All persons fictitious disclaimer

A title card from the film Affairs of Cappy Ricks (1937) showing an all persons fictitious disclaimer

An "all persons fictitious" disclaimer in a work of media states that the persons portrayed in it are not based on real people. This is done mostly on realistic films and television programs to reduce the possibility of legal action for libel from any person who believes that they have been defamed by their portrayal in the work, whether portrayed under their real name or a different name. The wording of this disclaimer varies, and differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, as does its legal effectiveness.

This disclaimer is routinely included among disclaimers on other topics, such as copyright, animal welfare, adult content and promotion of tobacco use. This might look like a page at the beginning of a film stating:

  • This motion picture is protected under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries throughout the world. It's country of first publication was the United States of America. Any unauthorized exhibition, distribution, or copying of this film or any part thereof (including soundtrack) may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred. No person or entity associated with this film received payment or anything of value, or entered into any agreement, in connection with the depiction of tobacco products. No animals were harmed in the making of this motion picture.

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