Do you trademark or copyright a tagline?
Taglines and slogans are subject to the same scrutiny as non-tagline trademarks when being examined by the USPTO for inherent distinctiveness. Accordingly, so long as a tagline or slogan is either inherently distinctive or has developed secondary meaning, a tagline is protectable as a trademark.
Should I copyright my tagline?
Typically, a slogan cannot be protected under copyright law as copyright does not protect short phrases. A short phrase can be protected in conjunction with an illustration or it may be protected in some cases, if it is taken from a larger well-known work, such as taking a line from a movie.
Can we trademark a tagline?
In order for a brand tagline to qualify as a trademark, it must be distinctive,by acquiring secondary meaning and goodwill,and must not be descriptive of thefeatures of the products and services in respect of which it is used.
How do you protect a tagline?
If you decide you want to protect your slogan or catchphrase as intellectual property, you will need to apply for a trademark. This application is submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It is completed either electronically or via a paper application.
How do you check if a tagline is trademarked?
Go to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website. Check the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) database. Make sure the slogan isn’t already registered in the same category. Submit your trademark application.
Can you patent a phrase on a T shirt?
No. Patents do not protect phrases and written expressions. Phrases used in connection with a tee shirt may be eligible for either trademark or copyright protection provided the requirements for registration of each are met.
Which of the following is not protected by copyright?
The following are not protected by copyright, although they may be covered by patent and trademark laws: works not fixed in tangible form of expression (eg, speeches or performances that have not been written or recorded); titles; names; short phrases; slogans; familiar symbols or designs; mere variation of typographic …
Should I trademark or copyright my business name?
A trademark can protect your name and logo in case someone else wants to use them for their own purposes. Also, you cannot really copyright a name, since copyright protects artistic works. This is exactly why you need to have a trademark that protects your company’s intellectual property, such as your logo.
Do I need to trademark a slogan for my brand?
You can adopt a slogan for your brand without filing out a trademark application. If you want to keep others from using it, however, you should trademark the slogan. Even a uniquely creative slogan might not be eligible for trademarking.
Can a slogan be protected under copyright law?
Typically, a slogan cannot be protected under copyright law as copyright does not protect short phrases. A short phrase can be protected in conjunction with an illustration or it may be protected in some cases, if it is taken from a larger well-known work, such as taking a line from a movie. Learn more about Trademark Law.
What is the importance of a slogan or tagline?
The Importance of a Trademarked Slogan / Tagline A phrase (such as a slogan or tagline) can acquire value and play a major role in your success, so it’s important to protect any phrases you use to support your company identity against infringement by registering your trademarks.
Do you need to protect your brand name?
Many business owners choose to protect their brand names for their main or dominant goods or services. You might also choose to protect a slogan or logo for those goods or services, if you have one. Deciding what you want to protect and to what extent is up to you.