Entertainment Law
Did You Know?
In the United States alone, over 1,000,000 people suffer from brain injuries each year
Entertainment Attorneys represents entertainment and arts industry clients in the motion picture industry, handling such matters as script acquisition, contract negotiations, copyright protection and litigation. Local and touring performing arts groups are advised on a wide variety of legal matters. Entertainment attorneys advise advertising agency clients on legal matters ranging from copyrights and trademarks to truth-in-advertising issues. Entertainment attorneys also represented clients in negotiations with performing arts societies such as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) and SESAC.
Entertainment Attorneys represent Artists, authors, choreographers, composers, directors, musicians, performing artists, photographers, producers and screenwriters are also counseled by the firm on many matters relating to entertainment and arts law, including obtaining, protecting, licensing and enforcing copyrights for artistic, literary and musical rights. Agreements such as script acquisition contracts, television and radio personal service contracts, recording contracts, agent and promoter contracts, motion picture distribution contracts, publishing agreements, merchandising contracts and celebrity endorsement contracts are also negotiated and drafted by Entertainment attorneys.
Copyright Laws
Copyright gives the owner exclusive rights including the right to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies of, perform or display publicly, the copyrighted work. A violation of these rights can give rise to both a civil cause of action and criminal liability. A Copyright begins as soon as the work is created. The copyrighted work immediately becomes the property of the author, whether or not the work is ever registered.
How Long Does a Copyright Last?
The life of a copyright depends on when the work was produced and submitted for copyright protection.
- For works published after 1977, the copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years
- All works published in the United States before 1923 are in the public domain
- Works created after 1923, but before 1978 are protected for 95 years from the date of publication
An entertainment attorney represents agents, promoters, musicians, performers, published fiction and non-fiction authors, publishers, music composers and lyricists, television stations, producers, screenwriters, models and other talent in the entertainment industry.
- An Entertainment Attorney Can Help with:
- Drafting, negotiation and review of entertainment contracts throughout the U.S.
- Prosecuted claims and defended clients accused of defamation, libel and slander.
- Deal with First Amendment issues, protections and defenses raised by newspapers and their writers.
- Provide defense for amusement park Accidents
- Advises creators and producers of video games and computer gaming clients in their intellectual property matters and acquisitions.
- Represented both male and female models and other artists in their publicity and privacy rights matters, contracts and in other intellectual property matters.
CONTACT AN ENTERTAINMENT ATTORNEY IN YOUR AREA
Speaking with the proper entertainment lawyer will inform you of your rights in the entertainment industry and protect your interests. If you are in need of legal advice or services, or simply wish to speak to an attorney who has successfully handled Entertainment Law cases in your state, you may use this Free Online Consultation Form.
There is NO COST or obligation for this service. |
