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. In Connecticut, the intellectual property rights of artists are protected by several laws that includes copyright and trademark provisions.
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. Under Connecticut law, the holder of a copyright has the right to negotiate licenses for the production of the copyrighted material that others might want to use. A copyright does not last forever, and all procedures surrounding copyrights are governed 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 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. Trademarks, unlike copyrights, do not expire. However, they must be registered with the U.S. patent and trademark office. Once you have your trademark, establishing brand identity becomes much easier.
How Can a Connecticut Attorney Help?
Deciding whether you need a trademark or copyright is often a decision best made with the advice of an attorney in Enfield that has specialized in entertainment law. The filing process in Connecticut can also go more smoothly with an attorney to guide you.