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.
There are five different types of copyright filings:
Literary Works – books, manuscripts, poetry, theses, speeches, etc.
Visual Art Works – drawings, photographs, sculptures, artwork applied to clothing, etc.
Performing Art Works – dramatic work, script, motion pictures, etc.
Sound Recordings – recordings of music, drama, lectures, etc.
Serials & Periodicals – newspapers, magazines, etc.
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.
Copyrights vs. Trademarks - To learn more about this author, visit Shannon Moore's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 |
Related Articles |
|
 PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND COPYRIGHTS
|
| |
Some persons occasionally confuse patents, copyrights, and trademarks. Although there may be some resemblance in the rights of these three kinds of intellectual property, they are different and serve different purp...
|
|
Intellectual Property – The 3 Branches: Copyrights, Patents & Trademarks
|
| |
When you hear the phrase intellectual property, what do you think of? How can something that exists in your mind be considered property? Are your ideas your property similar to that of your house or car?
|
|
How Do I Trademark a Slogan?
|
| |
It may be possible to file for a trademark for the slogan as long as it's used to indicate & identify the source of goods/services.
|
|
Copyrights vs. Trademarks
|
| |
Copyrights can be obtained for things of an artistic nature. Copyrights can also be obtained for advertising copy, games, software programs and blueprints, to name just a few. Trademarks can be names of products or ...
|
|
Trademark Basics
|
| |
Short introduction to the intricacies of Trademarks.
|
|
|
|
![[Get Copyright Permissions]](http://license.icopyright.net/images/icopy-w.gif){kind=small}
