I want to trademark a name, I have a few questions

[talbot]

1. How long will this prevent people from using the name?

2. How long will it take for the USPTO (United States Patent Office) to confirm that I can trademark it?

3. It is better to trademark a name than copyright it right? What is the difference?

4. Someone on youtube has taken this name as their username, will I be able to contact youtube after I have trademarked it to get the name?

- I asked question 4 because I'm pretty sure record companys can take their name if other user's registered them on youtube.

Thanks to whoever helps!

[curran]

1. How long will this prevent people from using the name?

2. How long will it take for the USPTO (United States Patent Office) to confirm that I can trademark it?

3. It is better to trademark a name than copyright it right? What is the difference?

4. Someone on youtube has taken this name as their username, will I be able to contact youtube after I have trademarked it to get the name?

- I asked question 4 because I'm pretty sure record companys can take their name if other user's registered them on youtube.

Thanks to whoever helps!

You need to call a Trademark/Patent lawyer.

1 - good question - I haven't the foggest
2 - always depends - figure at least 1month - 6months
3 - Big diferences! You really need a lawyer here! However go ahead and do a temporary copyright now. Put either a copy of the items paperwork with photo if needed in a manilla envelope and mail it to yourself. DO NOT OPEN IT - If there is ever a question of who had it first you have a sealed envelope with Postal Date Stamping on it to prove your claim. It will stand up in court but consider it temporary.
4.- Nope. You can offer to buy it. First come first serve in that case.