Entertainment and media law covers the legal areas commonly found in the entertainment industry. Typically, this includes intellectual property issues, but can also involve questions about employment law, contract law, immigration law, advertising law, and international law.
The following are common areas of entertainment and media law:
Communications and Media
Media law refers to the regulation of communications. This area involves constitutional law, broadcasting law, defamation issues, and privacy concerns to name a few. The Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) regulates this area of law.
- Who Regulates the Communications and Media Industry?
- What Is the Freedom of Information Act?
- What Type of Information Is Available Upon a FOIA Request?
Cyberspace Law
Like the Internet, cyber law is a new field of law that is constantly changing due to the technology it covers. Cyber law, also known as Internet law, typically covers issues regarding Internet usage, access, privacy, and First Amendment issues like freedom of expression.
Entertainment Law
Entertainment law is an umbrella term and covers all areas of law associated with television, film, music, publishing, advertising, news media, and the Internet. Entertainment law covers a vast area of law and can range from defamation issues to labor disputes.
- What is Entertainment Law?
- Protection of Intellectual Property
- What Is a Copyright?
- What Is a Trademark?
- Statute of Limitations for Claims by State
Gaming Law
Gaming law refers to gambling laws that are regulated by criminal law, constitutional law, contract law, and administrative laws. This area is unique and complex because there are federal and state laws that must be considered and followed.
- What Is Gaming Law?
- What are Card Clubs?
- What Is Considered Social Gambling?
- Gaming and Gambling Regulation
- Internet/Online Gambling
Sports Law
Sports law covers both amateur and profession sports. Usually, this area of law focuses on labor laws, tort laws, contract law, and antitrust law. Recently, the main controversies have been rooted in college sports and labor disputes.
- What Is Sports Law?
- What Does a Lawyer Have to Offer an Athlete?
- Can a Minor Enter into a Sports Contract?
- Why is the Professional and Amateur Sports Act of 1992 Important?
- Are Public Schools Liable for Athletic Injuries?
Television and Radio Broadcasting
Broadcasting laws fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. The FCC’s regulations usually cover guidelines for radio stations and television networks. The FCC may also cover content issues, such as profanity.
- Regulating Television and Radio Broadcasting
- What Does the FCC Consider as Obscene?
- What is Cable Piracy?
- Is there Such a Thing as Radio Piracy?
Should I Get an Entertainment Lawyer to Help Me?
Yes. Entertainment and media law is complex and does not cover one area of law. Speaking with the proper entertainment lawyers will inform you of your rights in the entertainment industry and protect your interests.