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 particular commercial brand may have a symbol or other notable visual characteristic to serve as a trademark. In the entertainment industry, they help to create product recognition. The U.S. patent and trademark office if responsible for issuing trademark rights, and once issued trademarks are permanent. They can go a long way to create brand identity.

How Can a Illinois Attorney Help?

Many Lawyers in University Park practice in entertainment law. They can give you particularized advice about whether you need a copyright or trademark, and they will also guide you in the process of securing these rights in Illinois.