Can any reliable person tell me the first step in making a magazine legal in the state of Illinois?

Question

I am trying to get my magazine legal and don't know where to begin. I have asked people that should know and have done research, but I'm gettig no where. If you can help with the best advice possible I would truly appreciate it, cause it is costing more than I have to give. Thank you so much.

What I'm asking is if anyone can lead me in the direction of getting the magazine patent or should I become a corporation first or file to get my name established. I really don't know which of these are to come first. The magazine is already being put together as well as the business plan. We have been conducting interviews. Just need to know what to do before we print, publish or copywrite. Advice please.

Answer 1

You want to get your magazine's name/logo trademarked The legal department in a publishing company handles this.

You can go to www.uspto.gov for more information on how to file for a trademark and to search to see if what you want is already trademarked in the U.S. before you file for yours (which can be done online). It is not cheap nor is the information easy to navigate.

Please note - if you plan on distribution outside the US, you will need to get trademarked in the countries you will distribute in or you will not be protected.

I wish you good luck!

Answer 2

What do you mean "making it legal?" I doubt you need to register with the government to publish a normal magazine. If your magazine is too "racy" and might be considered "obscene", then you need to find out what is considered obscene. A lawyer could probably help you with that. Call someone who publishes a magazine in IL already, in a different subject area, and ask them for advice.