[tiffanytia]

Is there a website that I could go on to search specific slogans/sayings that I want to put on my t-shirts, to see if they have already been copyrighted or trademarked by someone else? Or would that just make things too easy... too good to be true?!? Trying to accomplish as much as possible without legal counsel. No matter how creative I think I am, my ideas have a good chance of having been thought of before- do I have to run each and every idea through a professional so that I don't run into some kind of legal trouble? Sounds like it could get a little ridiculous... and tedious!

Thanks to all who take the time to read and respond!

 

[wormil]

You can search trademarks here Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)

There is no way to search copyrights.

 

[tiffanytia]

Thanks for your answer.. That is great that I will be able to search trademarks.. but how come not copyrights? Wouldn't a design/slogan used on a t-shirt more likely be copyrighted already than trademarked? Or is it the other way around? If a slogan would more likely be copyrighted, then what the heck!?? How do I find out if my idea hasn't been owned by someone else in another way other than by trademark?

 

[wormil]

About 3/4 the way down the left pane on this website is a section titled Resources which should bring you up to speed on copyrights and trademarks.

 

[tiffanytia]

just checked it out.. awesome, thank you! So, from what I read, on the copyrights, generally slogans and short phrases etc., are not eligible for federal copyright... so anything I think of would most likely be trademarked if it has been thought of before. For some reason, before, I was under the impression that it was more likely for the stuff to be copyrighted than trademarked....

 

[wormil]

Sounds like you're on the right track. Understanding the difference between trademarks and copyright is an important first step. Sometimes there is just no way to know. An attorney who specializes can give you an educated opinion but the only person who can actually decide when you're infringing is a federal judge. It is a mess.