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

What is A Copyright?

A copyright is the legal right to exclusively produce a given medium, such as art, movies and writing. Others are prevented from using or reproducing your copyrighted materials without your consent. The consent of the copyright holder for others to use the protected material is called a license. In Maine, the copyright holder has the exclusive privilege of negotiating all licenses it issues. 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 trademark is any noticeable characteristic that is associated with something, such as the symbol for a commercial brand. Trademarks can be key to creating product recognition in the entertainment industry. 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 Maine Attorney Help?

Entertainment law is sometimes an area of specialization for Lawyers in New Gloucester, so you may want to speak with them to find out whether you need a trademark or copyright. Also once you do apply, attorneys serve as good guides through the process of obtaining intellectual property right in Maine.