Verify Copyright for Old Movies
Built for filmmakers, archivists, and educators who need a defensible copyright determination — not a guess. Every report includes the rule applied, citations, and a confidence score.
How verification works
Our AI applies the 1928 public-domain cutoff, the 1928–1963 renewal rule, and the 95-year term for 1964+ works, then cross-references the title and year against US Copyright Office renewal records and known case law.
Orphan works
If a film is still under copyright but its rights holder cannot be identified, the report flags it as an orphan work — important for archives and educational use.
FAQ
How accurate is the determination?
Each report includes a 0–100 confidence score. High-confidence determinations cite the specific rule and renewal record. Anything ambiguous is flagged 'uncertain' rather than guessed.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is a research tool. Consult an attorney for production clearance — Shotgun Law specializes in film copyright.