Entertainment law is a branch of law concerned specifically with the property issues that surround pieces of entertainment like books, movies and visual arts. In the entertainment industry, protecting your work from being exploited or plagiarized by others is an imminent concern. To protect the intellectual property rights of artists, copyright and trademark laws are available to those working in Missouri.

What is A Copyright?

A copyright for a specific piece of entertainment means that a party has the exclusive right to produce it. If others want to use it, they must first get consent from the copyright holder. When a copyright holder gives consent for others to use the protected material, it is called a license. A copyright holder in Missouri also has the exclusive privilege of selling any licenses for the price it chooses. The procedure for getting a copyright and how long it lasts once issued are governed 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 establishing product recognition in the entertainment industry. Although they do not expire, trademarks must be obtained through registering with the U.S. patent and trademark office. With your trademark, buyers will start to recognize your product more easily.

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 Sikeston that has specialized in entertainment law. The filing process in Missouri can also go more smoothly with an attorney to guide you.