February 3, 2010
· Filed under Business & Consumers, Intellectual Property · Tagged Do I own my logo?, Trademark or copyright a logo?, Who owns a trademark?
One of my readers recently asked, “We hired (and paid) a person to design our logo, do we own the copyright?
As a paralegal, I am not allowed to give out any advice, as I am not an attorney. However, I did find an article that answers the question whether a graphic designer owns a logo / trademark / copyright or the business owner. Of course, you should always consult an attorney specializing in Intellectual Property to be certain that the information is correct. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides information that may help anyone looking to find out about patents, trademarks and copyrights. If you desire to officially trademark a logo, (trademark or service mark) in the U.S. and your business is in the U.S., I provide several references from the USPTO below. I also include the definitions of the different types of trademarks, determined by whether you are providing a service or selling goods. Be sure to read about “Assignments” at the end of this article for possible legal protection. This may benefit you if you wish to file a trademark application. To decide whether your logo is to be copyrighted or trademarked, I have included an extra article that may help you. Read the rest of this entry »
January 19, 2010
· Filed under Business & Consumers, Food, Weight Loss · Tagged Gluten free noodles, No carb noodles, Shirataki noodles, Zero calorie noodles, Zero carb noodles
The holidays are over and it is time to put a little attention on weight loss. Ugh! But I found something that will make my job easier. I just researched Shirataki noodles. The first things I heard that caught my attention about these noodles were:
- Zero carb noodles
- Zero calorie noodles
- Gluten free noodles
- High in soluble fiber
Imagine that, all in one noodle! Below I share the different types of Shirataki noodles and other forms; their nutritional value; where to find them; as well as provide a video from a news report. Read the rest of this entry »
November 28, 2009
· Filed under Business & Consumers, Social Networking, Tech Stuff · Tagged 2009, Adverstising, Advertising, Advertising Disclosures, Advertizing, Blogging, celebrity endorsements, Endorsements, Federal Trade Commission December 1, FTC, New Rules, Paid blogger, Paid Endorsements, pharmaceutical industry's claims, Pharmacuetical Advertising, Social Media
Whether you are a business or a blogger you should know the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) laws going into effect on December 1, 2009 regarding advertising, claims and your duty of disclosure. If you are a consumer you should also know the new laws, as you should be aware of what an advertiser or blogger is allowed to claim; is no longer allowed to claim; and what they need to disclose.
The FTC used to allow advertisers to claim results as “results not typical”. This will no longer be allowed. One needs to advertise what can be generally expected.
If you receive payment or free products for endorsing of a product or service you now need to disclose this in your statement. I would assume if you are a business owner and blog about your own product you need to disclose your relationship as the owner, as well. Paid bloggers will now need to reveal their connection with the advertiser. This really is going to make a huge change online. Readers will be able to believe reviews as legitimate with these new guidelines. This may also change how individuals network. Read the rest of this entry »
