Copyright vs. Trademark: What Do I Actually Need?
If you’re putting content out into the world — from blog posts to coaching
programs to digital templates — you’ve probably asked:
Do I need a copyright, a trademark… or both?
Let’s break it down in plain English.
🔍 What’s the Difference Between Copyright and Trademark?
Copyright protects original creative works — like blog posts, videos, graphics,
PDFs, digital products, online courses, etc.
Trademark protects your brand — like your business name, course name, logo,
or podcast name.
🧠 Think of It Like This:
● If you wrote it or created it, it’s protected by copyright.
● If you named it, and it represents your brand in the marketplace, then you
might need a trademark.
📌 Examples:
● A PDF called “90-Day Social Media Planner” → Copyright
● A course called “Brand Like a Boss™” → Trademark
● Your logo → Trademark
● The video lessons inside your course → Copyright
● The actual name of your business → Trademark
What Copyright Covers
Copyright protection is automatic the moment you create something original and
fix it in a tangible format.
But here’s what most people miss:
● You can’t sue for copyright infringement unless you register it with
the U.S. Copyright Office.
● Registering makes it easier to win and get damages if someone copies
your stuff.
What Trademark Covers
Trademarks protect your brand from being used by someone else in a similar
market.
You can use “™” on your brand name to show you’re claiming it — but that doesn’t mean it’s registered.
Only “®” means it’s registered with the USPTO and has full legal protection.
Do You Need to Register Both?
● If you’re building a personal brand, protecting your course or biz name with a trademark can help you stand out and prevent copycats.
● If you’re creating downloadables, courses, and content, copyright gives you ownership (but registration = protection in court).
Bottom Line:
Own Your Ideas Before Someone Else Does.
The FREE Legal + Tech Self-Audit shows you—step-by-step—when to
copyright, when to trademark, and how to do it without burning cash. Protect your
brilliance in one coffee break.
