North Easton, MA asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Massachusetts

Q: If I have the literary copyright for bla bla, could I use bla bla for a different copyright?

I want to use the name across multiple copyrights. Am I allowed to do that?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If you hold a literary copyright for a specific work, such as a book, article, or other creative content identified as "bla bla," it generally pertains to that particular work and its use. Copyright protection is specific to the creative expression contained within that work and the specific title, "bla bla," as used in that context.

If you wish to use the same name, "bla bla," for different copyrights related to other creative works, you may do so as long as each new work is distinct and does not infringe upon the rights of others. However, it's important to note that copyright protection does not extend to the title itself. Titles are typically not protected under copyright law, and multiple works can have the same or similar titles without violating copyright.

To avoid any potential legal issues, you should ensure that the content and creative expression in each new work are original and do not copy or infringe upon the copyrighted material of others. Additionally, trademark laws may come into play if you intend to use "bla bla" as a brand name or identifier for your works, and trademark protection may be necessary in that case. It's advisable to consult with an intellectual property attorney to address specific legal considerations related to your creative works and their titles.

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