Entertainment law includes legal services, such as contracts and copyrights, that are aimed at protecting pieces of entertainment like books, movies and visual arts. In the entertainment industry, protecting your work from being exploited or plagiarized by others is an imminent concern. Copyright and trademark laws protect artists in Oklahoma, and are among a body of laws that defines the intellectual property rights of those working in the entertainment field.

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. In order to comply with the entertainment laws in Oklahoma, someone seeking to use your copyrighted material must negotiate and receive a license or contract from you first. A copyright does not last forever, and all procedures surrounding copyrights are governed 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 establish product recognition. Trademarks do not expire. They are obtained through registration with the U.S. patent and trademark office. Consumers recognize brands better when they have associated trademarks.

How Can a Oklahoma Attorney Help?

An attorney in Noble has knowledge of entertainment law in your area, and can give you the information you need to decide whether you need a trademark or copyright. Also, Attorneys may give direction on how to best proceed when seeking a copyright or trademark recognition in Oklahoma.