What exactly are you trying to protect? I ll explain all 3 facets of intellectual property that should get you going in the right direction. It sounds like you might actually be looking for a trademark so I ll provide more details on that too.To protect an original invention OR a significant improvement to an existing product, a patent would be filed. Here s the USPTO s definition: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc�� Copyrights can be obtained for things of an artistic nature. This includes, of course, poetry, films, sculptures, music, fiction, etc. But can also include things that may not necessarily seem artistic in the general sense of the word. Copyrights can also be obtained for advertising copy, games, software programs and blueprints, to name just a few. Trademarks can be names of products or services, logos, slogans, packaging and even sounds and smells. In essence, a trademark can be almost anything that is used to identify a particular product or service. Registering a trademark grants the owner exclusive rights to the mark within the specified industry. Of course, it s necessary to research the mark comprehensively prior to filing to ensure that there is no possibility of infringing upon another party. This entails searching the pending registered Federal and State trademark files as well as the US National Common-Law files. Then, if clear, you can decide if you would like to file for a Federal or a State trademark. To register a trademark, that s done either through your Secretary of State for a State trademark or the US Patent Trademark Office for a Federal trademark. If you are only conducting business in one state, then a State trademark is most appropriate. If you conduct (OR are planning to conduct) business in at least 2 states OR between the US any other country, you can file for a Federal trademark.Hope that helps! I wish you much success happiness in all your ventures!
You re welcome! This depends upon state law. If you can validly enter into binding legal obligations in the state, then you may sign a trademark application. Otherwise, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application, clearly setting forth their status as your parent or legal guardian. Report Abuse
whoa!!!!!!!!if you are starting charitable organization you need to get your 501(C)3 designationand you will need to complete either form 1023 or 1026 and wait for IRS to approve you, you can get this information at www.irs.gov
