Branding on YouTube is as important as content. You need to know how to protect both.
By Michael Kondoudis, YouTube Trademark Attorney
Consistent branding, through your copy, images, and artwork, tells your story and the “why” behind your channel. It is a powerful way to make a connection with viewers and subscribers. Branding is the key to attracting and retaining viewers and subscribers. The importance of protecting your YouTube Channel Brand cannot be overstated.
This blog answers the question: Can you use trademarks to protect a YouTube Channel?
If you need to know if trademarking can help you, read on. This guide is for you.
Let’s get started!
Can You Trademark a YouTube Channel?
Yes, you can trademark a YouTube channel. A YouTube Channel is an entertainment service, which is protectable by trademarks. So, you can trademark your YouTube Channel name, logo, and slogan used to promote your YouTube channel.
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Do You Need to Trademark a YouTube Channel Name?
Yes, you need to trademark the name of your YouTube Channel. YouTube is becoming more popular every day. Great names for great channels are very valuable. If you do not protect the name of your YouTube Channel, anyone can use it and possibly even steal it. If that happens, you would be forced to rebrand.
What Parts of a YouTube Channel Brand Can Be Trademarked?
The name, logo, or slogan used to promote your YouTube channel can be trademarked.
It is helpful to think of a YouTube Channel like a television network. After all, both provide audiovisual entertainment. Television networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC trademark their names, their logos, and their slogans (e.g., “proud as a peacock” or “must-see tv”). So, you can (and should) do the same with your YouTube Channel Brand.
Read why trademarks are the ultimate protection for any brand.
What Parts of a YouTube Channel Cannot be Trademarked?
Not every part of a YouTube channel can be trademarked. You cannot trademark content, such as videos and photos. Trademarks protect how you identify and promote your content. A trademark will not prevent another YouTuber from creating videos that are similar to yours.
But, there is good news. YouTube provides resources for content creators to file copyright complaints to stop unauthorized use of your content.
We make trademarks easy!
How Do You Trademark a YouTube Channel?
To trademark a YouTube Channel name, logo, or slogan, you need to apply to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Learn about how here.
A word of warning – filing an application starts a Federal legal proceeding that can be very confusing and complicated. For this reason, and many others, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recommends that you work with a trademark attorney. Learn why.
When Should You Trademark a YouTube Channel?
Most experts agree that you should trademark a YouTube channel brand earlier rather than later. If you plan on investing your valuable time, energy, and creativity into building a YouTube brand, if it generates a decent amount of income, or you are interested in live streaming, you should trademark your YouTube Channel name as soon as possible.
Condensed Summary
When It Comes to YouTube Channel Names, Trademarks are Your Best Friend
The answer is clear – you trademark a YouTube channel name. Trademarks are specifically designed to protect brand identifiers like YouTube channel names, logos, and slogans.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) accepts applications to trademark YouTube channel names, and applicants register trademarks for YouTube channel names every day. Trademarking a YouTube channel name offers stronger and broader protection, ensuring that you have the exclusive legal right to use the mark and prevent the use of any mark that is identical or confusingly similar to your trademark.
When It Comes to YouTube Content, Copyrights are What’s Called For
You copyright YouTube content, like vidoes. Copyrights shield creative and expressive works like movies, TV shows, songs, and plays from copying.
Why Trademark a YouTube Channel Name Instead of Copyrighting It?
Trademarks protect brands, like names of YouTube Channels. Copyrights protect expressive and creative works, like YouTube videos and other content. So, you trademark the name of a YouTube Channel and you copyright the vidoes you put on your channel.
Summing Up: Trademark Your YouTube Channel Name for the Best Protection
So there you have it! Next time someone asks you whether to copyright or trademark a YouTube channel name, you can confidently tell them to go for a trademark registration. This option provides stronger and more comprehensive legal protection for business owners looking to safeguard their YouTube channel names and brand identifiers.
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For more than twenty years, Michael Kondoudis has been the go-to trademarking expert for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Michael is a USPTO-licensed trademark and patent attorney, educator, speaker, and author of the Amazon best-seller: Going From Business Owner to Brand Owner. He is also an authority trusted by national news media on major trademark stories.
Fun Facts: Michael is a member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court and an actual rocket scientist (B.S. Astronomy and Astrophysics, Indiana University 1994).