Copyright & Intellectual Property
Copyright underpins everything we do in the media (film, television, music, online) industry. It is the bedrock upon which songs, films, television shows, and successful influencer channels are built on.
Having a solid understanding of copyright and IP rights (e.g. trademarks) is essential for you to build a successful business. Copyright however is often complex and confusing. Do I own my creations, how do I protect them, how can I exploit them, do I need to clear third party owned material (e.g. photos, video clips, third party music etc.)? These are all questions that Entertainment Advice can help you with.
Anthony Hall is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of IP and Copyright expertise, working with some of the leading talent, production companies and broadcasters throughout the world. We can help you navigate this maze, and with a better understanding of your rights, comes more successful business avenues and better IP exploitation and revenue returns.
We can advise on all aspects of copyright and related intellectual property rights/issues (from ‘chain of title’ clearance, to reserving rights under option/purchase agreements, to documentary makers and clip usage, incl. the use of fair dealing/fair use defences, understanding IP creator’s ‘moral rights’ etc.).
Our clients include leading independent production companies, writers, producers, distributors, composers, recording artists, broadcasters, and screen talent.
Copyright & IP
- Registration issues (copyright, trademarks etc.) and the Berne Convention
- Commissioning and Development Agreements and reserving rights
- Confidentiality Agreements (NDAs)
- Using third party copyright works or trademarks (e.g. brand names, clips, photos, artworks etc.) in your productions and best practice to avoid issues
- Screenplay and teleplay Agreements
- Format Rights Agreements/ Underlying IP Option/Puchase Agreements
- Intellectual Property advice, including ‘chain of title’, Trademark (TM) protection and US Copyright Office registrations
- Copyright exploitation and maximising revenues, use of holdbacks and reserved rights
- Rights distribution agreements (from music, though ‘tape’ sales & theatrical distribution, ancillary rights (incl. merchandising), synch deals, trademark protection and character protection etc.)
- Copyright infringement, piracy and protecting your rights (e.g. DMCA take down notices, YouTube etc.)
- Defences to copyright infringement (e.g. fair dealing/fair use)
The above is not an exhaustive list.
Please contact us for more details. Watch our Copyright primer video here.
