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. Artists have certain intellectual property rights in Washington, which are safeguarded in part by copyright and trademark laws.

What is A Copyright?

A copyright for a particular piece of entertainment means that a party has the exclusive right to produce it. If others want to use it, they must first get consent from the copyright holder. In order to comply with the entertainment laws in Washington, someone seeking to use your copyrighted material must negotiate and acquire a license or contract from you first. Whether you can acquire 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?

Commercial brands sometimes choose visible characteristics or symbols that are intended to be linked with their products. These symbols are called trademarks. They can go a long way in the entertainment industry to help buyers better recognize your products. Trademarks, unlike copyrights, do not expire. However, they must be registered with the U.S. patent and trademark office. Once you have your trademark, creating brand identity becomes much easier.

How Can a Washington Attorney Help?

Entertainment law is sometimes an area of specialization for Lawyers in Union Gap, 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 Washington.