Entertainment law is a branch of law concerned particularly with the property issues that surround 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. To safeguard the intellectual property rights of artists, copyright and trademark laws are available to those working in Missouri.
What is A Copyright?
A copyright includes the privilege to exclusively produce a given form of entertainment, and the copyright holder must give consent for others to be able to use it. The consent of the copyright holder for others to use the protected material is called a license. In Missouri, 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 a specific 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 Missouri Attorney Help?
Deciding whether you need a trademark or copyright is often a decision best made with the advice of an attorney in Liberty that has experienced in entertainment law. The filing process in Missouri can also go more smoothly with an attorney to guide you.