Whenever a person creates a copyrighted work, it is automatically copyrighted – and there’s no need to write ©. Why and when should someone register the copyright to their work? If a company pays someone to produce a copyrighted work, why is it likely that the business will end up not owning it? And what about trademarks – how does one know if it’s ok to use a particular brand name one has come up with? Trademark rights arise as a result of commercial use, not as a result of registration, so when should someone register a trademark? What’s the difference between state and federal trademark registration?

How can one minimize the chances of being accused of copyright or trademark infringement, and what should one do if it happens? If a business sells brand-name goods, can it buy online advertising using those brand names as keywords? Are domain names that use brand names protected in foreign countries?

When should one register a trademark? When is it permissible to license a trademark? Is it ok to refer to another company’s brand name on one’s website? What’s the significance of a trade name registration? Can store design or color schemes of a website be protected? Can trademarks be bought and sold? We routinely answer such questions in the course of helping companies and individuals protect their intellectual property.