An intellectual property attorney is dedicated to protecting the rights of their clients, including those working in the entertainment industry, especially artists, songwriters, producers, writers and others whose business is creative. Entertainment law covers a wide range of concerns, from contract negotiation to infringement litigation, but attorneys may provide many other services. They may help with asset management and estate planning, while others may even take on the role of an agent. There are many specializations within the subcategory of entertainment law, so finding an attorney well versed in copyright or trademark protection is a matter of knowing where to look. Contacts are the hallmark of an intellectual property lawyer. A large part of their job involves maintaining and growing relationships with studios, labels and other industry groups. Knowledge really is power and clients whose lawyers are in the know will benefit. It's not all networking for entertainment attorneys, though. In their line of work, contract negotiation, filing an infringement lawsuit and acting as general counsel all fall within the scope of their duties. Firms or individual attorneys may focus on one particular legal aspect such as transaction- or litigation-based law. Likewise, they may confine their practice to a single entertainment area such as film, theater or music. Besides providing counsel and specific legal services for industry professionals, entertainment lawyers are knowledgeable of all-encompassing issues that can arise for anybody. Entertainers, producers, writers, managers and anyone else in the business are not immune from common legal troubles. Should a problem arise involving matrimony, taxation, immigration, real estate - even one of a criminal nature, attorneys in the business possess the fundamental knowledge needed to skillfully advise their clients and, if necessary, to recommend an attorney who specializes in that particular area of law. The different areas of the industry require attorneys who know the ins and outs of a specific emphasis. Thus, a trademark attorney might work in publishing, film or theater, while an attorney specializing in the music business will deal frequently with recording contracts, labor agreements, licensing and royalty issues. The TV/radio and digital industries are two other areas of specialization that require an approach unique to the peculiarities of the business. For anyone trying to break into the entertainment industry as well as for established professionals, negotiations involving contracts, intellectual property rights and arbitration or litigation that may arise from a dispute are no-holds-barred battles. An intellectual property attorney knows the law pertaining to the industry as well as the industry itself, so it behooves any creative professional to enlist the services of one in all legal matters. Networking is one way to find an entertainment lawyer, not just in terms of actually meeting one, but by getting to know other creative types who can attest to the expertise and experience of an attorney. The entertainment industry is contact-driven, and contacts lead to references which can be golden opportunities to get in with someone who's got a good reputation. Other ways to find an entertainment lawyer include perusing an industry database, searching ads in entertainment publications and inquiring with the ABA. While less personal than industry networking, these channels are nonetheless effective in uniting those seeking representation with attorneys specifically versed in the idiosyncrasies of the entertainment business.
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