What easy steps can I take to copyright a simple brand logo? Without getting a lawyer.
2006-07-26 05:22:39 · 2 answers · asked by foilboy83 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Advertising & Marketing
You wouldn't copyright it. 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.
To protect a business name and/or logo within your industry, you would apply for a trademark.
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.
To register a trademark, contact either your Secretary of State for a State trademark or the US Patent & Trademark Office for a Federal trademark.
If you are only conducting business in one state, then a State trademark is most appropriate. If you conduct business in at least 2 states OR between the US & any other country, you can file for a Federal trademark.
Prior to investing your time, money & effort into a name, it is strongly advised that comprehensive research be conducted to ensure that the name you're interested in is truly available.
This entails searching the pending & registered Federal and State trademark files as well as the US National Common-Law files. Then, if clear, you can decide if you would like to file for a Federal or a State trademark.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-07-26 07:11:25 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Logos are trademarked, not copyrighted. Go to the USA government page about trademarks.
2006-07-26 12:30:02 · answer #2 · answered by bikerchickjill 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋