THE RIGHTS THAT COUNT

Two of the most things to a business are trademarks and copyrights. They make a business unique and makes sure it stays that way. Christine James talks about Trademark Law in her very informative podcast. The purpose of trademark law is to provide consumers with source identifiers and because source speaks to various qualities of a product or service. Trademarks can be a name, logo, slogan, patent or even a character. A good example of a character would be Disney. Disney has many characters but each one is a trademark of the company. A trademark only lasts for ten years and a company has to have sales to keep a trademark. Disney is good with this by bringing back old character for resale for a limited time. The little TM after a trademark only protects in the state it was registered in. The little circle with the R in it gives a trademark international protection.

Creighton Frommer podcast on Copyright Law provides understanding of the basics of copyright law. A copyright is only federal and lasts for the duration of the owner’s life plus years. This time span is designed to provide a revenue stream for the copyright owner and their family members after their death. Copyrights come in many categories of works. These categories include literary works, dramatic works, motion pictures, sound recordings, musical works and more. Copyrights can’t protect everything. Some things copyrights can’t protect are ideas, facts, names, typefaces, dedicated works, and an expired/forfeited copyright. Copyrights give the owner the exclusive right of reproduction, adaptation, publication, performance and display. Copyright.gov provides the forms to register for a copyright.

Gordan P. Firemark podcast “360 deals, rights of publicity, and more” features music lawyer Erin Jacobson. Erin represents music lawyer Erin Jacobson on it. Erin represents musicians, songwriters, producers, companies, and other entertainment professionals in California. Erin explains what the California Talent Agencies Act is. This act requires any person who procures employment for an artist to become a licensed talent agent or agency by the California Labor Commissioner.