28/05/2025
TRADEMARK OR COPYRIGHT : WHICH ONE IS MORE SUITABLE FOR YOU?
As a business owner or creative entrepreneur, protecting your brand and your work is essential. But many people often confuse trademark with copyright. Let's break it down clearly.
WHAT IS A TRADEMARK?
A trademark is a sign, logo, symbol, phrase, or name that identifies and distinguishes your brand from others in the marketplace. It protects brand identity—the things people recognize and associate with your Business (Trade mark, a mark that is used to identify your trade).
WHAT IS COPYRIGHT?
A copyright protects original creative works such as books, music, videos, graphics, and written content. It safeguards your intellectual and creative property, giving you exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute your work.
WHY ARE TRADEMARK AND COPYRIGHT IMPORTANT?
✅ They help protect your hard work, ideas, and brand from being copied or misused.
✅ They ensure you're compliant with legal standards.
✅ They increase your brand's credibility and value in the eyes of investors, partners, and customers.
✅ They give you legal backing to enforce your rights when someone tries to use your brand or content without permission.
POPULAR EXAMPLES
Davido – His stage name “Davido” is likely trademarked as a brand. His songs, albums, and music videos are protected by copyright.
Sabinus – The name “Sabinus” and related branding are protected by trademark. His background music in his comedy videos are protected by copyright.
Tiwa Savage – Her name is a brand identity (trademark), while her music, lyrics, and performances are copyrighted.
Innoson Vehicles – The brand name “Innoson”, logo, and vehicle designs are trademarked, while advertising jingles and brochures may be copyrighted.
Funke Akindele – Her production company and character names like “Jenifa” could be trademarked, while the scripts, episodes, and theme music in her movies are protected under copyright.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TRADEMARK OR COPYRIGHT?
1. Business logo – Trademark
2. Literary work (e.g. books, blogs) – Copyright
3. Brand name – Trademark
4. Song – Copyright
5. Slogan/Tag line – Trademark
6. Business name – Trademark
7. Software code – Copyright
8. App name – Trademark
9. Product packaging design – Trademark
10. E-book – Copyright
11. Musical composition – Copyright
12. Podcast intro/outro – Copyright
13. Catchphrase – Trademark
14. Marketing jingle – Copyright
15. Business tagline – Trademark
16. Promotional videos – Copyright
17. Website content – Copyright
18. Online course materials – Copyright
19. Logo sound or chime (audio logo) – Trademark
20. Fashion design sketches – Copyright
21. Recipe book – Copyright
22. Brand mascot – Trademark
23. Product name – Trademark
24. Photography – Copyright
25. Graphic design – Copyright
26. Animation – Copyright
27. Visual identity (style guide) – Copyright
28. Typeface (original font) – Copyright
29. Business pitch deck – Copyright
30. Domain name (if used as a brand) – Trademark
Take Note:
If it helps people recognize your brand, trademark it.
If it is a product of your creativity or expression, copyright it.
Protect your hustle. Protect your brand. Protect your work.
Send a dm let's guide you through the trademark registration or copyright protection professes for your business.
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