Entertainment law is a branch of law concerned specifically 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 not plagiarized or exploited. To protect the intellectual property rights of artists, copyright and trademark laws are available to those working in New York.

What is A Copyright?

A copyright is the legal right to exclusively produce a certain medium, such as art, movies and writing. Others are prevented from using or reproducing your copyrighted materials without your consent. A license is when a copyright holder gives its consent for another to use the protected material. Negotiating license agreements in New York is the exclusive privilege of the copyright holder. The procedure for getting a copyright and how long it lasts once issued are governed by entertainment law. Aside from protecting your property rights, getting a copyright will allow you to sell licenses 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. 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?

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