[Hidden-tech] Copyrighting my name?

[Edbride-PR]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: DAVID F. FARKAS 
To: hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net 
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 10:22 PM
Subject: Re: [Hidden-tech] Copyrighting my name?



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  You don't (can't) 'copyright' a name, you can trademark or servicemark
  it. Copyrighting is for more 'substantial' works (stories, articles,
  poems, songs, musical pieces, computer programs, plays, and so on). 

        I understand that's the idea but I recall folks copyrighting their names as a ploy to keep the government from issuing documents using it. That's not the reason I want to do it, but you get the idea. 

        Ay time someone uses your copyrighted name they would need permission. You only have to enforce that a few times to make people pay attention and check with you before doing anything. <chkl>

        Trademark may well be what I need, but a quick look at the govt site made it sound like a trademark / servicemark needs to be a logo. I just want to protect use of / brand the name.
..>>



This smacks of urban legend to me. They may have tried this, but I doubt that it succeeded.

Companies use (tm) all the time for a name or a brand, as well as a logo. 

Here it is, straight from the U.S. Government's Copyright Office:
Can I copyright the name of my band?
No. Names are not protected by copyright law. Some names may be protected under trademark law. Contact the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, 800-786-9199, for further information. 

How do I copyright a name, title, slogan or logo?
Copyright does not protect names, titles, slogans, or short phrases. In some cases, these things may be protected as trademarks. Contact the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, 800-786-9199, for further information. However, copyright protection may be available for logo artwork that contains sufficient authorship. In some circumstances, an artistic logo may also be protected as a trademark. 

How do I protect my idea?
Copyright does not protect ideas, concepts, systems, or methods of doing something. You may express your ideas in writing or drawings and claim copyright in your description, but be aware that copyright will not protect the idea itself as revealed in your written or artistic work. 


Ed
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