Entertainment law is a branch of law concerned particularly with the property issues that surround pieces of entertainment like books, movies and visual arts. Protecting work from being plagiarized or otherwise exploited is a massive concern for those working in the entertainment industries. Copyright and trademark laws in North Carolina are intended to safeguard the intellectual property rights of those who work in the entertainment field.

What is A Copyright?

A copyright includes the privilege to exclusively produce a given form of entertainment, and the copyright holder must give consent for others to be able to use it. The consent of the copyright holder for others to use the protected material is called a license. In North Carolina, the copyright holder has the exclusive privilege of negotiating all licenses it issues. 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 a symbol or other notable visual characteristic that is associated with an individual commercial brand. In the entertainment industry, they help to establish product recognition. A trademark must be registered with the U.S. patent and trademark office, and it does not expire. With a trademark, a company can begin to establish brand identity.

How Can a North Carolina Attorney Help?

Entertainment law is sometimes an area of specialization for Lawyers in Plymouth, so you may want to speak with them to find out whether you need a trademark or copyright. Also once you do apply, attorneys serve as good guides through the process of obtaining intellectual property right in North Carolina.