Entertainment Law refers to services, such as copyrights and contracts, that deal specifically with entertainment, like movies, books and films. Plagiarism and other types of exploitation often threaten the products of those who work in the entertainment industries. To protect the intellectual property rights of artists, copyright and trademark laws are available to those working in California.

What is A Copyright?

A copyright includes the privilege to exclusively produce a certain form of entertainment, and the copyright holder must give consent for others to be able to use it. In order to comply with the entertainment laws in California, someone seeking to use your copyrighted material must negotiate and obtain a license or contract from you first. The procedure for getting a copyright and how long it lasts once issued are governed by entertainment law. Aside from protecting your property rights, getting a copyright will allow you to sell licenses to others.

What is a Trademark?

A symbol or other notable visual characteristic that people associate with a brand is a trademark. Visual cues are key in the entertainment industry to establish product recognition. A trademark must be registered with the U.S. patent and trademark office, and it does not expire. With a trademark, a company may begin to establish brand identity.

How Can a California Attorney Help?

Deciding whether you need a trademark or copyright is often a decision best made with the advice of an attorney in Crescent City that has specialized in entertainment law. The filing process in California can also go more smoothly with an attorney to guide you.