We have previously shared with you that Pulp Fiction, one of the most cult films in the history of cinema, will have seven scenes never seen before and the original handwritten script will be put on sale as NFT. However, Miramax, the production company of the movie, sued the legendary director of the movie, Quentin Tarantino, for the Pulp Fiction NFT collection.
Arguing that the NFTs in the collection do not fall within the scope of Tarantino’s reserved rights for the film, according to the lawsuit filed in the California court yesterday, Miramax accuses the director of violating the company’s copyright and trademark. The company is requesting a halt to the upcoming sale. At the same time, Miramax argues that Tarantino’s limited contract rights for Pulp Fiction, including interactive games, live performances, and other ancillary media, do not cover NFTs associated with the film’s script.
This is one of the first legal tests of what NFT really is.
Additionally, Miramax objects to Tarantino’s use of the ‘Pulp Fiction’ name and footage, saying that buyers are likely to think that NFTs are official Miramax products. It is true that Tarantino has the right to release parts of the script; however, this right does not extend to NFTs. The lawsuit states that “Selling several original script pages or scenes as NFT is a one-time transaction and does not constitute a broadcast.” What is even more of a problem is not actually Tarantino’s NFT collection; The precedent it can set for other filmmakers. Tarantino’s move; may cause other rights holders to think that they also have rights to use Miramax films through NFTs and other emerging technologies.
NFTs are an often highly lucrative technology that provides an alternative revenue stream for people to profit from the media outside of traditional licensing deals. This may not be the first NFT-related lawsuit; however, it is considered one of the first legal tests of what an NFT actually is. Miramax claims its rights include a static set of exceptions that “do not cover any rights or media unknown at the time of the original rights agreement,” while its rights are “broad” and “all-encompassing.” In response, Tarantino defends himself by saying that in response to a cease and desist letter, he basically publishes parts of a script with additional embellishments such as drawings.
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