Washington, DC asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for District of Columbia

Q: If I wanted to protect a product line concept - a series of food themed t shirts for example - what are my best options?

My concern is that once they hit the market the concept could be easily reproduced

2 Lawyer Answers
Robert Kost
PREMIUM
Robert Kost
Answered
  • Intellectual Property Lawyer
  • Pittsburgh, PA

A: Your concern is well-founded. There's no protecting the idea of food themed tee shirts or any other kinds of articles.

On the other hand, specific designs or renderings of food pictures may indeed be protect-able. And, you may want to consider giving the shirts a name that could be protected by trademark.

This is the kind of development work that would benefit from the involvement of an attorney during the process, rather than after you've produced and marketed them.

Good luck!

Marcos Garciaacosta agrees with this answer

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
Answered
  • Intellectual Property Lawyer
  • Mesa, AZ

A: You need to consult with an attorney and file an application for a trademark protecting the brand for your line of products.

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