How to Register Trademarks & Copyrights

Copyright Symbol

Trademarks and copyrights are necessary to gain exclusive rights and ownership to a brand, name, product or creative work. Registering the trademark of a name, brand or product ensures that you are fully protected from anyone who would try to copy your idea or to infringe on your rights as the owner. You can register your trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and your copyright can be registered with the United States Copyright Office. Follow these instructions to easily register both your trademarks and your copyrights online.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet connection
• Business information
• Credit or debit card

Instructions

Trademarks Registration Instructions

1. Log on to the United States Patent and Trademark website http://www.uspto.gov and click on the "Trademarks" tab.

2. Select the "Trademarks Process" heading and click on the "File Forms Online" link to access the "Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS)" page.

3. Click on the "Initial Application Form" link, follow the instructions on the page and select "Trademark/Servicemark Application, Principal Register" to access the online registration form.

4. Choose either the TEAS Plus form or the TEAS Form; the TEAS Plus has stricter requirements than the regular TEAS Form and a filing fee of $275.00 while the TEAS Form comes with a higher filing fee of $325.00 but the requirements are less restrictive.

5. Click the "Continue" button at the bottom of the page. Follow the instructions and fill out the online form. After you have completed the form, print out the application confirmation page and keep this in your records for future reference.

Copyrights Registration Instructions

1. Go to the U.S. Copyright Office website (http://www.copyright.gov) and click on the "Registration" tab. The online filing fee is $35.00 for a basic copyright claim.

2. Click on the "Electronic Copyright Office (ECO)" link to access the ECO application form. If you are new to the system, you will be asked to register your name, address, email user identification and a password. After this is complete you can proceed to register a new claim.

3. View the online tutorial on how to register a new claim so you will understand how to complete the process correctly. After completing the tutorial, select the "Copyright Services" heading and click on the "Register a New Claim" link.

4. Click on the "Start Registration" button to open the online form and fill in all the necessary information. Once you have completed your application make your payment of $35.00 using your debit or credit card and click on the "Submit" button to complete the application process.

5. Print a copy of the application registration confirmation page and keep it in your records.

References

• Trademarks Home
• Electronic Copyright Office