If i make a website, do i have to trademark it, copyright it, or both? Whats the difference?

Answer 1

Copyrights can be obtained for things of an artistic nature. This includes, of course, poetry, films, sculptures, music, fiction, etc. But can also include things that may not necessarily seem "artistic" in the general sense of the word. Copyrights can also be obtained for advertising copy, games, software programs and blueprints, to name just a few.

** So the content you display on your site could possibly be filed at the US Copyright Office, provided, of course, that it's original content. See the link below about registration for online works for further details.

Trademarks can be names of products or services, logos, slogans, packaging and even sounds and smells. In essence, a trademark can be almost anything that is used to identify a particular product or service. Registering a trademark grants the owner exclusive rights to the mark within the specified industry.

Of course, it's necessary to research the mark comprehensively prior to filing to ensure that there is no possibility of infringing upon another party.

** So you could file for the name, logo or slogan that's attributed to your site.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!