How to copyright your logo and product

The first thing your need to know about copyrighting is whether or not your need an actual copyright or a patent or even a trademark.Before your go to all of the work to get one, make sure it is the right one.

A copyright is for something that is an original to you that falls under the category of artwork, music, or written works.This means that if you draw a logo for your business, a copyright is the right thing to apply for.If you come up with a catchy slogan, a copyright would be the right thing as well.Your business jingle can also be copyrighted as long as it was written especially for your business.

With a patent you need to have an original invention or process that is tangible.Any products that you create should be protected by a patent, that way no one else gets to reap the benefits of your hard work.

Applying for a trademark will help to protect your identity and image.When a trademark is in place for your company name then no one else can have a business with the same name.You can file for a trademark locally or nationally.If you don't mind a business with the same name across the country then a local trademark is all you need.

Which ever you apply for, apply right away.The sooner your application gets underway, the sooner your ideas are protected.You will need to check with your state to see where you should apply for each of them.Some will be local and others will be on a national level.

There will certain things that you will be required to send with the application.Make sure that you have all of them, if you don't include everything necessary then you will have to reapply later.If you don't have everything that is requested then wait until you do to send in the application.

Before you apply for anything you need to check and make sure that your idea is really original.The business name you chose might already be trademarked, you need to check the local and national databases.The patent office might already be processing or have processed an application for an invention that is the same as yours.And your jingle just might be too similar to another one that is already copyrighted.

If you have looked and found that the idea is in fact an original, you need to make sure that you can prove it.A great way to prove that you came up with the idea and it is an original is to: document the idea in detail, put it in an envelope and mail it to yourself, now keep the unopened letter in case of any disputes.

It is very important to protect yourself and your business.Having your ideas protected can help with ensuring your business your business' future.Taking the time to apply for a copyright, trademark, or patent can make a huge difference to your business.

Once the applications are in all you can do is wait.But that doesn't mean that you should be twiddling your thumbs and sitting by the mailbox.Keep moving forward to get your business underway.You should be pushing forward and getting everything else ready.If you are truly ready to start your own business, then you won't find time to sit down very often.

The application process can seem tedious, the waiting can be nerve-racking, and when the response finally does come it can change your whole business.But all of that is just a small part of being a business owner, and where would the fun be without a little anticipation.