What is the cheapest way to get a copyright for a business name?

Question

Besides the post-it-in-the-mail-
to-yourself technique!

Also, if I have certain photos or subnames for different parts of my business, do I need a whole other copyright or are they all considered to be under the business's copyright?

Answer 1

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!

Answer 2

Yes you can register a name as a trademark if no one else has done so already. You may have to design the mark and specify the font, color, shape, etc. You have to stipulate how that trade mark is being used, so if you don't have a business yet, it may not be approved. There are fees for registering a trade mark, and the US patent office can tell you what they are. They will also provide you with the rules and requirements. If you think you will not need it for a couple of years and you don't have a design, you could simply copyright the name. You have to let the public know that it is copyrighted by publishing it.

Answer 3

A business copyright needs to be formally applied for. This is an expensive process, especially if you intend to copyright a logo or trademark the company. Unfortunately to legally operate under a title it must be registered.

Answer 4

You don't "copyright" a business name. You register for a trademark.

I don't know what you mean by "certain photos" but subnames are also trademarked.

Answer 5

Try the sites below, make sure to change the location/state in which you reside. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

legalzoom.com