Entertainment law includes legal services, such as contracts and copyrights, that are aimed at protecting pieces of entertainment like books, movies and visual arts. Plagiarism and other types of exploitation often threaten the products of those who work in the entertainment industries. In Texas, the intellectual property rights of artists are protected by several laws that includes copyright and trademark provisions.
What is A Copyright?
A copyright includes the privilege to exclusively produce a certain form of entertainment, and the copyright holder must give consent for others to be able to use it. Under Texas law, the holder of a copyright has the right to negotiate licenses for the production of the copyrighted material that others might want to use. Whether you can receive a copyright, the procedure for getting one, and how long it lasts once issued are questions determined by entertainment law. With a copyright, you can protect your property rights for the future, or you can simply start licensing it 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. The U.S. patent and trademark office if responsible for issuing trademark rights, and once issued trademarks are permanent. They can go a long way to establish brand identity.
How Can a Texas Attorney Help?
An attorney in El Paso 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 Texas.