Do you copyright or trademark a word?

Do you copyright or trademark a word?

Copyrights primarily protect the rights of people who create literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works (like history tests, and software code). Trademarks protect the use of a company’s name and its product names, brand identity (like logos) and slogans.

Can you trademark a dictionary word?

The short answer to the question of whether you can trademark dictionary words—words that you can find in any dictionary, words that are common to the language is… ABSOLUTELY YES. You can and really, the best example of that is Apple. Yet Apple, of course, is a very valuable trademark.

What words can you not copyright?

5 Things You Can’t Copyright

• Ideas, Methods, or Systems. Ideas, methods, and systems are not covered by copyright protection.
• Commonly Known Information. This category includes items that are considered common property and with no known authorship.
• Choreographic Works.
• Names, Titles, Short Phrases, or Expressions.
• Fashion.

Is it better to copyright or trademark a logo?

Since trademarks are used to identify a company or brand, it makes the most sense to file for trademark protection on the brand name, logo or image. So, if you are investing in a brand image, you should seek a trademark registration to protect it. But, your image may also qualify for copyright protection as well.

Can you trademark a phrase on a T shirt?

Because a slogan or design silk-screened onto a T-shirt is not a trademark. A trademark is any word, phrase, design or device that identifies the source of the goods identified by the mark. Don’t even attempt to register the trademark for a slogan or design that simply appears across the chest or back of tee-shirt.

What phrases Cannot be trademarked?

What Can’t Be Trademarked?

• Proper names or likenesses without consent from the person.
• Generic terms, phrases, or the like.
• Government symbols or insignia.
• Vulgar or disparaging words or phrases.
• The likeness of a U.S. President, former or current.
• Immoral, deceptive, or scandalous words or symbols.
• Sounds or short motifs.

Can you trademark 2 words?

It is important to register the trademark the way you actually use it in commerce – whether it’s one word or two. Assuming you registered as one combined word, it’s unlikely that another user would be able to use or register the two-word version from similar products or services, but that depends on numerous factors.

Can you copyright a recipe?

Recipes can be protected under copyright law if they are accompanied by “substantial literary expression.” This expression can be an explanation or detailed directions, which is likely why food and recipe bloggers often share stories and personal anecdotes alongside a recipe’s ingredients.

How do you legally quote a coin?

You can trademark a phrase at the local level by applying at your state trademark office. To trademark a phrase locally, you must already be using the phrase publicly. You can apply for a nationwide trademark with the USPTO. With the USPTO you can apply with the “intent to use.”

How do I protect my brand name?

12 Ways to Legally Protect Your Brand

1. Protect Your Web Content.
2. Set up Google Alerts.
3. Use IP Protection.
4. Create a Distinctive Mark.
5. Register Your Trademark.
6. Get a Patent.
7. Create an Employee Handbook.
8. Trademark Your Brand.

How do you tell if a logo is copyrighted?

You can search for the mark either at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, also known as a USPTO search, or the United States Copyright Office to find who owns the trademark or the copyright on the logo.

Is it illegal to put a logo on a shirt?

Trademarks or copyright can protect logos, and both forms of intellectual property protection restrict how others may use the logo. Selling shirts with copyrighted images isn’t impossible, but you should never use someone else’s logos on your T-shirts or other clothing without their explicit permission.

Can You trademark/copyright an original word?

A copyright protects original works of authorship, and trademarks act as source identifiers. It is unlikely that a single word can be subject to a copyright; however, a trademark might offer the type of protection sought. Copyrights are protections for “original works of authorship,” protection granted under the U.S. Constitution.

How do you copyright a word or phrase?

Copyright does not protect words or phrases unless they have a logo attached containing sufficient authorship. You can’t copyright a phase. However, you can trademark a phrase without an attached logo. The phrase in question must be wholly original and have a secondary meaning unrelated to its initial purpose.

Can a word or phrase be copyrighted?

While it is not legally possible to copyright a phrase, you can protect a phrase or saying with a trademark. Copyright protection is assigned to longer works where authorship is established on a complete creative endeavor. Songs and poetry are covered under copyright protection, while individual words and phrases are exempt.

Can You patent a word?

Patents are strictly for useful items, such as inventions and business methods. There is no “utility” in a word or phrase, so the short answer is, no, words and phrases cannot be patented.