I have the idea all written down, but I need to officially copyright it. I have already mailed it to myself in a SASE (has postmark) but I don't have money for a regular copyright. Any suggestions are appreciated. I would like to be able to market my idea as soon as possible.
2007-04-27 07:23:57 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Advertising & Marketing ➔ Other - Advertising & Marketing
It sounds like you have two options to explore - trademarks & copyrights. I'll explain both for you...
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.
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.
You can do this at the US Copyright Office – see the last 2 links in the source box. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per application.
Despite what others state, a "poor man's" copyright is NOT the same as registering it. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say:
"The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a 'poor man’s copyright.' There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration."
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2007-04-30 09:21:32 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want a copyright, you have to pay $45 to the government--there is no way possible around this. If you want professional help with registering your copyright, www.protectmyart.com is by far the cheapest (less than $20).
Before you fork out $45, make sure you have a copyright because plain logos are not copyrights. It has got to have some kind of artwork/design with it or the Copyright Office will refuse it.
Doesn't sound like trademark is the issue here unless the logo is of your business.
2007-04-30 14:34:39 · answer #2 · answered by jeff_cy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get your self a good trade mark/Intellectual property attorney. One who is willing to work with you on a per centage basis. Authorise him to licence your design with 25% of the proceeds.
2007-04-27 08:45:09 · answer #3 · answered by mangal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you need is a tradename or mark.
You can secure one through the government.
It costs a few hundred dollars, and they'll take a credit card. You don't need an attorney.
Start here:
http://www.uspto.gov/
2007-04-27 11:02:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to www.copyright.gov and follow the instructions > It is all laid out for you.
Have a great day.
2007-04-27 15:07:57 · answer #5 · answered by dkmercury 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋