Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California
Copyrighting a phrase
Is it possible to copyright a phrase that I would like to market on t-shirts, bumper stickers, etc. If so, do I do a trademark, copyright, both?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Copyrighting a phrase
Copyright and Trademark both. If need any help...contact me at 818-481-9284
Re: Copyrighting a phrase
Dear Amy:
A phrase that you want to put on a t-shirt should be trademarked. A copyright is for a creation (poem, song, etc.) that you put in a tangible form. How soon are you looking to start putting the phrase on the t-shirts. Trademarks take some time to register.
John W. Fagerholm, Esq.
Re: Copyrighting a phrase
For a phrase, your better choice would most likely be trademark, but you may also be able to copyright depending upon the length of the phrase, whether you are using it as a design, and other factors.
Trademark is an expensive and time-consuming process and it would be in your interest to consult with a competent trademark/copyright attorney before proceeding. A brief consultation could save you time, money, and effort.
If you are in Los Angeles and would like further help, please feel free to call me for an appointment.
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