I have an online business and I would like to know how do I copyright/patent the website and business name with the government to protect myself from copyright infringment, etc. If it is useful I information I am based out of NY.
2006-11-14 13:29:53 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
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.
To protect a business name within your industry, you would apply for a trademark.
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!
2006-11-15 03:56:09 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to trademark your business name go to the website: http://uspto.gov You'll have all the information at your fingertips on how to get that done.
2006-11-14 14:11:53 · answer #2 · answered by brian 2010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out the govt's site on it... it should tell you all you need.
Circular 66
Copyright Registration for Online Works
http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ66.html
I hope that helps!
Hope you share you site with us. :)
2006-11-14 13:46:41 · answer #3 · answered by kiltboi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋