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. To safeguard the intellectual property rights of artists, copyright and trademark laws are available to those working in Ohio.
What is A Copyright?
A copyright includes the privilege to exclusively produce a given form of entertainment, and the copyright holder must give consent for others to be able to use it. In order to comply with the entertainment laws in Ohio, someone seeking to use your copyrighted material must negotiate and get a license or contract from you first. The procedure for getting a copyright and how long it lasts once issued are controlled 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 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. A trademark must be registered with the U.S. patent and trademark office, and it does not expire. With a trademark, a company can begin to establish brand identity.
How Can a Ohio Attorney Help?
Deciding whether you need a trademark or copyright is often a decision best made with the advice of an attorney in Bellefontaine that has experienced in entertainment law. The filing process in Ohio can also go more smoothly with an attorney to guide you.