Option Rights....Help

[screen227]

I optioned the rights to a book for a two year period.

During the time of my "ownership" I wrote a screenplay based on the book had it registered with the WGA and got a copyright.

The Problem? The option rights to this book have lapsed. I have people interested in my screenplay, but will I have "problems" because I no longer hold the option rights?

The script is based on a real person...and I must say that NOTHING was "lifted" from the book and placed in my script. I knew quite a bit about my subject already, and wrote what I knew. You can't copyright known facts.

I optioned the rights because it was a very popular book. I am working closely with the author, and she backs the project 150%.

I might have to give-up the title....but I can't be kept from having my work produced, correct? The subject IS a public figure (deceased)

Thank you for your help.

 

[ALawyer]

That you "optioned" it is not sufficiently descriptive to base any opinion on. What counts is EXACTLY what you agreed to and what consideration, if any, you received, and that would require the careful reading of the agreement and knowledge of the customs in the trade.