Renting out console games

[arf_maul]

I am planning on starting a business that rents / hires out DVDs, VHS, and console games (Xbox, GameCube, Playstation2).

Do I need written permission to rent the console games?

To get permission to rent these games, should I contact the manufacturers of the consoles (eg. Xbox), or the publishers of the games (eg. Activision, Acclaim)?

Will this cost anything? Do the manufacturers / publishers expect royalties, or charge a one-off license fee?

I have contacted XBox but they have yet to reply.

Any help is very much appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[hexeliebe]

Do I need written permission to rent the console games?

Unless you don't mind going to jail or paying millions in copyright infringement penalties.

To get permission to rent these games, should I contact the manufacturers of the consoles (eg. Xbox), or the publishers of the games (eg. Activision, Acclaim)?

Usually neither. These games and DVDs are contracted out to one or more distributors who hole the North American rights to the product. These are the people you will need to contact.

Will this cost anything? Do the manufacturers / publishers expect royalties, or charge a one-off license fee?

Well that's a duh. Would you expect to be paid for your product or not? Don't expect to pay a one-off license fee. Do expect a sliding royalty schedule.

I have contacted XBox but they have yet to reply.

Probably because they have shipped your information to their North American distributor for reply.

 

[arf_maul]

Thanks kindly