Copyright Law in Chandler, AZ

Can you imagine where Arizona’s large companies would be without intellectual property?

PetSmart, Banner Health, and Circle K hold their fair share of copyrights and trademarks. These legal protections keep these businesses profitable and create jobs in Chandler.

Do you have a concept or proprietary service that deserves to stand out? Then consider the details in this article carefully and ask for help from an attorney in our network.

What Is Copyright Registration?

In Chandler, Arizona, copyright registration can provide protection against plagiarism. An original work automatically receives some copyright protection. Regardless, US copyright law defines how to establish ownership by registering intellectual property.

Although registering a work is not a requirement, it is still advisable to hire a copyright lawyer in Chandler, AZ. Registration creates a public record of ownership and several other benefits most cannot ignore. A few notable advantages include:

• IP owners can pursue damages if a copyright registration occurs within three months of publication.
• Copyrighted works registered outside of the three-month time frame may seek damages.
• Copyright registration acknowledges each public record of its presence.
• United States Customs and Border Protection will have a copy of your registration and can stop the importation of copies that violate it.
• You do not have to delay your infringement lawsuit if you registered your creation previously.

What Is a Trademark?

A trademark is a way to set your company apart from others with a design, symbol, word, or phrase. A service mark is another form of this legal protection that distinguishes services. Either type of intellectual property is a critical component of a company’s brand.

Here are some of the components that established Chandler, AZ business people and brand owners often trademark:

• Logos
• Symbols
• Product packages
• Name of the business
• Name of the product or service
• Designs

To register a trademark in Arizona, you can follow these general steps:

• Search the Arizona Secretary of State’s Trademark Database to see if your concept is available.

• Apply to register a trademark or service mark. Include a description of the goods or services and provide a sample. You will also need to pay a filing fee.

• The state will review your application to ensure it meets all requirements.

• The Arizona Secretary of State’s Office will send a certificate, assuming you receive approval.

It is important to note that registering a trademark this way only provides state-level protection. If you want nationwide protection, you must approach the USPTO.

How Long Does It Take to Register a Trademark and Copyright?

The time it takes to register a trademark can vary. The USPTO estimates anywhere from 8 to 12 months. However, this timeline can change based on various factors, such as the complexity of the application.

The processing time for a copyright application depends on the workload of the Copyright Office. As of 2021, the average processing time for an online application from Chandler is about six months. Paper applications can take longer, typically around eight months.

What’s the Difference Between a Trademark and a Copyright?

The value of your Chandler, AZ business depends on the assets it owns. It’s important to note that the most valuable assets are not always physical or financial. Your intellectual property counts as assets too. Due to this, if people use those assets without your permission, you can file a lawsuit for infringement.

While trademarks and copyrights protect intellectual property, they cover two different aspects. Copyright registration protects artistic and literary works, such as videos and books. A trademark registration protects brand components. This can be a jingle, a logo, or a mascot of your organization.

Take, for example, if you own a magazine publishing company. You would trademark the logo and the name of your company. However, you would also place copyright protection on all the magazines that you have published.

Work With an Experienced Chandler, Arizona Copyright Lawyer

If you have intellectual property that needs protection, register it as soon as possible. Otherwise, there is a risk that someone could take a similar idea before you. This circumstance could result in difficulties in defending your intellectual property rights. You must take action early in the registration process to protect your ideas and avoid potential issues in the future.

If your idea is similar to someone else’s, it is preferable to find this out early. An intellectual property lawyer in Chandler, AZ can assist you in assessing your odds. They can also draft the documents and assess their value.

Are you ready to tap into our network of Chandler copyright lawyers? We can even help you connect with an attorney across Arizona state lines.

Ask for help online or call us today at (866) 345-6784!