Entertainment law includes legal services, such as contracts and copyrights, that are aimed at safeguarding pieces of entertainment like books, movies and visual arts. Protecting work from being plagiarized or otherwise exploited is a massive concern for those working in the entertainment industries. In Pennsylvania, the intellectual property rights of artists are safeguarded by several laws that includes copyright and trademark provisions.

What is A Copyright?

A copyright is the legal right to exclusively produce a given medium, such as art, movies and writing. Others are prevented from using or reproducing your copyrighted materials without your consent. The consent of the copyright holder for others to use the protected material is called a license. In Pennsylvania, the copyright holder has the exclusive privilege of negotiating all licenses it issues. 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 trademark is a symbol or other notable visual characteristic that is associated with a particular commercial brand. 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 can begin to establish brand identity.

How Can a Pennsylvania Attorney Help?

Entertainment law is sometimes an area of specialization for Lawyers in West Mifflin, 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 Pennsylvania.