Entertainment Law refers to services, such as copyrights and contracts, that deal specifically with entertainment, like movies, books and films. Working in the entertainment industry, you will want to protect your work from being exploited or plagiarized. To protect the intellectual property rights of artists, copyright and trademark laws are available to those working in Connecticut.

What is A Copyright?

A copyright is the legal right to exclusively produce a certain medium, such as art, movies and writing. Others are prevented from using or reproducing your copyrighted materials without your consent. When a copyright holder gives consent for others to use the protected material, it is called a license. A copyright holder in Connecticut also has the exclusive privilege of selling any licenses for the price it chooses. Whether you can receive a copyright, the procedure for getting one, and how long it lasts once issued are questions determined by entertainment law. With a copyright, you can protect your property rights for the future, or you can simply start licensing it to others.

What is a Trademark?

A trademark is any noticeable characteristic that is associated with something, such as the symbol for a commercial brand. Trademarks can be key to establishing product recognition in the entertainment industry. Trademarks do not expire. They are obtained through registration with the U.S. patent and trademark office. Consumers recognize brands better when they have associated trademarks.

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 Stafford that has specialized in entertainment law. The filing process in Connecticut can also go more smoothly with an attorney to guide you.