Entertainment law

Entertainment law, also known as media law, encompasses legal services provided to the entertainment industry. These services often overlap with intellectual property law, which includes key components such as trademarks, copyright, and the right of publicity. However, the practice of entertainment law frequently extends into other legal areas including employment law, contract law, torts, labor law, bankruptcy law, immigration, securities law, security interests, agency, right of privacy, defamation, advertising, criminal law, tax law, International law (especially private international law), and insurance law.

Much of the work of an entertainment law practice is transaction based, i.e., drafting contracts, negotiation and mediation. Some situations may lead to litigation or arbitration.

Entertainment law covers an area of law that involves media of all different types (e.g. TV, film, music, publishing, advertising, Internet & news media, etc.) and stretches over various legal fields, which include corporate, finance, intellectual property, publicity and privacy, and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution in the US.

Although entertainment law and media law are seen as the same thing. It is important to know the difference between the two.

For film, entertainment attorneys work with the actor's agent to finalize the actor's contracts for upcoming projects. After an agent lines up work for an actor, the entertainment attorney negotiates with the agent and buyer of the actor's talent for compensation and profit participation. Entertainment attorneys are under strict confidentiality agreements, so the jobs of their clients are kept top secret. But, some entertainment attorney's job descriptions have become comparable to those of a star's agent, manager or publicist. Most entertainment attorneys have many other roles as well such as assisting in building a client's career.

As the popularity of media became widespread, the field of media law became more in demand, enticing certain corporate professionals wanting to participate more in media. As a result, many young lawyers fledged into media law for the opportunity to build more connections in media, to become a media presenter, or even land an acting role. As technology continues to make huge advancements, many lawsuits have begun to arise, which makes the demand for lawyers extremely necessary.

Copyright law in regards to entertainment law is the foundation of intellectual property protection in the entertainment industry. When someone creates a piece of work whether it be a script, film, painting, photograph or some sort of original piece, the creator of this work has exclusive rights to their work. This makes them a copyright owner of their piece. To make sure that your piece of work is under copyright protection, the U.S. Copyright Office provides a public record of ownership, helping the creator establish rights in case of disputes. Without the creator registering with the copyright office, they may experience trouble being able to sue another individual or company if someone else tries to take credit for their work or use it without consent.

Trademarks role in entertainment law is to protect a person or company's ability to brand and market a product or service. A trademark can be anything from a word, phrase, symbol design, of a combination of these things all together that lets consumers identify your company or brand. By being able to identify a brands trademark, consumers are able to distinguish between brands and knowing which one may be higher quality. Companies are able to register their trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which helps protect the company's identity or from others using their logo without permission.