Entertainment law offers services such as contracts and copyrights that are particularly designed for pieces of entertainment like books, movies and visual arts. Working in the entertainment industry, you will want to safeguard your work from being exploited or plagiarized. Copyright and trademark laws in Massachusetts are intended to safeguard the intellectual property rights of those who work in the entertainment field.

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. A license is when a copyright holder gives its permission for another to use the protected material. Negotiating license agreements in Massachusetts is the exclusive privilege of the copyright holder. Entertainment law determines the process for getting a copyright and how long it lasts once issued. These concerns are important as you go about protecting your property rights or licensing your work 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, unlike copyrights, do not expire. However, they must be registered with the U.S. patent and trademark office. Once you have your trademark, creating brand identity becomes much easier.

How Can a Massachusetts Attorney Help?

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