How Do I Obtain a Copyright or Trademark?
Inventors, writers, artists and scientists are among the people who may need to obtain a copyright or trademark to protect original ideas, inventions, designs or anything they have created not intended to be public domain.
Other People Are Reading
-
Copyright or Trademark?
-
A trademark is what people use to identify a product with the manufacturer. It can be a word, name symbol, device or combination thereof. A good example is the apple trademark that is associated with Apple computers. A copyright covers "original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression." For instance, a writer needs a copyright for a book she publishes.
Obtaining a Trademark
-
Trademark registration is not legally required, however if you wish the protection of a registered trademark then you must apply for, and register through, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Anyone wishing to register a trademark must apply through the USPTO to determine whether the trademark is already in use. Forms can be found on the USPTO website.
-
Copyright
-
Copyrighting is also not legally required. As with trademarks, however, the benefits of a registered copyright are numerous. The United States Copyright Office handles copyright registration. You may apply and register through their website.
-
