Any company that wants to build a distinctive identity in the market needs to use trademarks. A trademark is something that is used to distinguish the goods or services of a business. It can be a word, phrase, symbol, design, or even a mix of these things. On the other hand, copyrights defend original works of art, music, and literature. The question of whether one can copyright a trademark is raised by the frequent confusion between these two names. In this article, we examine the costs and legal requirements associated with copyrighting a brand.
It is crucial to comprehend what the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is before moving on to the main issue. A federal organization called the USPTO is in charge of issuing patents and registering trademarks in the country. It makes sure that firms and inventors have the sole right to utilize and benefit from their inventions and that their intellectual property rights are safeguarded.
Reverting to the original query, is it possible to copyright a trademark? You cannot copyright a trademark, is the response. Copyrights and trademarks are two separate legal concepts with unique functions. While trademarks protect brand names, logos, and catchphrases that help customers recognize a company’s goods or services, copyrights safeguard original works of authorship.
It is crucial to remember that trademarks can be registered with the USPTO, giving the owner the sole authority to use the mark and preventing others from doing the same. Although registering a trademark can be a time-consuming and expensive procedure, it is necessary for safeguarding the identity and reputation of your brand.
In regards to the expense associated with copyrighting a word, it is crucial to remember that a word is not a legitimate creative work, hence copyrighting it is not possible. However, it is possible to trademark a term by submitting an application to the USPTO and paying a fee. The price of registering a word as a trademark can vary based on a number of variables, including the type of trademark, the number of classes you wish to file in, and if you engage an attorney to assist you with the process. A term can be trademarked for anywhere from $225 and $400 per class, on average.
If you’re wondering if “You Got Mossed” is a trademarked phrase, the answer is yes. Former NFL star Randy Moss registered the term as a trademark in 2003, and he now has the sole right to use it in connection with his merchandise and clothing business.
The answer to the more complicated matter of “Girl Moms” trademark status follows. A brief scan of the USPTO database reveals that the term “Girl Moms” or variations of it are used in a number of trademarks. It is important to keep in mind that trademark law can be complicated and that just because a phrase is registered does not imply that it is automatically protected by the law. Before using a phrase or name that has been registered as a trademark, it is usually advisable to consult an attorney.
Finally, it should be noted that copyrighting and trademarking are two distinct legal concepts with distinct functions. While a trademark cannot be protected by copyright, you can register it with the USPTO to safeguard its identity and stop third parties from using it. The price of trademarking a word can vary based on a number of circumstances, thus it is always advisable to get legal counsel before utilizing a phrase or name that has already been registered as a trademark to prevent legal squabbles.
You can search for the Trademark Electronic Search System on the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s website, uspto.gov, to find a TESS record. You can look up trademarks by their owner’s name, registration number, or keyword once you have access to the system. The system is open to the public and is cost-free to use.