Entertainment law is a branch of law concerned specifically 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 great concern for those working in the entertainment industries. In New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire, 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?

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. Trademarks, unlike copyrights, do not expire. However, they must be registered with the U.S. patent and trademark office. Once you have your trademark, establishing brand identity becomes much easier.

How Can a New Hampshire Attorney Help?

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