Re: Can You copyright a letter ?

Subject: Re: Re: Can You copyright a letter ?

Comments:
: : Does anyone know of any case where someone had tried to copyright a letter, like for instance the letter "O" as in O Oprah Magazine ? : : Or the Mc in Mcdonalds Restaurant? : Actually you seem to be referring to a trademark, rather than a copyright. While it does seem wrong for anyone to be able to monolpolize a single letter, there are indeed several minimalist trademarks, that remain distinctive and capable of informing the public about the goods and services related to such marks. (Notably, most, if not all of such marks rely on a design rather than simply the block form letter character). : For instance: the NY design for the New York Yankees and the Golden Arches M from MCDonalds are registered trademarks. The Circle K design and 7-11 are also trademarks. Target has registered the bullseye design. Intel has registered three vertical lines.... Trademark rights over the letter O has been recently debated as it is owned in Eurpoe by a magazine other than Oprah's O... : Suffice to say, when a mark is distinctive for the goods and services it represents, it can be trademarked. : Let's break it down.... : Copyright is a form of protection provided to authors of "original works of authorship", including literary, artistic, dramatic, musical, graphic arts and other creations. : : Copyright protects the author's original expression as contained in a creative work but DOES NOT usually extend to any idea, procedure, process, method, system, discovery, name or short title or slogan. : : Song lyrics, musical compositions, sound recordings and other original works may be protected under copyright law - but comapny names, letters, and COMMON SURNAME APPELLATIONS (e.g., SMITH or JONES) cannot. : : COPYRIGHT - We can prepare applications for copyright registration for your music, (songs, words, lyrics, compositions, sound recordings, music videos, etc.) In addition, any original album art or stage props or other unique designs may also be registered. (Even your website contents) : Once your music, artwork or design has been fixed - (recorded or written down) you can register a copy with the Library of Congress by filing the appropriate application(s). : : Our current fee for Copyright Applications is $249 which includes the government fees, attorney fees for preparation of the application, periodic reporting, and in most cases, all required copies and postage and forwarding of the certificate of registration. : : For multiple applications, we offer further discounts. For more information about copyrights and copyright protection, visit our site: www.copyrightpros.com : : 2) TRADEMARK law protects distinctive names, titles, slogans and symbols that are used by their owners in business or commerce. : Trademark law protects names and slogans and symbols like: MCDONALD'S, or FORD; product names like BIG MAC, EXPLORER or OREO; slogans like WE LOVE TO SEE YOU SMILE, or THE ONLY WAY TO FLY; symbols like the NIKE "SWOOSH" and "SNAP, CRACKLE & POP" and designs like the "GOLDEN ARCHES" and even sometimes color schemes like : Brown for UPS courier service or Pink for SWEET 'N LOW. : The best way to protect a trademark is by filing a federal application for trademark registration. (go to www.mybrandsonline.com to apply now) : : There are different classes for trademark registration. Once you have selected a name, you should check to see if it is already in use or registered. Sometimes certain words can be trademarked by different individuals or entities in different classes, like DELTA for faucets and DELTA for Airlines. Other times some words may be already so popular for one class that registration might be refused elsewhere, e.g., LAURA ASHLEY for perfume. : : BAND NAMES may be eligible for trademark protection if the name is used by an artist, performer or band to promote the sale of certain goods or services; (e.g., records, CDs, videos, concerts) to distinguish the band name from that of imitators and wannabees. : FOr more info about trademarks visit www.brandXperts.com or www.namesavers.net : Good Luck

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