Could you explain why you think you're in a good position? From what I understand, the comments are owned by the users, and by posting them to IMDb, they allowed IMDb and their affiliates the right to use them.

The users did not give you permission to use their data, and you're not associated with IMDb, and therefore do not inherit the rights.

Lastly, IMDb specifically states that scraping or extracting data is forbidden without written consent.

>>Before I became an engineer I practiced IP/copyright law.

I'm sure there's a story there since I would have thought the usual direction, even for a small aggregate number of eventual engineer-patent attorney pairings, would be reversed. Hopefully you can post an "About Us" on MovieChat.org at some point when you feel comfortable. Thanks!