Most haunted attractions don't think too hard about intellectual property issues. But as the industry grows, it is becoming vital that we both avoid infringing the works of others and protect our creations.
HAuNTcon 2016 - Copyright and Trademark for Haunters
2. QUICK SYNOPSIS
➤ About Me
➤ Basics of Copyright
➤ Basics of Trademark
➤ How to Not Get Sued (Hopefully)
➤ How to Protect Your Work
➤ Q&A (And King Cake)
6. “Copyright is a form of protection provided by the
laws of the United States (title 17, U. S. Code) to
the authors of ‘original works of authorship,’
including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and
certain other intellectual works.
-U.S. Copyright Office
7. WHAT DOES COPYRIGHT PROTECT?
➤ Creative Works “Fixed” into a “Tangible
Medium of Expression”
➤ Literary Works
➤ Musical Works
➤ Dramatic Works
➤ Choreography
➤ Pictorial/Graphical Works
➤ Motion Pictures
➤ Sound Recordings
➤ Architecture
➤ Federal Protection Only
➤ Transfers to Creator or Employer
8. WHAT DOES COPYRIGHT NOT PROTECT?
➤ Names (Trademarks)
➤ Ideas (Patents)
➤ Procedures and Systems (Patents)
➤ U.S. Federal Works
➤ Fashion Designs
➤ Works Without Requisite Level of
Creativity (Phone Books)
13. LIMITATIONS OF COPYRIGHT
➤ Fair Use
➤ The Purpose and Character of the Use
➤ The Nature of the Copyrighted Work
➤ The Amount/Substantiality of Portion
Taken
➤ The Effect of the Use Upon the
Potential Market
➤ Expiration
➤ Life Plus 70 Years (Individuals)
➤ 95 Years (Corporations)
15. “A trademark is any word, name, symbol or device
(or any combination thereof) that identifies and
distinguishes the source of the goods of one
party from those of others.
- International Trademark Association
16. WHAT DOES A TRADEMARK PROTECT?
➤ Trademarks vs. Service marks
➤ Letters and Words
➤ Logos
➤ Pictures
➤ Slogans
➤ Colors
➤ Product Shapes
➤ Sounds
➤ Federal & State Protection
17. TRADEMARK DISTINCTIVENESS
➤ More Distinctive Means More Protection
➤ Generic Marks (No Protection)
➤ Aspirin, Thermos
➤ Descriptive Marks
➤ Quick-Print, Computer Land
➤ Suggestive Marks
➤ Playstation, Roach Motel
➤ Arbitrary Marks
➤ Apple Computers
➤ Fanciful Marks (Max Protection)
➤ Kodak, Exxon
19. EIGHT ELEMENTS OF LIKELY CONFUSION
1. Strength of the Mark
2. Proximity of Goods
3. Similarity of Marks
4. Evidence of Actual Confusion
5. Marketing Channels Used
6. Type of Goods and Degree of Care
Exercised by Purchaser
7. Defendant’s Intent in Selecting the Mark
8. Likelihood of Expansion of Product Lines
20. 7 AREAS OF CONCERN FOR HAUNTERS
What SHOULD Keep You Up at Night
31. MONITOR YOUR CONTENT
➤ Set up Google Alerts
(google.com/alerts)
➤ Haunt Name (Plus Town if Needed)
➤ Unique Phrases from Your Content
➤ Any Relevant Titles
➤ Google Image Search
(images.google.com)
➤ Upload Any Images to Check
➤ Respond Appropriately to Infringements