FRENCH AUTHORSHIP CERTIFCATE

French Authorship Certificate – Certificat d’Auteur

Updated: Nov. 1, 2025

1. What is it?

A French Authorship Certificate (Certificat d’Auteur) is a formal, sworn declaration used in French and European film distribution to confirm the identity and nationality of the author(s) of a motion picture. It is primarily used to certify the authorship status of the key creative contributors (typically the screenwriter and director) in accordance with French copyright and moral rights laws. This document is essential to establish legal ownership, fulfill co-production treaty obligations, and meet delivery requirements for broadcasters, distributors, and film funds in France.

2. Who is it for?

This document is primarily used by:

• Producers delivering a film to a French distributor, TV broadcaster, or sales agent

• French or European co-producers working under bilateral or Eurimages treaties

• Directors and screenwriters (especially those claiming authorship under French copyright law)

• Legal counsel handling copyright, delivery, or rights transfers in France

• Sales agents and distributors requesting proof of authorship for exploitation rights

• Festivals and funding agencies requesting verification of authorship for eligibility

3. What does it include?

The French Authorship Certificate is usually drafted in both French and English, signed under penalty of perjury, and often notarized. It includes:

Key Terms and Clauses:

• Film Title – Full title of the picture as registered

• Names of Authors – Generally includes the director and screenwriter(s)

• Roles – The specific creative role of each author (e.g., auteur-réalisateur, scénariste)

• Declaration of Authorship – A sworn statement that the named individuals are the sole and original authors of the film, in accordance with French Intellectual Property Code (Code de la propriété intellectuelle)

• Rights Assurance – Affirmation that all rights have been granted to the producer for exploitation

• Signature & Date – Signed by the author(s), often before a notary

May also be required upon request (but very rarely):

• Dual-language format (French/English)

• Passport copies of author(s)

• Assignment of rights contracts (for backup)

• Optional: Notarization or apostille for international use

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