Contributing 

Is it possible to copyright a name?

Leia Doyle

Is it possible to copyright a name?

No. Names are not protected by copyright law. Some names may be protected under trademark law. Contact the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, [email protected] or see Circular 33 “Copyright Protection Not Available for Names, Titles, or Short Phrases”.

How do I copyright a name?

Registering a trademark for a company name is pretty straightforward. Many businesses can file an application online in less than 90 minutes, without a lawyer’s help. The simplest way to register is on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Web site, www.uspto.gov.

What are some copyright examples?

The following types of works are allowed protection under the copyright law:

  • Literary Works.
  • Musical Works.
  • Dramatic Works.
  • Pantomimes and Choreographic Works.
  • Pictorial, Graphic, and Sculptural Works.
  • Motion Pictures and Other Audiovisual Works.
  • Sound Recordings.
  • Compilations.

How do I check if a name is copyrighted?

You can search for federally registered trademarks by using the free trademark database on the USPTO’s website. To start, go to the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Business Center at http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm and choose “Search.” Then follow the instructions you see on the screen.

How much does it cost to copyright a name?

Filing a trademark for your business name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will cost between $225 and $600, plus legal fees. You can register with most states for $50-$150 if you don’t want protection outside your state.

Can you copyright a name for free?

Can I trademark a name for free? You can not register a trademark for free. However, you can establish something known as a “common law trademark” for free, simply by opening for business.

What are the examples of copyright works in our country?

Works covered

  • Books, pamphlets, articles and other writings.
  • Periodicals and newspapers.
  • Lectures, sermons, addresses, dissertations prepared for oral delivery, whether or not reduced in writing or other material form.
  • Letters.
  • Dramatic or dramatico-musical compositions; choreographic works or entertainment in dumb shows.

How do I copyright a recipe?

Copyright does not protect recipes, “That are mere listings of ingredients,” However, it can, “Extend to to substantial literary expression – a description, explanation, or illustration, for example – that accompanies a recipe or formula…” What this means is that the basics of a recipe are not copyright protected.