Archive for the ‘Trademark’ Category
Notice of Copyright
August 30th, 2009 | 
Author: The required use of a copyright notice (1976 Copyright Act) was eliminated when the United States adhered to the Berne Convention, effective March 1, 1989. Because prior law did contain such a requirement, however, the use of notice is still relevant to the copyright status of older works.
Use of the notice may be important because it informs the public that the work is protected by copyright, identifies the copyright owner, and shows the year of first publication. The use of the copyright notice is the responsibility of the copyright owner and does not require advance permission from, or registration with, the Copyright Office.
Form of Notice for Visually Perceptible Copies: The notice for visually perceptible copies should contain all the following three elements:
- The symbol © (the letter C in a circle), or the word “Copyright,” or the abbreviation “Copr.”; and
- The year of first publication of the work.
- The name of the owner of copyright in the work, or an abbreviation by which the name can be recognized, or a generally known alternative designation of the owner.
Example: © 2006 John Doe
The “C in a circle” notice is used only on “visually perceptible copies.” Certain kinds of works for example, musical, dramatic, and literary works—may be fixed not in “copies” but by means of sound in an audio recording. Since audio recordings such as audio tapes and phonograph disks are “phonorecords” and not “copies,” the “C in a circle” notice is not used to indicate protection of the underlying musical, dramatic, or literary work that is recorded.
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What Can and Cannot Be Copyrighted?
Persons or organizations creating “original works of authorship” including literary, dramatic, musical, architectural, cartographic, choreographic, pantomimic, pictorial, graphic, sculptural, and audiovisual displays usually register copyrights. Authors, artists, song writers and creators of computer programs typically register copyrights. Businesses often copyright their logos and other artwork that is representative of their companies
The word “copyright” literally means the right to copy. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, “The owner of copyright has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and, in the case of certain works, publicly perform or display the work; to prepare derivative works; or to license others to engage in the same acts under specific terms and conditions.” For example, the author of a book will typically sell all or part of his or her copyrights to a publisher who actually prints and markets the book to the public.
The U.S. Copyright Office defines the following broad categories of works for which copyrights can be registered:
• literary works
• musical works, including any accompanying words
• dramatic works, including any accompanying music
• pantomimes and choreographic work
• pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
• motion pictures and other audiovisual works
• sound recordings
• architectural works
Computer program copyrights are typically registered as “literary works.” Architectural plans and maps are registered as “pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works.” Things that cannot be copyrighted include any inventions, ideas, procedures, processes, slogans, principles, or discoveries.
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Create Letterhead and Envelopes
The last of the basics needed for initially branding your company is to design and print your letterhead and envelopes. It is important when you communicate by mail for your company to project professionalism. Even the smallest business will be well-served by having simple, welldesigned stationary.
This is generally a fairly simple task. It generally utilizes your logo and your company name. In addition, both the letterhead and envelope will have the company’s contact information including:
• Company address
• Telephone number
• Fax number
• Web site address
• Email address
As with business cards, I would suggest that you do not print letterhead and envelopes in large quantities unless you are sure that all of the information will stay the same. You can buy good quality paper and business envelopes (in whatever color and texture you choose) from your local office supply store. Lay out your letterhead and envelopes in your word processor or a graphics program. Your jet ink printer will provide for your needs without a heavy front-end investment.
Later on, if you decide that you want higher quality letterhead and envelopes in a larger quantity, you can use a printer. The key is deciding which choice will serve your company better in terms of budget, timing, and quality.
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Design Your Business Cards
Business cards are the one marketing tool used by every business, large or small. They give your business credibility and provide your customers and your associates with a reminder of what your business is about and that you are the person who will be their point of contact.
Your business card will incorporate the name of your company and your logo, utilizing the basic design and colors that you have chosen. In addition, your business cards should have the following information:
• Key information about your products and services
• Your name and position with the company
• Company address
• Telephone number
• Fax number
• Web site address
• Email address
In the beginning, I would suggest that you do not print too many business cards unless you are sure that all of the information will stay the same. If you have a computer, you can buy business card stock from you local office supply store and use your jet ink printer for your first cards. When you are ready for higher quality cards, you can use a printer and make selections regarding paper quality, type of printing, colors, size, etc.
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Designing Your Logo
A logo design should be eye catching and simple. The most important logo features are the shape of the design and the balance of the colors used.
Simplicity is the key to an effective logo. It should not have overwhelming colors and details. If you use lettering, it should be in a simple and easy-to-read font type. Remember that your logo should attract and make a positive impact on your customers.
There are several alternative as to who will design your company logo.
- You can hire a graphic designer. If you decide to use a professional to design your logo, it would be a good idea to ask to see samples of other logos developed for previous customers. In the beginning, it will be necessary for you to work together to decide on the components (shape, color, lettering) of the logo. The designer needs to know what your business is all about and what message you wish to convey to your customers. You will most likely be provided with four or five design ideas to choose from. As the design progresses, you will continue to proof changes until the logo has been refined to your satisfaction.
- You may choose to design your own logo. This could work very well, especially if you or one of your friends has artistic talent and a working knowledge of graphics software such as CorelDraw or Adobe Illustrator. This would give you unlimited creative freedom.
- You can opt to use logo design software. The best logo programs have a friendly user interface and will help you to generate logos using predefined designs combined with color and other choices. The disadvantage of using logo software is that your logo may end up being similar to those of other businesses.
