Intellectual and industrial property, although it may seem like an abstract or technical concept, is a fundamental force that drives innovation and development in numerous sectors.
This set of rights includes various forms of protection, such as patents, which ensure that inventors can obtain exclusive rights to their technical inventions; copyrights, which allow authors to protect their works from unauthorized use by third parties; and trademarks, which identify and distinguish products or services, providing their owners with a unique identity in the marketplace.
It is also important to understand what trade secretsor business secrets are—they protect technical or scientific knowledge, business data, and key commercial and market strategies that are essential for maintaining a competitive advantage.
Industrial and Intellectual Property in Film: The Struggle for Ideas and Commercial Success
Through certain films, we see how cinema has depicted the complex struggles to secure these protections, ranging from legal disputes over copyrights and patents to efforts to establish and expand a brand in competitive markets.
These stories illustrate the risks, ingenuity, and perseverance required to protect an idea, and they also demonstrate how these rights become an essential tool for the success and growth of companies in the competitive global market.
Artificial Justice (2024)
This Spanish film explores a future in which artificial intelligence redefines our country's judicial system, raising questions about how emerging technologies should be regulated and what role intellectual property will play in the protection and use of these algorithms. It is a story that raises ethical and legal challenges regarding the control of AI in society.
Air (2023)
"Air" shows us the iconic deal between a young Michael Jordan—represented commercially by his mother—and Nike, which gave rise to the famous Air Jordan brand. This film captures the moment when the sports and fashion industries came together to create a brand that would change the perception of sporting goods, highlighting the power of a well-positioned brand in the global market.
Tetris (2023)
A thriller that explores the intricate story of how the video gameTetris, created in the Soviet Union, obtained the license to be marketed in the West. The film illustrates the political and legal barriers the creators had to overcome, highlighting the importance of licensing in bringing an innovative idea to the international market.
The War of the Currents (The Current War – 2017)
This historical drama depicts the fierce competition between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse for control of the U.S. electrical grid. In addition to chronicling technological advancements, the film explores the business strategies and intellectual property rights that shaped the electrical grid as we know it today.
The Founder (2016)
This is the story of Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s, which recounts how a small hamburger shop became one of the world’s largest franchise chains. The film illustrates the power of expansion under an established brand, addressing topics such as the use of intellectual property in franchise management and the global expansion of a brand.
Joy (2015)
Inspired by the life of Joy Mangano, this film tells the story of how innovation can emerge from everyday products. Through her cleaning inventions, Joy builds an empire, highlighting the importance of protecting ideas in all sectors—even less traditional ones—through patents and design rights.
Big Eyes (2014)
"Big Eyes" tells the story of Margaret Keane's struggle to claim authorship of her famous paintings, which for years were attributed to her husband. The film explores the human side and the legal implications of copyright, highlighting the importance of intellectual property in protecting artists' creative legacies.
Flash of Genius (2008)
Based on a true story, this film tells the story of an engineering professor who invents and patents a windshield wiper system and subsequently faces a legal battle with the automotive industry, which uses the system without his consent. The story highlights the importance of patents as a means of protection for inventors, illustrating the difficulties of defending intellectual property rights against large corporations.
The Man in the White Suit (1951)
In this classic satire, a scientist invents a fabric that is virtually indestructible and never gets dirty. However, the textile industry conspires to prevent its production, as it could put an end to their businesses. The film explores the challenges inventors face when their ideas threaten established commercial interests, highlighting the influence of intellectual property on the market.
The Third Man (1949)
This film noir classic explores the dangerous trade in counterfeit penicillin in postwar Vienna, revealing the risks associated with the counterfeiting and trade of unauthorized pharmaceutical products. The plot highlights the need for trademark protection and regulations to safeguard public health and intellectual property.
In short, these films offer us a unique perspective on how intellectual and industrial property not only protects the interests of creators, but also fosters fair competition, drives the economy, and promotes technological and cultural progress.
Claudia Fernández, Attorney in the IP, Media & Entertainment Practice Group at ELZABURU