Are trade names copyrighted?
As noted above, registering a trade name doesn’t give you trademark rights—that is a separate process. A trade name does not provide companies with trademark rights which is a different process altogether.
Is a trade name intellectual property?
Trade Name Important? A trademark protects the intellectual property of a business. This might include logos, symbols, words, phrases, slogans, or other designs that help customers identify your company. You need to register your company’s trade name with the state business office as soon as you can.
Can I copyright my business name?
While you can’t copyright a business name, you can trademark a business name. The best practice is to hire a trademark lawyer to file the trademark on your behalf. In fact, you will increase your odds of a successful federal trademark registration by doing so.
Can I use my name as a trade name?
A business can have both a legal or registered name as well as a trade name—but these have important differences and registration requirements that exist for the protection of you and your customers.
What is the difference between legal name and trade name?
A legal name is the name of a person or entity that owns a business. A legal name must be registered with a state government and includes a legal ending, such as an LLC or LLP, after the title. A trade name is generally considered the name a business uses for advertising and sales purposes.
Does a trading name need to be registered?
A trading name is the name (or names) used by a person, partnership or company for carrying out business which is not the same as their own name or official registered name. A business may use as many trading names as it requires, but these cannot be registered as official names of the company.
Should I register a trade name?
You need to register a business name if you conduct business under a name other than your own. A business name, also known as a trading name, is a name or title under which a person, or other legal entity, carries on business.
How do I protect my trading name?
Protecting trading names and brands
- Use your trading name and brands. The best way to protect a name or brand is by using it.
- Register your intellectual property.
- Monitor for infringers.
- Deal with infringers.
- Plan a strategy.
- Turn the dispute to advantage.
- Squatters.
Is a company name trademarked or copyrighted?
Company name cannot be copyrighted. In order to protect your company name from competitors,you can trademark it or keep it as DBA name. A trademark protects the word, symbol, design or combination associated with your company from being replicated.
What is the difference between trademark and copyright?
The main difference between a copyright and trademark is that a copyright is mainly used for creative works, whereas trademarks are generally used for logos, symbols or slogans. However, some elaborate logos, symbols or slogans may be applicable for both a copyright and a trademark. Add new comment.
Is copyright a trademark?
A copyright is automatic upon creation while a trademark is not. For protection to be enforced, a trademark must be registered. A copyright is registered through the United States Copyright Office. A trademark is registered through the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
How do you copyright a trademark?
How to Apply for the Copyright of Your Name and Logo. 1 Go to the online registration website and fill out the form for copyright. If your business is located in the United States, go to the official website of the United States Copyright Office.