For All Star Trek Fan Filmmakers: Disclaimers Are Your Friend

If there's anything you ever have to know about the law -- especially with respect to trademark law, copyright law, and patent law -- it's this: when it's written on paper, it's binding. Or in this case, when it's displayed, it's binding. Nothing can break it. Nothing can overturn it. It is, in effect, law.

That's Why as a Filmmaker for Star Trek Fan Creations, Making Sure You Communicate Exactly What Your Project Is Will Save You from Legal Trouble

This is especially the case regarding the law and the rules both Paramount of CBS have put in place to keep Star Trek fan filmmakers in check when uploading their own creations. Yes, you've got to be careful with what you're doing. Productions that literally have nothing to do with the rightful holders of the franchise may end up confusing the masses, especially if you're using a lot of memorabilia that even looks like it comes from the official brand.

This is why a disclaimer's always a great way to go before your Star Trek fan film actually starts off. Think Star Wars, for instance, and the common adage you see before the credits roll:

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away....

Ominous. Foreboding. Fantastic. But you get the picture! The disclaimer is exactly the same thing, just different words. What CBS and Paramount want you do anywhere during the on-screen credits, or before, or after (or all of the above) is to state these exact words:

"Star Trek and all related marks, logos and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios Inc. This fan production is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other Star Trek franchise, and is a non-commercial fan-made film intended for recreational use. No commercial exhibition or distribution is permitted. No alleged independent rights will be asserted against CBS or Paramount Pictures."

It's a Mouthful (or a Screenful), Yes....

But legally it's necessary. This is to protect the rights of Paramount and CBS, and to also protect you in the event Paramount or CBS want to be dumb and try and take action on you for copyright infringement.

Basically put, as long as you have that disclaimer on there, you're golden. You may even be able to pass the speed of Warp 10. You never know. It could happen.

(There are A LOT of these Star Trek fan films.... Just FYI. They almost multiply like Tribbles.)