Copyright and Trademark info help?

Question

I've already looked at the gov's copyright and trademark websites, yet am still unclear about "exclusive rights." I'd like to register a trademark as a business name for a greeting card line, but how do I copyright any poems or writing contained in each card? Do I have to copyright EACH poem, or is this within the "Exclusive Rights" protection law?
mighty obliged!

Answer 1

Essentially, exclusive rights would be granted to you to use the name within your industry (in the case of the trademark) and to sell, distribute, etc the poetry & writing (in the case of the copyright). For the greatest protection, you'd probably want to copyright each poem. However, I'd suggest talking to a copyright attorney first to see what the best course of action for you would be.

Here's a little info about each branch:

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.

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.

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