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 Virginia.

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 Virginia, someone seeking to use your copyrighted material must negotiate and get a license or contract from you first. Entertainment law determines the process for getting a copyright and how long it lasts once issued. These concerns are important as you go about protecting your property rights or licensing your work to others.

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. Although they do not expire, trademarks must be obtained through registering with the U.S. patent and trademark office. With your trademark, buyers will begin to recognize your product more easily.

How Can a Virginia Attorney Help?

Entertainment law is sometimes an area of specialization for Lawyers in Abingdon, 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 Virginia.