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. When a copyright holder gives consent for others to use the protected material, it is called a license. A copyright holder in New York also has the exclusive privilege of selling any licenses for the price it chooses. Whether you can obtain 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 New York Attorney Help?

Entertainment law is sometimes an area of specialization for Attorneys in Grand Island, 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 New York.