Copyright Check?

Question

Looking to make some $$$, But I don't know how to check if my phrase I have is already copyrighted. Where can I do a free check?

Answer 1

Short phrases are generally not subject to copyright protection.

For more information, consult the Copyright Office circular entitled "Copyright Office Basics." A link is provided below. In particular, look at the section entitled, "What is Not Protected by Copyright".

http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html

Edit: Just to clarify Barry's comments below, phrases don't actually get "trademarked." A phrase may acquire trademark rights if it is used as a trademark (i.e., in commerce as a source of goods or services). After the phrase has acquired trademark rights, then it can be registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. There's really no process in which to "trademark" something in the abstract.

Further, using another's trademark is not limited in the sense of using a copyrighted work. For example, nominative use of a trademark is generally not considered infringement.

Answer 2

phrases don't get copyrighted, they get trademarked.

Answer 3

you would do well to check the trademark office, they have a searchable database. www.uspto.gov