By Michael Kondoudis, YouTube Trademark Lawyer
The correct way to protect a YouTube Channel name is with a trademark, not a copyright. This article explains how and why a trademark can protect the name of a YouTube Channel.
Can you copyright the name of a YouTube Channel?
No, you cannot copyright the name of a YouTube Channel. Names, including the name of a YouTube Channel, do not qualify for copyright protection. Examples of names that cannot be copyrighted include:
- The name of an individual (including pseudonyms, pen names, or stage names)
- The name of a business or organization
- The name of a band or recording artist
- The name of a product or service
- The name of a character
- A domain name or URL
The way to protect a name, including a YouTube Channel Name, is with a trademark. Read more about how to trademark Your YouTube Channel.
How do you copyright a YouTube Channel Name?
In short, you cannot copyright the name of a YouTube Channel. Names, including the name of your YouTube Channel cannot be copyrighted. But you can often TRADEMARK the name of a YouTube Channel.
How do you protect a YouTube Channel Name?
The best way to protect a YouTube Channel Brand is to trademark the name, logo (artwork), and slogan that you use to promote it. Trademarks are the easiest and best way to protect any brand. Read more about when you can trademark a YouTube Channel.
Why should you protect the name of your YouTube Channel?
The name of your YouTube Channel is the cornerstone of your YouTube Brand, and branding on YouTube is as important as your content. Trademarking your YouTube Channel Name will:
- identify you as the source of your YouTube content
- provide legal protections for your YouTube Channel Brand
- help guard against imitations and copycats
Read more about why you should trademark your YouTube Channel.
Do you need help with your trademark?
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a signal to consumers that distinguishes the source of goods or services from one enterprise from those of others. Trademarks represent and protect brands, including YouTube Channel brands. The most common trademarks are words (names), phrases, and logos.
What is a copyright?
A copyright is a type of intellectual property that protects creative works, including performances, musical, and artistic works. Examples of copyrightable works include novels, songs, paintings, photography, and movies.
Since the name of a YouTube Channel is not a creative work, it does not qualify for copyright. Read more about the differences between trademarks and copyrights.
Register Your Trademark or Copyright
Federal registration of the name of your YouTube Channel ensures that it is protected. And, working with an experienced trademark attorney maximizes your chances of success during the application process; maximizes your trademark protections; and minimizes how long it will take. Learn why here.
For these reasons (and many others that are far beyond the scope of this article), the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office encourages applicants to work with a trademark attorney. So, do yourself and your business a favor. Hire an experienced trademark attorney. You’ll maximize your chances of success, minimize the risk of overpaying the Government for your trademark, get a better result, and save yourself time and worry.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Ready to LEGALLY own your YouTube channel?
We have a simple, 5 step process we use to help our clients secure their trademarks. If you’re interested in legally owning your YouTube channel name, we invite you to book a FREE brand protection strategy session with us here.
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).