Protected
Cult of the Cobra
1955 · Universal Pictures · Dir. Francis D. Lyon
While stationed in Asia, six American G.I.'s witness the secret ritual of Lamians (worshipers of women who can change into serpents). When discovered by the cult, the High Lamian Priest vows that "the Cobra Goddess will avenge herself". Once back in the United States, a mysterious woman enters into their lives and accidents begin to happen. The shadow of a cobra is seen just before each death.
Confidence
100
— Legal Reasoning —
Why this status applies
Cult of the Cobra was originally released by Universal Pictures on May 30, 1955. Under the 1909 Copyright Act, works from 1955 required a renewal filing in their 28th year to maintain protection. The film was registered for copyright by Universal Pictures Co., Inc. on April 4, 1955, under registration number LP4590.
A search of the Stanford Copyright Renewal Database and the Library of Congress Catalog of Copyright Entries confirms that the copyright was timely renewed by Universal City Studios, Inc. on August 23, 1983, under renewal number RE179116. Because the copyright was successfully renewed, the film was granted a second term of 67 years, extending its US copyright protection to a total of 95 years from the date of publication. It will not enter the public domain until January 1, 2051.
— Cited Sources —
Supporting facts
- Stanford Copyright Renewal Database (RE179116)
- U.S. Copyright Office Catalog of Copyright Entries (LP4590)
- AFI Catalog of Feature Films
- Film Superlist: Motion Pictures in the U.S. Public Domain (Hurst/Baer)
Research summary based on cited sources, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.