What method must I take to copyright/tradmark?

Question

This is a semi-hypothetical question. Me and a friend have something that we are working on along the lines of a TV show. Now, we are curious as to what method of copyright we must take? Must we copyright the script, or can we actually copyright the whole show? And if so, how?

Answer 1

You could copyright the script, any audiovisual works, musical works, etc. You could trademark the name of the TV show.

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.

I posted some links that should assist you further. Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

I am sure there are better methods, but I have heard about people writing an idea on paper, having a witness sign it with date and throwing it in the mail with their own address as the mailing address, so it comes back to you post-marked by the post office with the date you wrote down the idea.

Answer 3

To have a copyright/trademark go to
www.yourstategov.org - example:www.georgiagov.org
This site will help you with the office you will need to go to and it will also provide a lot of information for a small business.
Hope this helps you and good luck!!!!

Answer 4

Go to http://www.copyright.gov/ to see the procedure.