MdH Web Hosting and Web Development Group does not provide legal advice. We suggest that you contact an attorney for guidance.  We do, however, provide general information and helpful links.

Patents, copyrights and trademarks, as well as know-how or trade secrets, are often referred to collectively as "intellectual property".   Copyrights, trademarks, service marks and other designations fall within the intellectual property category.

Basically, copyright protects original expression that is fixed in a tangible form. It is protected as soon as it is expressed.  While it is no longer necessary to attach a copyright notice on copyrighted works, it is customary in order to be eligible for certain types of damages.  The recommended method of placing a copyright consists of the four elements including the copyright symbol, the term "Copyright", the year of copyright, the name of the copyright holder, and the phrase "All Rights Reserved".  Please see our copyright below for an example.

It is wise to obtain a trademark registration for your domain name. Not doing so can leave open the possibility of losing a substantial portion of your investment.  Trademarks (or brand names) are commercial indicators of source.   While we recommend obtaining at attorney for trademark registration,  The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) does allow Web-based applications.  Nolo Press, Amazon Books and others provide guides.  Trademark fees are typically $245 plus attorney costs.

Recommended sources of Intellectual Property information include: