A “live” trademark registration or application is one that is active (on either the Principal or Supplemental Register), or pending (one that has been applied for and is undergoing examination.) A “dead” trademark registration or application for registration is one that has been abandoned, withdrawn, or cancelled. The distinction is important because the USPTO will
The USPTO trademark database includes federally registered trademarks (both the Principal and Supplemental Registers), trademarks for which federal registration has been applied, and trademarks that were formerly registered at one time but no longer are. Common law trademarks for which federal registration has never been sought are not in the USPTO database. A search for
Which trademarks are in the USPTO database? Read More »
The DMCA prohibits circumventing technological protection measures used by copyright owners to control access to their works. Bypassing a password system to gain unauthorized access to copyright-protected material or services (e.g., a streaming service) is an example. The DMCA also prohibits making, importing, offering, providing or trafficking in circumvention technologies, products, services, or components. The DMCA provides
What are the DMCA’s anti-circumvention provisions? Read More »
Yes, a minor may apply for and receive a copyright registration if all of the conditions for registration of a copyright are satisfied.
Can a minor register a copyright? Read More »
No. Unrepresented parties may file copyright registration applications on their own behalf. You may retain an attorney to file a copyright registration application on your behalf if you wish. Hiring a qualified, competent attorney is strongly recommended if you are filing a group registration, applying to register a copyright in a foreign work, or if you
Do I need to hire a lawyer to register a copyright? Read More »
