natural locations and sets, epoc wardrobe, performers training, old cars, etc. Story was developed in a Boarding School. However, since there is a movie called "Boarding School", I thought it couldn't be a reasonable idea to put that name on my movie, so, I thought about other titles (such as "Boarding Schoolgirls"). I can't tell too much about the story per se, since I don't have the copyright yet. What can you do for me?
THank you.