gymbully

Let me first say that the advise on this site is bar none top notch.
okay- since joining this forum. I've gone out bought just two shirts did one design that I bought from a vector and one of simple typography and they're in the process of getting printed just to see if I can do it.

Now what would be the next step? I've read many treads on trademarks and getting graphic artists. But don't know where to invest my money next. I know I have a good co. name and niche that I can do well in. The t-shirts will range from the normal slogans/sayings to contemporary art but I'm a little skeptical in revealing what it is. I'm currently at a loss- should I go with the artists then trademark later or spending the money (legal zoom charged $614) and go with the artist after. i reeeeally don't trust people and with limited funds it's even more important I do the next logical step.


please advise...anyone

thanks

 

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Rodney

If you don't have the money to register a trademark, then you may not have the money to defend a trademark if someone decides to use it. You'll need money to go to court to defend it.

We can't give you legal advice, but I can tell you lots of people have started a t-shirt line without registering a trademark or filing a copyright and have done just fine.

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fdsales

If you have an artist create original art for you, then have a small c w/ a circle, the year, and your company name somewhere in the design, to designate the design is copyrighted. If you want to firm that up legally, you can register each design with the US Copyright Office for I think $40 per design, and get a registration number. Now here's the catch when dealing with artists: Just because you pay them whatever they charges does NOT mean YOU own the copyright...the artist does, unless the artist chooses to release the copyright to you. This varies by artist, some do, some won't, some will for extra money. Get your agreement with each artist in writing as to whom owns the copyright.
Slogans/sayings are a lot more difficult to copyright or trademark, as you have to be able to prove that YOU created the slogan/saying. If it's something that's been "on the street", that could be ruled as simply public domain, and then that raises a legal question of whether you have the right to make money off of it.
If I were you, I would spend my money for now getting designs created & copyrighted, get your sales going, and then when you have cash flow, you can trademark your Company logo/image. If anyone is going to rip you off, it will be your designs, as that's what makes the money/sales. Your Company logo simply identifies you as YOU, but without your GREAT designs to go along with it, then your logo, which becomes your identity, is pretty much worthless.

 

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DTFuqua

Have you ever been to, or heard of some of those starving artist sales where you buy couch sized oil paintings for 10 bucks. Put a few free adds up on bulleten boards(college, jr college, craigs list)"artist wanted" and tell them what you want in a very general way and that you'll pay appropriately for either free use or the copy rights to whatever you figure is worth buying. Don't forget to get a contract signed and if you want to protect the copyrights. send it registered mail with a seal on it.

 

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