Entertainment law is the package of services, containing contracts and copyrights, that is intended for pieces of entertainment like books, movies and visual arts. Protecting work from being plagiarized or otherwise exploited is a massive concern for those working in the entertainment industries. Artists have certain intellectual property rights in West Virginia, which are safeguarded in part by copyright and trademark laws.

What is A Copyright?

A copyright is the legal right to exclusively produce a given medium, such as art, movies and writing. Others are prevented from using or reproducing your copyrighted materials without your consent. Under West Virginia law, the holder of a copyright has the right to negotiate licenses for the production of the copyrighted material that others may want to use. Whether you can get 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 trademark is any noticeable characteristic that is associated with something, such as the symbol for a commercial brand. Trademarks can be key to creating product recognition in the entertainment industry. 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 create brand identity.

How Can a West Virginia Attorney Help?

In Oak Hill, many Lawyers have specialized in the field of entertainment law. If you feel you need a copyright or a trademark, legal experts can explain the benefits and guide you through the process of obtaining them in West Virginia