Entertainment law offers services such as contracts and copyrights that are particularly designed for pieces of entertainment like books, movies and visual arts. In the entertainment industry, safeguarding your work from being exploited or plagiarized by others is an imminent concern. Artists have certain intellectual property rights in Illinois, which are safeguarded in part by copyright and trademark laws.
What is A Copyright?
A party holding a copyright can exclusively produce a given form of entertainment, requiring any others who want to use it to get consent first. In order to comply with the entertainment laws in Illinois, someone seeking to use your copyrighted material must negotiate and get a license or contract from you first. The procedure for getting a copyright and how long it lasts once issued are controlled by entertainment law. Aside from protecting your property rights, getting a copyright will allow you to sell licenses to others.
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 create 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 Illinois Attorney Help?
Deciding whether you need a trademark or copyright is often a decision best made with the advice of an attorney in Troy that has experienced in entertainment law. The filing process in Illinois can also go more smoothly with an attorney to guide you.
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Howard Bender has a wealth of knowledge with trademark contract negotiations. His expertise has helped us move our case forward productively.
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