Entertainment law is a branch of law concerned particularly with the property issues that surround pieces of entertainment like books, movies and visual arts. It is an imminent concern for those who work in the entertainment industries that their work is never plagiarized or exploited. Copyright and trademark laws in New York are intended to safeguard the intellectual property rights of those who work in the entertainment field.

What is A Copyright?

A party holding a copyright can exclusively produce a given form of entertainment, requiring any others who want to use it to get consent first. 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 all licenses for the price it chooses. 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 symbol or other notable visual characteristic that people associate with a brand is a trademark. Visual cues are key in the entertainment industry to create 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, creating brand identity becomes much easier.

How Can a New York Attorney Help?

Entertainment law is sometimes an area of specialization for Lawyers in Oswego, 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.