[sizzlean]

I'm starting a t-shirt line, how do I find out if the name I have in mind (i.e. Hurley, No fear, etc.) is already being used? If the brand name is not copyrighted, should I copyright it right away, and if so, how do I go about doing that and what are the costs involved? All feedback is appreciated! Thanks for reading!

[hitboxnow]

Believe it or not, copyrighting and trademark's can get pretty tedious. You might have to dig in for a little and do some research. However, I do know that copywriting only protects TEXT but trademarks protect brands and images. I guess this is why copywriting is cheap and trademarks are expensive.

To be honest, I wouldn't get hung up on it and just keep moving forward. There are many companies out there with the same exact name.

If things start picking up and you start making revenue. Then trademark your brand.

Good luck.

[cillosis]

#1) Google it. Find out if it is being used out there. Search engines have their creepy crawly fingers in everything so it's a good starting point.

#2) Goto U.S. Patent Office at uspto.gov to search for trademarks.

#3) If none of the above come up with results, I say go ahead and use it ensuring you have documentation of when you started using it so if somebody else later tries to copy your brand name, you have proof you had it first and they are trying to squat on your brand.