Sigma Nu Creed Misappropriated in "Neighbors"

[Kevin]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2014

Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. is aware that the motion picture film entitled ‘Neighbors’ includes the use of The Creed of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. has notified the filmmaker that the use of the Sigma Nu Creed in the film was not authorized by Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc.

The Creed of Sigma Nu Fraternity is a statement describing what members of Sigma Nu Fraternity stand for, believe in and aspire to be. The Sigma Nu identity stands strong today thanks to the hard work of thousands of brothers and their dedication to the Fraternity’s principles of Love, Honor and Truth. The Creed of Sigma Nu Fraternity is central to this identity. The Fraternity is dedicated to protecting its identity and its principles as expressed in its Creed.

Headquartered in Lexington, Va., Sigma Nu Fraternity was founded in 1869 at Virginia Military Institute.

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http://www.sigmanu.org/news/pr_20140509_0001.php

[Sen's Revenge]

Lawsuit or nah?

[Kevin]

I'd like to see our HQ sue their pants off or at least get the portion where the ne'er do well fratties misappropriate our entire creed removed from the film. I don't think the general public is going to pick up on it, but to me, it's pretty offensive.

[33girl]

It's bad enough they misappropriated the title from the Belushi/Aykroyd film to begin with.

[KDCat]

Originally Posted by Sen's Revenge

Lawsuit or nah?

Oh, yes. If that creed is still under copyright, definitely.

They're going to make millions on that movie. They can pay Sigma Nu for the use of their intellectual property.

[ChioLu]

It was #1 at the box office last weekend. Price goes up!

(Can the Tulsa Univ. chapter be 1st in line for the settlement funds to recolonize & lease out the Honors House/old ATO house?)

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by ChioLu

It was #1 at the box office last weekend. Price goes up!

(Can the Tulsa Univ. chapter be 1st in line for the settlement funds to recolonize & lease out the Honors House/old ATO house?)

We were done so wrong at Tulsa.

I'd love to see that!

[adpiucf]

Did a quick search and don't see the Sigma Nu Creed as being registered with the US Copyright Office.

[DubaiSis]

I wouldn't ask for removal, I'd go for the big bucks. And then all kinds of marketing/PR about how Sigma Nu doesn't espouse ANY of the traits represented in the hilariously funny movie which is entirely fictional. That way it's a win/win for everyone and people could just end up thinking it's another product placement deal.

[KDCat]

Originally Posted by adpiucf

Did a quick search and don't see the Sigma Nu Creed as being registered with the US Copyright Office.

It's not required to register your material anymore. Registering is helpful because it creates a presumption that you own it the intellectual property, but it's not a requirement.

My only hesitation on Sigma Nu having the copyright for that material is its age. So much of GLO ritual material is old and a lot of of it is getting close to coming out of copyright protection, just by virtue of its age.

There's a brief explanation of copyright terms here, but it's only a little helpful:
http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-duration.html

[Kevin]

Rituals are tweaked over the years. Or they could be, I could tell you, but I'd have to kill you, and if so, probably for that very reason.

[FSUZeta]

Kevin, I am sorry that the "Neighbors" writers weren't creative enough to look at fraternity creeds as a guideline and write one themselves. It is always sad when something held dear by members is trivialized by non-members. It brings this thread to mind:

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ad.php?t=95405

[wlcd812]

Well if they are going to use it they need to do it in good taste. The movie misrepresents the Greek system and using my fraternitys' creed is disrespectful and offensive.

SN -SINCE 1869-
"EXCELLING WITH HONOR"
S N E T T
Delta Pi 1113, George Washington University