If i send myself a slogan via mail, don't open the envelope, how does that make it patented?

Question

I have been told that if i send myself a name in the mail, and don't open the envelope then that is a "poor man's way" of patenting something. I was wondering how is this the case? What legal standings do i or would i have?
Is there a specific way of doing it and is it still valid to work in England, as this is where i live.
If anyone could tell me the exact way i go about patenting a name and slogan on the cheap then it would be much appreciated!

Answer 1

This is a poor-man's copywrite, not patent. The theory is that if someone steals your idea, the postmark on the unopened envelope will show in court that you had the idea first.

Answer 2

You mean copyright. The postmark on the envelope will show when the idea was first born - or at least it will show that it was alive on THAT day if someone later claims to have thought of it themselves later. Especially someone you shared it with. It proves the earlier date, and is a trade trick for copyright.

Answer 3

Contact the U.S. Patent and Copyright office in Washington, DC.

Answer 4

You're looking for a trademark & that is not the way to do it. Here are some links that'll assist you further:

http://www.patent.gov.uk/tm/index.htm -- UK Govt Trademark Pages
http://www.patent.gov.uk/tm/howtoapply/index.htm -- How to Apply for a Trademark
http://www.patent.gov.uk/tm/forms/index.htm -- Forms, Fees, etc.

Hope that helps!