In the realm of adult entertainment, performers often leverage intellectual property rights to control and monetize their work. This encompasses a range of assets, including copyrighted content like videos and photographs, trademarks associated with stage names or branding, and the right of publicity, which protects an individual’s likeness from unauthorized commercial use. For example, a performer might register their stage name as a trademark to prevent others from using it, or they might copyright their performance videos to control their distribution and licensing.
Protecting these assets is crucial for performers to maintain control over their image, revenue streams, and career trajectory. It provides legal recourse against unauthorized use and infringement, safeguarding their financial interests and professional reputation. Historically, the adult entertainment industry has seen significant evolution in how performers manage and protect their intellectual property, moving towards greater performer empowerment and control over their creative output and its associated rights.