3 Ways Influencers Can Protect Their Intellectual Property
Slay Studios via Unsplash
As an influencer in the entertainment industry, your brand, work, and performances are precious assets that should be protected. The law of intellectual property gives various methods for protecting your rights and preventing unauthorized exploitation of your work. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most important strategies for influencers and entertainment professionals to safeguard their intellectual property.
Copyright Protection
Copyright is one of the most essential types of intellectual property protection for entertainment workers. The law of copyright grants authors the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and perform their works.
Included in this category are music, scripts, and video recordings. You must register your work with the Copyright Office in order to take advantage of these unique rights. This establishes your ownership and gives you the legal right to sue for infringement.
Trademark Protection
The trademark is another essential type of intellectual property protection. The purpose of trademarks is to safeguard brand names, logos, and other identifying marks. In order to prevent others from using your band's name, for instance, you may choose to trademark it.
Also protected by trademarks are slogans and other distinctive words. You must file an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to register a trademark. The process averages about a year from application to publication, depending on the mark.
Trademarks can from protect your brand from copycats as well as during business dealings. Read more about how trademarks can protect your brand.
Contracts
As a professional in the entertainment industry, you will likely collaborate with a range of entities, such as record companies, publishers, and other musicians. It is vital to have a written contract outlining the parameters of your collaboration, including how your work will be utilized and how you will be compensated. Contracts can cover the “what ifs” in business and protect you and the other business. Contracts should be reviewed by an attorney before signing.
Protection of intellectual property is vital for influencers and entertainment workers. By understanding your rights and taking steps to defend them, you will be better able to prevent others from benefitting without your permission from your work.
This may involve registering your work with the Copyright Office, registering your distinguishing marks as trademarks, and utilizing contracts to clarify the terms of your agreements with collaborators. If you require legal counsel or representation, consider contacting an entertainment law attorney.