Mr. Mike's Mondo Video

Mr. Mike's Mondo Video was released in 1979, placing it squarely within the 1976 Copyright Act regime. Under the 1976 Act, works created on or after January 1, 1978, are protected from the moment of creation for a term of 95 years from publication (for works for hire) or life of the author plus 70 years. Unlike films from the earlier 1909 Act era, no renewal is required to maintain copyright. a search of the U.S. Copyright Office online database (cocatalog.loc.gov) confirms a registration for the film. It was registered on October 1, 1979, under registration number PA0000045952, with 'Michael O'Donoghue' and 'Michael O'Donoghue Productions, Inc.' listed as authors and claimants. This registration serves as conclusive evidence of copyright protection in the US. While the film had a troubled distribution history (initially produced for NBC/Saturday Night Live and then sold to New Line Cinema for theatrical release), its status is clearly protected. It has seen modern commercial exploitation through various home video releases (Shout! Factory, etc.), and the rights are currently managed by the estate or successors of the production entities.