multiple claims
Occasionally more than one person or company makes a claim to the same Screenrights royalties. This is called a multiple claim.
step by step instructions to resolve a multiple claim
Step 1:
Do I control the rights ? Check your contracts.
Step 2:
If yes or no, contact the other claimant(s) and let them know your position.
Step 3:
Discuss with the other claimant(s) and seek to resolve the multiple claim.
Step 4:
Notify Screenrights of the resolution to the multiple claim by completing the Multiple Claim Assertion Form
Cannot resolve it ? See alternative dispute resolution policy.
overview of the multiple claims process
This flow chart illustrates the normal process for resolving a multiple claim.
multiple claims toolkit
The following materials may assist you in resolving your multiple claim:
overview information
In Brief: What happens if more than one person claims the same royalties?
things to consider
Practical Information for Resolving Multiple Claims
template letters that may help
Template Letter: Maintaining your Claim
Template Letter: Withdrawing your Claim
notifying screenrights of a resolved claim
more detail
Screenrights' alternative dispute resolution policy
multiple claim faqs
Why am I receiving a multiple claim email?
According to Screenrights records, you have submitted a registration claiming that you own or control the copying, communication and/or retransmission rights to the programs in question in Australian and/or New Zealand. Another party has also claimed that they own or control one or more of the same rights in the same territories.
I do control the rights - what do I do next?
Attached to the email is a Multiple Claim Report(s) giving you the name and contact details of the other claimant(s) to the royalties in question. You should contact them directly to confirm who owns the rights. If you are in agreement, both parties should fill in the Multiple Claim Assertion Form and send it back to Screenrights so we can update our records and release the royalties to the correct party.
How do I prove I control the rights?
Check any contracts dealing with the rights in the program(s). If the contracts are unclear, you may need to seek legal advice. You may need to refer to your contracts when discussing the multiple claim with the other party(s).
Oops - I have mistakenly claimed, what do I do now?
Just contact the other claimant to let them know the rights are theirs and then fill in the Multiple Claim Assertion Form stating that you withdraw your claim. You will both need to return the form to Screenrights and we will remove your claim from our database.
How much money is the multiple claim worth?
Email multipleclaims@screenrights.org and we will give you an estimate of money being held in trust. Because administrative fees and taxes have to be deducted from the final figure, we are unable to give you the exact amount.
What happens if all parties believe they control the rights to a program?
Sometimes a multiple claim cannot be resolved between the parties. You should all fill in the Multiple Claim Assertion Form and attach any relevant information to back your claim. Screenrights will then suggest that the dispute is taken to either mediation or expert adjudication as per our Alternative Dispute Resolution Policy.
Sea Patrol, McElroy All Media
quick links
We spend long amounts of time in between productions developing new shows. Screenrights royalties help cover overheads while you're thinking up something new - It's a way of sustaining a business that can continue.
- Laura Waters Producer Princess Pictures
