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

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. The consent of the copyright holder for others to use the protected material is called a license. In Mississippi, the copyright holder has the exclusive privilege of negotiating any licenses it issues. Entertainment law governs 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 particular commercial brand may have a symbol or other notable visual characteristic to serve as a trademark. 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 establish brand identity.

How Can a Mississippi Attorney Help?

Many Attorneys in Winona practice in entertainment law. They can give you particularized advice about whether you need a copyright or trademark, and they will also guide you in the process of securing these rights in Mississippi.