How do I copyright a name for my business?

Question

I recently came up with a name for my company, and would like to copyright it. Can anyone walk me through the process of how to copyright the name?

Answer 1

You don't copyright names, what you want to do is get a trademark.

Rather than walk you through it, I'll refer you to the definitive source in the US (the US PTO)

Answer 2

If you intend to use the name in a business, you are thinking of registering the name as a TRADEMARK or SERVICE MARK , rather than copyright. Copyright refers to a book or printed matter, music or film, or photo.

(Trademark is the name in connection with a product; Servicemark refers to a business name of a service rather than a tangible product.)

You need to check to see that the name or word you are going to use is not currently in use and trademarked by someone else.

If you intend to use this name as the actual name of the business, then you also should search in your city and county and state area to ascertain that the name is not currently registered in the "Fictitious Business Name" files in your county Recorder's Office (some states call it a County Clerk's office), or registered as the name of a corporation in your state. (Most states do this in the office of the state Secretary of State's office, or Corporations Commissioner, depending on the state. )

I think if you have made the decision to go ahead, then you need to consult a business attorney to begin this process. It is not a good idea to try and do this yourself. You could make too many mistakes that would cause you problems later.

Good luck.