i want to pitch a design that i made to some companies but first i want to make sure they could not steal and profit from it...what should i do? can i get a patent, copyright, or trademark....if so, which one?
2006-10-29 07:15:38 · 5 answers · asked by Angela P 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
you need to trademark it (copyright)
you should do this before hand. they WILL TAKE YOUR IDEA IF THEY LIKE IT.
2006-10-29 07:18:09 · answer #1 · answered by LS 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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.
You can do this at the US Copyright Office – see the last 2 links in the source box. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per application.
Despite what others state, a "poor man's" copyright is NOT the same as registering it. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say:
"The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a 'poor man’s copyright.' There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration."
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!
2006-10-30 04:41:45 · answer #2 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would do some googling if I were you. I would definately ask a lawyer or something if I had a creative idea, because I sure as hell wouldn't want someone stealing it. Good luck with your unique t-shirts! I hope everything works out right for you. sorry i couldnt have been more of a help
2006-10-29 07:19:18 · answer #3 · answered by dumpsterdd90 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You put a copywrite symbol (c) your name and the year;
-now the problem is, if someone steals it you can go broke suing them
2006-10-29 07:58:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chck out ths website there is good information here...
http://www.legalzoom.com/legalzip/patents/products_patents.html
2006-10-29 08:06:56 · answer #5 · answered by babydoll2 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋