What is copyrightable?

In order to obtain a copyright the work must have a modicum of creativity. This barrier is low, although it does prevent copyright protection in short phrases, business names, and ideas.  Copyright protection applies to a specific photograph, but it does not prohibit another from using his or her own photograph to take the same photo.  Copyright protection provides the right to prevent copying, hence the term copyright.

Photographs, books, novels, short stories, poems, songs, and melodies can all be protected by copyright.  Similarly camouflage patterns can be protected by copyright.  A design or character (such as a figure) that a business uses as its trademark may also be protected by copyright.

The team at Shaver & Swanson, LLP has handled a large number of trademark cases and can efficiently and affordably help you protect your trademarks. copyrights, and patentable ideas.