Entertainment Law refers to services, such as copyrights and contracts, that deal particularly with entertainment, like movies, books and films. Protecting work from being plagiarized or otherwise exploited is a massive concern for those working in the entertainment industries. In California, the intellectual property rights of artists are safeguarded by several laws that includes copyright and trademark provisions.
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. A copyright does not last forever, and all procedures surrounding copyrights are controlled by state entertainment laws. You will want to familiarize yourself with the specifics, whether you want to simply protect your property rights or you are interested in selling licenses for your work.
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. Trademarks do not expire. They are acquired through registration with the U.S. patent and trademark office. Consumers recognize brands better when they have associated trademarks.
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 Belmont that has experienced in entertainment law. The filing process in California can also go more smoothly with an attorney to guide you.
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