Difference between copyright, trademark and register?

Hi all,
1.) Is there any difference between copyright, trademark and (R)?
2.) Which one is the best if I want to protect
a.) my business logo?
b.) my business name?
c.) my business slogan?

Thanks.

 

Copyright is typically when it comes to media such as a computer software, photographs, music and the links. Trademark as the word said is related to 'marking' like perhaps a company logo such as the Apple logo or the Dell logo.

(R) is the Registered Trademark

I would supposed the trademark would be your best bet
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trademark

 

adding to that, websites (sans the graphics) and literary works can be copyrighted.

 

Thanks all.

 

Funny - I wrote an article about this just one week back.
See here: http://www.intellectualvillage.com/...tent-trademark-and-copyright-the-differences/

PM me if you want any further information.

 

Copyright is used to protect a work (such as text, book, software, images etc.) and basically just states that the creator (copyright holder) is entitled to control the usage of that work.

Trademarks are used for protecting "brand names". So in your case the best option for all three options would be to trademark them.

 

use all the 3 ....

I think it also differs with different countries

 

It's my understanding that, (and I'm not a lawyer so check with one), a copyright on an original work is automatic at the time you create it. You can register it to add to your validity of it but it's not strictly required. See this:

http://www.copyright.gov/

You would in fact copyright your business logo I believe and it's especially important if you had a third party design it for you as a work made for hire.

Like copyrights, Trademarks are automatic and "TM" can be used in association with your bussiness name, logo and slogans without doing anything. However, (r) is reserved for those Trademarks that are actually registered and have completed the process. See here:

http://www.uspto.gov/

Before applying TM to your business name and slogan, you need to do a search to ensure that no one else is using it.

Both Copyright and Trademark registrations may vary somewhat from country to country, but because of various treaties that are in place, most developed countries are basically committed to the US Standards for this.

By the way, you do not need to be a resident of the US to file a Copyright or Trademark with them

 

Hi Mike,

but it is easier

Timo