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 party holding a copyright can exclusively produce a certain form of entertainment, requiring any others who want to use it to get consent first. 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. 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. Although they do not expire, trademarks must be obtained through registering with the U.S. patent and trademark office. With your trademark, buyers will start to recognize your product more easily.

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 Wellsville that has specialized in entertainment law. The filing process in New York can also go more smoothly with an attorney to guide you.