Is a name on the Internet i.e. Blog site considered to be copyrighted?

Question

I thought of a word today to describe a duck in over-medative state as being Karmatosis. Altavista threw up two sites with this name on Yahoo. If I use this will I be sued that is if the book ever goes to print. Procedes will go to Charity by the way as no self-philanthropical gain is really wished.
The duck is Kimberly Quackalot so Karmatosis just rolled off nicely. Anyway I am at writer's block stage so it is not important but just need curiosity appeased. Writer's Blog block would be more appropriate. You know so much to answer that when crunch comes to crack "What do you ask?"
Also this story may lead to libel suits as it is based on a real character although she may not even realise it being such a gossip - no that is bitchy but true.

Answer 1

No you can't copyright a word, slogan, name, title or short phrase.

You CAN trademark something. For example, Roller Blades refer to a specific kind of in-line skate so you can't start making your own and calling them "roller blades."

go to the US Copyright Office FAQ:
http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#title

Answer 2

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.

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.

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.

To register a trademark, that's done either through 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 (OR are planning to conduct) business in at least 2 states OR between the US & any other country, you can file for a Federal trademark.

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

Answer 3

Unfortunately, a lot of people are suit crazy over what they perceive to be their 'intellectual property' ... sometimes including web site names -- even the code written to present content. Not to mention problems of 'defamation' and 'libel' because somebody's tender sensibilities are offended or they construe something as an affront to their reputation.

In the recent past, there was a site owned by a programmer who utilized a label because it incorporated both his name as well as his business, which was software.

Needless to say a much larger software company who also appears to be one of the absolute biggest pilferers of intellectual property referring to the practice as "innovation" got all in a snit and had him take the site down because the pronounciation was identical to their web page name..

Plenty of people get into an uproar about labels they believe they own being used by others or the dreaded "I don't like what you said about me".

Rapacious litigation and depo speak not withstanding, YES -- you could have issues with defamation or libel or copyright infringement and intellectual property rights over web pages even when the complaint is petty.

It all boils down to just who owns what (is there a legal trademark in effect), it's not libel or defamation if it's TRUE, and the ubiquitous 'whose lawyer(s) can beat up your lawyer'.

Answer 4

in case you comprehend for particular and are keen to place the accusation in writing mutually inclusive of your call and handle then particular. in spite of the undeniable fact that, in British regulation there's a factor called Malicious Untruth. it somewhat is extra inexpensive to take to courtroom, and in case you're incorrect ie malicious or any part of the word is untrue then you definately would be required to submit an entire apology and pay repayment. I have been given £2000-00 plus an apology revealed in a countrywide paper inclusive of the community paper. I additionally revealed fliers and stapled them to trees all around my neighbourhood. in case you're only calling a guy or woman a skank or the different derogatory time era without including your call and complete handle you would be termed a ''Chickensh1t'' via all that study your cr@p. Presupposing of direction you have been the accuser.