View Single Post
  #2  
Old September 30, 2003, 09:22 AM
Garry Boyd
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Trademark/Copyright/Patent question "For Dummies" ;-)

A trademark is your branding device. You need to register it in order to protect it. If you are in the US you can get a lot of info here:
http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm
Copyright applies to your intellectual property and is automatically granted. However if you anticipate needing to pursue copyright violation then you are best to register the copyright. So you essentially brand your "phrase" or trading mark, while each item is individually copyrighted.

> I need to know how to copyright or trademark
> a phrase that would be used similar to the
> "For Dummies" or "Chicken
> Soup" series of books/products.

> How exactly is that addressed when part of
> the title stays the same (the
> "Branded" phrase), but the rest of
> the title changes with each different
> product?

> I am developing a product line that has
> almost unlimited potential, similar to
> "For Dummies".(in concept &
> structure)

> It will start small & simple, but
> because of the diverse unlimited potential,
> I need to get it right from the beginning,
> to protect the "brand" for future
> expansion possibilities.

> Any ideas are appreciated.

> Thanks, Dave




The special report network