This is topic Trademarks.... in forum Old Archives at The Letterville BullBoard.


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Posted by Marty Happy (Member # 302) on :
 
Hey Lettervillians...

I know the subject of copyrights has been covered here but I don't remember anything being discussed on trademarks.

Is it a complicated legal/buruecratic process or is it just as simple as putting a little "TM" beside a logo? Or... would a copyright "C" suffice. I realize that the "R" in a circle must in some way or form be registered. Funny... I've spent most my adult life in the advertising/sign industry and I've never really been educated on the implications of trademark propriety.
 

Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
 
I don't know how it is in the states but here in Canada TM is worth at least 5K and three years of legal work.

I have a firend who does it all the time.

Personally its only worth it for the big guys.

-dan
 

Posted by bronzeo (Member # 1408) on :
 
Marty, A few years ago the cost was 400.00 to 500.00 with a legal application to the Government. They must be renewed and paid for on a 3 or 5 year basis. I'm sure the US office of patents and trademarks will have complete info. Bronzeo
 
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
 
Marty,

Trademarks are $240, they're good for 10 years, they take two years to process the application, but in the meantime you can use the TM mark legally.

Actually, you dont have to register anything at all and you can still use the TM mark, but if anyone infringes and there's no record of you submitting the application for that mark, there's nothing you can do.

They make note that you've applied for a mark as soon as they receive the application and payment, it just takes them two years to search their databases for a possible duplicate and to verify the mark you requested is actually allowed... this way if someone infringes on your mark, even though you dont actually have the mark, you have applied for it and that will stand up in court.

Now as for what qualifies for a trademark... you'll have to read on your own, it's too much to type here..

US Patent and Trademark Office: http://www.uspto.gov/
 



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