Trademanks & Patents

[Mr_Wizard]

I have had some time while over here in Iraq and designed some outline stickers for the back of vehicles. Would I be able to get a patent or trademark for these? If so, how would I go about doing it? I have taken a glance at the United States Patent Office website but my connection is so slow here I have a hard time getting to the documents.

Thanks In Advance
Bill

[Tobra]

Simplest would be to pay patent attorney a few hundred to check it out for you, IMHO

[Jim Bremner]

trade mark is the way to go.

think of a coke bottle.

you can't patent a bottle. (you can...but you would really have to alter the bottle...not just the shape etc.)

but to come up with it as a trade mark is the best way...Perrier bottles are trade marked coks bottles are trade marked

it's broader and further reaching.


Thank you for your SERVICE and I hope that your Idea works for you.

[Stutzdriver]

I work for a company that has both patents and trademarks on products we have designed and manufacture. We patent "innovative" features (long and legally expensive process) that will have a competitive advantage and we always Trademark (easier, cheaper, quicker) the unique appearance of each item that has a different look.

One thing to remember, patents expire, trademarks don't. We protect both but especially the trademarked products.

[jbripps]

(DISCLAIMER: THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION...YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN ATTORNEY AS WELL) actually....i think the route you may want to take is registering your copyrights to each work. You aren't providing a service, and if you aren't making a "logo", then you should register your copyrighted material with the U.S. Copyright office.

Legally....once you create a sticker, you own that orginal design and you own the copyright to that work. Registering that copyright will not only protect you in the event there is a dispute as to ownership, but will provide you with statutory relief in the event there is litigation from infringement down the road.

Your friendly neighborhood attorney,
J

[Mr_Wizard]

Originally Posted by jbripps

(DISCLAIMER: THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION...YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN ATTORNEY AS WELL) actually....i think the route you may want to take is registering your copyrights to each work. You aren't providing a service, and if you aren't making a "logo", then you should register your copyrighted material with the U.S. Copyright office.

Legally....once you create a sticker, you own that orginal design and you own the copyright to that work. Registering that copyright will not only protect you in the event there is a dispute as to ownership, but will provide you with statutory relief in the event there is litigation from infringement down the road.

Your friendly neighborhood attorney,
J

Just looked this up (Copyright) that is what I was looking for. Thanks guys.