Journalist Branko Stanković Claims Authorship of "Kvadratura kruga" Amidst Broadcast Dispute

Journalist Branko Stanković has stated that his iconic television program "Kvadratura kruga" is protected as his intellectual property. He claims the show, under that name, was registered as an authored work with the Agency 18 years ago and with the Intellectual Property Office on June 28, 2026. Stanković provided evidence, including show outros where he is credited as the author.

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as an authored show protected in the Agency 18 years ago, and in the Intellectual Property Office on June 28, 2026, with the explanation and submitted copies of shows from different time periods, where Branko Stanković signs as the author on the closing credits.

This assertion follows the announcement that "Kvadratura kruga" will air on TV N1 starting in the fall. In response, the Serbian Broadcasting Corporation (RTS) announced that it is registered as the holder of property rights for the title, concept, and format of the show with the Intellectual Property Office.

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then let them show and prove the number under which authorship is registered.

Stanković challenges RTS's claim, demanding they present the registration number for their authorship. He explains that he conceived the show's opening sequence, which was graphically designed by Luka Spajić using elements Stanković provided: Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man sketch, a square, and a circle, all carrying symbolic meaning relevant to the show's themes. He cited former "Kvadratura kruga" editor Marija Baronijan Šašić and assistant Ljubiša Novaković, as well as former RTS editor Bojana Lekić, as witnesses to his authorship.

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I understand that RTS is angry because they lost a show that boosted their ratings for years and was the most-watched documentary program, but no one can adorn themselves with another's feathers.

"I understand that RTS is angry because they lost a show that boosted their ratings for years and was the most-watched documentary program," Stanković said. "But no one can adorn themselves with another's feathers." He clarified that while RTS has the legal right to use recorded episodes produced during his time there for five years, this does not extend to authorship or the show's name. Stanković reiterated his claim, stating, "The number of my application is A-2026/0412," emphasizing that an authored work cannot be protected twice.

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What concerns RTS, they have the right to use the recorded shows for five years, according to the law, because they were produced by them, but not the authorship and the name of the show.