NONPROFIT QUICKTIPSSM
An electronic publication of Pfau Englund Nonprofit Law, P.C.
Disclaimer: This publication is designed to provide accurate information in regard to the subject matter covered. However, it is not intended to provide legal or other professional advice. If legal advice is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.
® SM © * @ ! What's It All Mean?
Nonprofit organizations are information providers. Consequently, protecting the organization's ownership interests in its publications is vitally important. However, understanding the differences between trademarks, service marks and copyrights is often confusing. For example, when should you use the ® symbol instead of the symbol? The following quick tips should help:
A trademark is any word, name, symbol or combination of these that distinguishes the goods or products of one organization or company from another. The term service mark is used when a mark is used to identify services rather than goods.
Trademarks arise from the first use of a mark. The symbol may be used along with the mark from its first use. Additional rights that aid in protecting a mark from misuse by others arise when a mark is registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). Once a mark is registered with the PTO, the ® symbol may be used.
A copyright is the property right granted to authors of original works, such as written works, musical works, dramatic works, motion pictures, audiovisual works, sound recordings, etc. To prevent unauthorized copying of works, a copyright notice, including the © symbol should be included beginning with the first publication of an original literary work.
Nonprofit QuickTipsSM is a periodic electronic publication of Pfau Englund Nonprofit Law, P.C. It is intended to provide nonprofit executives with useful, quick legal tips. If you have a topic you would like covered in this publication, or know someone who would like to be added to our e-mail list, please contact the firm.