Entertainment law includes legal services, such as contracts and copyrights, that are aimed at protecting 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 not plagiarized or exploited. Copyright and trademark laws protect artists in Utah, 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. A license is when a copyright holder gives its consent for another to use the protected material. Negotiating license agreements in Utah is the exclusive privilege of the copyright holder. 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, unlike copyrights, do not expire. However, they must be registered with the U.S. patent and trademark office. Once you have your trademark, establishing brand identity becomes much easier.

How Can a Utah Attorney Help?

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