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. In Georgia, the intellectual property rights of artists are safeguarded by several laws that includes copyright and trademark provisions.

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 Georgia, 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?

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 Georgia Attorney Help?

Deciding whether you need a trademark or copyright is often a decision best made with the advice of an attorney in Grovetown that has experienced in entertainment law. The filing process in Georgia can also go more smoothly with an attorney to guide you.