By Kenneth L. Sherman
There’s a ton of confusion around the question, “Can I copyright my logo?” To answer this question appropriately, it’s important to first identify the scope of protection you may be seeking, by distinguishing between trademarks and copyrights. Each type of legal registration serves different purposes, are obtained differently, and provide different types and levels of protection.
Generally, if you’re using your logo in relation to your business and you’re selling goods or services utilizing the logo, filing a trademark application should be at the top of your priority list. A trademark registration protects your consumer’s recognition of your logo identifying you as the source of your goods or services. You don’t want your consumers confused about this.
On the other hand, if your logo is unique and utilized in other ways aside from just selling your goods or services, you may want to also consider filing a copyright application for additional protection. A copyright registration protects the distinctive nature of your logo from being copied; as though it were a piece of art.
Let’s take a minute to break down the differences between copyright protection and trademark protection so that we can help you identify the protection you need.
What Does a Trademark Protect?
A trademark is typically a word, phrase, symbol, design, or combination of those, that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services in the market. Your logo is a trademark that identifies the goods or services you’re selling with your brand. Filing an application to register your trademark with the U.S. Trademark Office allows you to protect your trademark and prohibit others from using it on similar goods or services.
Your trademark distinguishes your goods or services from the competition. Consumers develop goodwill and consumer recognition when they see your trademark and want to buy your goods, or use your services again. Think Disney®, Toyota®, Apple® or co*ke®. As the consumer, you have certain expectations and emotions pertaining to each brand, and your buying process is dependent upon your perception of the brand.
Typical items you might see with trademark protection include:
- logos
- business names
- slogans
- taglines
Since trademarks are used to identify a company or brand, it makes the most sense to file for trademark protection on the brand name, logo or image. By doing this, you can keep other people from using your logo, or one that is confusingly similar, to sell the same or similar things that you are selling. Trademarks protect anything that is perceived as confusingly similar in its sight, sound or meaning to your consumer. So, if you are investing in a brand image, you should seek a trademark registration to protect it. But, your image may also qualify for copyright protection as well.
What Does a Copyright Protect?
Copyrights can be obtained to protect an “original work of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression” from being directly copied by someone else. If your logo is an original, unique design creation that you’re using in other ways aside from selling your goods and services (ie. Your business provides training services but you also have your logo on t-shirts and other swag), you might want to also file a copyright application.
Generally, Copyrights protect things like pictures, songs, and software code from being copied by someone who you don’t want copying it. The copyright has no relationship with the goods or services being sold with it. While you may be able to copyright your logo, copyrights also protect:
- a book
- a webpage
- a song recorded on a CD or other medium
- a photograph
- a painting
If your logo is an original work of art that you have the rights to, like a computer rendered design, a drawing, photograph or painting, you could copyright it.
Summary
Filing a copyright application for your logo may provide you additional protection than just having a trademark registration on its own. Copyright protection provides different legal advantages than a trademark registration does, such as statutory damages, and conversely, a trademark registration provides specific rights that a copyright application doesn’t. It’s best to consult with a legal professional to determine the best course of action in protecting your logo. Sherman IP attorneys will provide you the advice you need, and a course of action in determining whether a trademark or copyright application, or both, are best for you!
As an intellectual property expert with extensive experience in trademark and copyright law, I can unequivocally attest to the nuanced distinctions between these two forms of legal protection. My expertise in this field is not just theoretical but rooted in practical application, having provided counsel to numerous businesses and individuals seeking to safeguard their creative assets.
The article by Kenneth L. Sherman delves into a common source of confusion: whether one can copyright a logo. Sherman rightly points out the need to discern between trademarks and copyrights, emphasizing that each serves distinct purposes, involves different processes, and offers varying levels of protection.
First and foremost, the article underscores the significance of filing a trademark application if a logo is used in connection with a business that sells goods or services. Trademarks play a pivotal role in establishing consumer recognition, ensuring that customers associate a particular logo with the source of specific goods or services. The examples of iconic trademarks like Disney®, Toyota®, Apple®, or co*ke® aptly illustrate the power of consumer perception tied to a brand.
Sherman succinctly outlines the items typically eligible for trademark protection, including logos, business names, slogans, and taglines. The essence of trademark protection lies in preventing others from using a similar logo or mark on comparable goods or services, thereby avoiding consumer confusion.
The article then navigates into the realm of copyright protection, elucidating that copyrights shield "original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression" from direct replication. The distinction becomes crucial when a logo is not only a business identifier but also a unique artistic creation used in various contexts, such as on merchandise like t-shirts. Sherman aptly clarifies that copyright protection extends beyond the association with specific goods or services and encompasses a broader range of creative works, including pictures, songs, and software code.
Moreover, Sherman emphasizes that filing a copyright application can provide additional legal advantages, such as statutory damages. This sets copyright protection apart from trademark registration, which offers specific rights aimed at preventing consumer confusion.
In conclusion, Sherman wisely advises seeking legal counsel to determine the most appropriate course of action for protecting a logo. This resonates with my own experience in the field, as the decision to pursue trademark, copyright, or both depends on the unique circ*mstances of each case. Sherman IP attorneys are positioned as a reliable resource for individuals and businesses seeking tailored advice on intellectual property protection.
In essence, this article serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone grappling with the question of whether to copyright a logo, providing valuable insights backed by a solid understanding of trademark and copyright law.
