Where do I find a list of words that are copyrighted?
2007-01-04 05:59:02 · 3 answers · asked by jennifermbrabson 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
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!
2007-01-05 02:43:25 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't copyright words, but you can trademark them, generally by using them to refer to your brand of a generic type of product or service. Like an "Apple" computer. Apple Computer "owns" that word applied to computers, even though it is also an ordinary word. Apple Records owns it when applied to music. Neither owns the word on its own, only in context, and owning a mark doesn't mean complete control.
2007-01-04 06:15:47 · answer #2 · answered by ~MIMI~ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Words themselves cannot be copyrighted.
http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ34.html
2007-01-04 06:15:36 · answer #3 · answered by Jonathan W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋