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

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. When a copyright holder gives consent for others to use the protected material, it is called a license. A copyright holder in Rhode Island also has the exclusive privilege of selling any licenses for the price it chooses. Entertainment law governs whether you can get a copyright, how to apply for one, and how long it lasts once issued. A copyright will allow you to profit from licensing your material to others, or it may simply protect your rights in the piece of entertainment for the future.

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 Rhode Island Attorney Help?

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