Entertainment law is a branch of law concerned specifically with the property issues that surround pieces of entertainment like books, movies and visual arts. Working in the entertainment industry, you will want to protect your work from being exploited or plagiarized. In New York, the intellectual property rights of artists are protected by several laws that includes copyright and trademark provisions.

What is A Copyright?

With a copyright, a party has the right to exclusively produce a certain form of entertainment. Others who want to use it must first get the consent of the copyright holder. In order to comply with the entertainment laws in New York, someone seeking to use your copyrighted material must negotiate and obtain a license or contract from you first. A copyright does not last forever, and all procedures surrounding copyrights are governed 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 symbol or other notable visual characteristic that people associate with a brand is a trademark. Visual cues are key in the entertainment industry to establish product recognition. Trademarks do not expire. They are obtained through registration with the U.S. patent and trademark office. Consumers recognize brands better when they have associated trademarks.

How Can a New York Attorney Help?

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