Entertainment Law refers to services, such as copyrights and contracts, that deal particularly with entertainment, like movies, books and films. It is an imminent concern for those who work in the entertainment industries that their work is never plagiarized or exploited. Artists have certain intellectual property rights in Illinois, which are safeguarded in part by copyright and trademark laws.

What is A Copyright?

With a copyright, a party has the right to exclusively produce a given form of entertainment. Others who want to use it must first get the consent of the copyright holder. The consent of the copyright holder for others to use the protected material is called a license. In Illinois, the copyright holder has the exclusive privilege of negotiating all licenses it issues. Entertainment law determines the process for getting a copyright and how long it lasts once issued. These concerns are important as you go about protecting your property rights or licensing your work to others.

What is a Trademark?

A trademark is a symbol or other notable visual characteristic that is associated with an individual commercial brand. In the entertainment industry, they help to establish 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 Illinois Attorney Help?

Entertainment law is sometimes an area of specialization for Lawyers in Bridgeview, so you may want to speak with them to find out whether you need a trademark or copyright. Also once you do apply, attorneys serve as good guides through the process of obtaining intellectual property right in Illinois.