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. In North Carolina, the intellectual property rights of artists are protected by several laws that includes copyright and trademark provisions.
What is A Copyright?
A copyright includes the privilege to exclusively produce a certain form of entertainment, and the copyright holder must give consent for others to be able to use it. In order to comply with the entertainment laws in North Carolina, someone seeking to use your copyrighted material must negotiate and receive a license or contract from you first. Whether you can receive a copyright, the procedure for getting one, and how long it lasts once issued are questions determined by entertainment law. With a copyright, you can protect your property rights for the future, or you can simply start licensing it to others.
What is a Trademark?
Commercial brands sometimes choose visible characteristics or symbols that are intended to be associated with their products. These symbols are called trademarks. They can go a long way in the entertainment industry to help buyers better recognize your products. A trademark must be registered with the U.S. patent and trademark office, and it does not expire. With a trademark, a company may begin to establish brand identity.
How Can a North Carolina Attorney Help?
Many Attorneys in Cary 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 North Carolina.