Entertainment Copyright

Indianapolis Entertainment Copyright Lawyer

Safeguarding Your Creations in the Industry

All creative works hold value. This is true for everyone ranging from a rookie artist at a local market to a famous sculptor with international acclaim. However, few creative works hold as much value as those within the entertainment industry. That’s why the field’s professionals must safeguard their intellectual property (IP). An entertainment copyright lawyer can assist in this process.

At Katie Charleston, PC, our legal team understands the value of ideas within show business. There’s so much economic value tied to these properties that corporations will do everything in their power to maintain ownership over valuable creations. Regardless of which level of the industry you’re at, you should take this just as seriously. Our entertainment copyright lawyers are here to help.

Do You Really Need to Copyright Entertainment Content?

If you’ve considered copyrighting your creative works, you’ve no doubt heard someone mention that federal registration isn’t necessary. After all, the law states that copyright protections exist from the moment a creation is put into tangible form. This means a written script, a recorded dance, a filmed movie, and other material properties are already considered copyrighted.

However, it’s important to note that a variety of benefits available with copyright protection only come with federal registration. Of course, many creators simply think having their works widely available to the public is enough to protect their work. After all, everyone knows it’s theirs. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

For instance, arguably the most popular horror film ever — Night of the Living Dead — was immediately available for any company to use as they saw fit. This was due to a simple error that left the film without a registered copyright. Don’t let this or something similar happen to you. Contact our entertainment copyright lawyers today.

What Entertainment Industry Content Should Be Copyrighted?

By this point, the importance of copyright registration in the entertainment industry should be clear. You might now wonder what type of content needs this protection. After all, there are a wide variety of content creators within the industry. Put simply, any original creative work should be registered once it’s in a tangible form.

Such properties include:

Literary works (e.g., novels)
Musical works (e.g., soundtracks)
Dramatic works (e.g. screenplays)
Choreographic works (e.g., dance routines)
Audiovisual works (e.g., television shows, movies)

Clearly, the entertainment industry involves a wide variety of creative works. And while the above examples make up a significant segment of the field, there are many other creative works that may need intellectual property protection as well. If you want to ensure your works are safeguarded, contact our entertainment copyright attorneys today.

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Five-Star Client Reviews

In their Own Words

Our highest priority is providing top-notch representation for our clients, and it shows in our reviews. Read through some below, or call us at (463) 287-6731 today to get started.

"A Great Communicator"
Katie was very professional throughout this process and was very responsive throughout all of our correspondence. She always answered all of our questions and is a great communicator!!!!!

- Tyeisha B.
"They Really Know Their Stuff"
Katie and Hannah are absolutely marvelous to chat with and really know their stuff. If someone is infringing on your trademark rights, this is who you want in your corner. Cheers!

- Peter Q.
"It Meant So Much to Me"
I started a new media platform and it did not goes as planned. They definitely kept checking up on me to ensure they were there when I was ready. 100% customer service. Her follow-up meant a lot to me.

- Tara S.
"Couldn't Be Happier"
Katie was so helpful when it came to our family trust. She spent a lot of time with us and never hurried the process. We could not be happier with the service from her and her staff.

- Steve M.
"Professional and Timely"
Katie prepared an update to an existing trust, plus provided additional documents, such as a financial power of attorney that the previous lawyer had not done. She did a very professional job, and a timely one.

- Barbara C.
"Personable & Extremely Thorough"
When we created our business, Katie was able to work with our crazy schedules with zoom calls and in-person meetings. She is personable, articulate, and extremely thorough and I trust her.

- Goldwood Studios
"She Gave Me Peace of Mind"
I wanted to have peace of mind when hiring someone I had never worked with before, and Katie provided that. She was professional, thorough, meticulous, and made sure I had all of my risks covered in the agreement.

- Tim S.
"I Feel Confident in Her"
Katie Charleston was very helpful with all of my business contracts. She would update me on any changes, she is very professional and stays on top of everything. Her clients come first.

- Ellen M.

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What Are the Benefits of Copyrighting Your Works?

If you’re still on the fence regarding copyrighting your work, it’s important to understand that an unprotected work is always in danger. Even if you think access to your creation is restricted, the possibility exists that someone could misuse it. Avoiding this is just one of the many benefits of copyright protection in the entertainment industry. These benefits include:

Grants complete control over how your works are used
Creates a presumption of ownership
Allows creators to earn money by licensing copyrighted works
Companies are more likely to invest in works that are copyright protected
Ability to seek additional damages if copyright infringement occurs
Provides public notice that you intend to fully protect your works

While you don’t have to register a copyright federally, failing to do so will miss out on a variety of benefits. Remember, you only need to register the creations that you truly want to protect. If you’re fine with others profiting from your ideas and works, registration is not necessary. However, this can be very costly within show business.

Let our entertainment copyright attorneys help.

Contact a Indianapolis Entertainment Copyright Lawyer Today

The entertainment industry is one of the most demanding fields anyone could work in. The competitive nature of the business is unmatched, and unlike other industries, it is ideas and creativity that hold value. As such, it’s imperative that you protect your creations at all costs. An experienced intellectual property law firm can help in this endeavor.

At Katie Charleston, PC, our team of legal professionals is committed to helping our clients safeguard their works. While some safeguards exist by simply putting your ideas into a tangible form, this industry demands more than a minimal approach to protection.

Contact us today by calling (463) 287-6731 to schedule a confidential consultation. Our entertainment copyright lawyers are ready to assist.

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