Entertainment Law refers to services, such as copyrights and contracts, that deal particularly with entertainment, like movies, books and films. Plagiarism and other forms of exploitation often threaten the products of those who work in the entertainment industries. To safeguard 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 given form of entertainment, and the copyright holder must give consent for others to be able to use it. The consent of the copyright holder for others to use the protected material is called a license. In California, the copyright holder has the exclusive privilege of negotiating all licenses it issues. Entertainment law controls whether you can get a copyright, how to apply for one, and how long it lasts once issued. A copyright will allow you to profit from licensing your material to others, or it may simply protect your rights in the piece of entertainment for the future.

What is a Trademark?

A particular commercial brand may have a symbol or other notable visual characteristic to serve as a trademark. In the entertainment industry, they help to create product recognition. The U.S. patent and trademark office if responsible for issuing trademark rights, and once issued trademarks are permanent. They can go a long way to create brand identity.

How Can a California Attorney Help?

Many Lawyers in El Cerrito practice in entertainment law. They can give you particularized advice about whether you need a copyright or trademark, and they will also guide you in the process of securing these rights in California.