Entertainment law is the package of services, containing contracts and copyrights, that is intended for pieces of entertainment like books, movies and visual arts. In the entertainment industry, safeguarding your work from being exploited or plagiarized by others is an imminent concern. To safeguard the intellectual property rights of artists, copyright and trademark laws are available to those working in Utah.

What is A Copyright?

A party holding a copyright can exclusively produce a given form of entertainment, requiring any others who want to use it to get consent first. In order to comply with the entertainment laws in Utah, someone seeking to use your copyrighted material must negotiate and acquire a license or contract from you first. The procedure for getting a copyright and how long it lasts once issued are controlled by entertainment law. Aside from protecting your property rights, getting a copyright will allow you to sell licenses to others.

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 create product recognition. Trademarks do not expire. They are acquired through registration with the U.S. patent and trademark office. Consumers recognize brands better when they have associated trademarks.

How Can a Utah Attorney Help?

An attorney in Vernal 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, Lawyers may give direction on how to best proceed when seeking a copyright or trademark recognition in Utah.