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. Artists have certain intellectual property rights in Missouri, which are safeguarded in part by copyright and trademark laws.

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. 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 particular commercial brand. In the entertainment industry, they help to establish 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 Missouri Attorney Help?

An attorney in Webb City has knowledge of entertainment law in your area, and can give you the information you need to decide whether you need a trademark or copyright. Also, Lawyers may give direction on how to best proceed when seeking a copyright or trademark recognition in Missouri.