How to Get Started with Copyright and Trademark Protection
Protect Company Assets in Los Angeles: Copyright & Trademark Registration3 min read
As a business owner in Los Angeles, you may already know the importance of protecting your company’s assets through copyright registration and trademark protection. However, if you’re new to the world of intellectual property law, you may be unsure of how to get started. Knowing the basics of copyright and trademark law is the first step to protecting your business and these assets. Here, we provide an introduction to copyright and trademark protection and explain how you can get started.
Copyright Protection
Copyright is the legal right granted to an individual for exclusive control of the intellectual property they create. It may include words, images, music, videos, software and more. Copyright protection makes it illegal for someone, other than the original proprietor, to use the protected work without their permission.
In the United States, the Federal Copyright Office provides protection for original works of authorship in tangible form. Anyone seeking copyright protection must file registration with the Copyright Office. Copyright protection is established once the registration has been applied for and accepted.
Before you apply for copyright registration with the U.S. Copyright Office, you must make sure that the work meets the qualifications for copyright protection. The work must be creative and, in some cases, must have been expressed in a tangible form. It must also be original.
Trademark Protection
Trademark protection is similar to copyright protection, but it deals primarily with distinguishing symbols that are viewed as a representation of a business. Also referred to as a brand, a trademark is a distinguishing sign that is used to differentiate among services and products within the same industry.
In the United States, federal trademark protection is acquired when a trademark is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Applying for trademark protection can be done via online filing or paper filing -- it’s recommended that you seek the help of a trademark attorney to ensure that all required documents are filed properly.
To establish trademark protection, the use of a trademark in connection with goods or services must be established. The registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is what confirms the use of the trademark.
Getting Started in Los Angeles
When it comes time to apply for copyright and trademark protection, you don’t have to go it alone. Qualified attorneys in Los Angeles can help you with the process of filing for protection. Before you make any decisions about hiring an attorney, it’s important to understand how to choose the right professional for your needs.
When choosing an attorney, it’s important to ensure that they have knowledge and experience in intellectual property law. Also, take into consideration the attorney’s cost. Be sure to ask questions about fees, services, communication norms and the attorney’s experience in the industry.
UpCounsel is an excellent resource for help with copyright and trademark protection. Whether you prefer to consult with a single attorney or hire a legal department, UpCounsel’s network of experienced attorneys can help. The experienced attorneys in the UpCounsel community have, on average, 14 years of experience and they are ready to assist businesses of all sizes.
UpCounsel has many advantages, including high quality, individual professionals, cost-effectiveness services, and reviews from clients that display recent work. When you’re ready to get started on copyright and trademark protection, UpCounsel can provide the assistance you need.
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