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

What is A Copyright?

A copyright for a particular piece of entertainment means that a party has the exclusive right to produce it. If others want to use it, they must first get consent from the copyright holder. The consent of the copyright holder for others to use the protected material is called a license. In Florida, 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?

Commercial brands sometimes choose visible characteristics or symbols that are intended to be linked with their products. These symbols are called trademarks. They can go a long way in the entertainment industry to help buyers better recognize your products. Although they do not expire, trademarks must be obtained through registering with the U.S. patent and trademark office. With your trademark, buyers will begin to recognize your product more easily.

How Can a Florida Attorney Help?

An attorney in Fort Walton Beach has knowledge of entertainment law in your area, and can give you the information you need to decide whether you need a trademark or copyright. Also, Lawyers may give direction on how to best proceed when seeking a copyright or trademark recognition in Florida.