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 Mississippi, which are safeguarded in part by copyright and trademark laws.

What is A Copyright?

A party holding a copyright can exclusively produce a given form of entertainment, requiring any others who want to use it to get consent first. Under Mississippi law, the holder of a copyright has the right to negotiate licenses for the production of the copyrighted material that others may want to use. A copyright does not last forever, and all procedures surrounding copyrights are controlled by state entertainment laws. You will want to familiarize yourself with the specifics, whether you want to simply protect your property rights or you are interested in selling licenses for your work.

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. Although they do not expire, trademarks must be obtained through registering with the U.S. patent and trademark office. With your trademark, buyers will begin to recognize your product more easily.

How Can a Mississippi Attorney Help?

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