#trademarks – Can you own a hashtag TM? (Legal Road Map® Podcast S3E73)

#trademarks – Can you own a hashtag TM? (Legal Road Map® Podcast S3E73)

Author: Autumn Witt Boyd | Go-To Lawyer for Online Entrepreneurs February 11, 2019 Duration: 24:03

Hashtags are everywhere these days. It may seem appealing to register one that you use in your business as a trademark, but is it even possible?

In this week's episode you'll learn:

  1. How to figure out if you're really using a hashtag as a trademark
  2. Why using your hashtag outside of social media may help you protect it as a trademark
  3. The downsides to registering your trademark with a hashtag instead of just the words
  4. Why a registered trademark hashtag is really difficult to enforce

Key takeaway: It takes some special circumstances to make the time and effort needed to register a hashtag as a trademark worth it. Consulting with a trusted legal advisor ahead of time can help you determine if you're ready to take on the task or not.

Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast73 for a transcript and show notes, and sign up to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit worksheet.  You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm).

Resources:

Get your free ticket NOW for the Online Course Success Summit, classes will be live Feb. 11-22: http://awbfirm.com/ocss/

This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.


Navigating the legal landscape of an online business often feels like deciphering a foreign language. Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs translates that complex language into actionable advice you can use right away. Hosted by Autumn Witt Boyd, a practicing attorney who focuses specifically on creative and digital businesses, this podcast serves as a reliable guide through the common yet confusing legal questions entrepreneurs face daily. Each episode tackles practical topics, from the essential contracts you need to protect your work and client relationships to understanding the real purpose behind website policies like terms of service and privacy notices. You’ll hear clear explanations on how copyright and trademark law applies to your original content, branding, and products, helping you secure your intellectual property without unnecessary jargon. Think of it as a regular consultation with a trusted expert, designed to demystify the law so you can make informed decisions and focus on growing your venture with greater confidence and security. Tune in for straightforward conversations that replace legal anxiety with a practical plan, making this podcast an invaluable resource for any entrepreneur building a business in the digital space.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs
Podcast Episodes
Picture perfect legal for your photography business (S5E161) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:07
It seems there are more ways than ever to grow a thriving photography business. Mini-sessions, branding photography, wedding and events, to name just a few. But each of these revenue streams presents its own unique set o…
How to safeguard your online course (S5E159) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:57
Online courses are quickly becoming one of the most popular points of entry to the online world. They can cover nearly any topic and the online format makes them accessible to a broader audience. Online courses can be a…
Growing your membership site with Britt Seva (S5E156) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:20
Losing sleep worrying over your business is no fun. But Britt Seva, founder of Thrivers Society, found herself in that exact situation before she decided to take care of the legal blindspots in her business. Learn how Br…
What's the real cost of your membership site? (S5E155) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:02
Membership sites and online communities are some of the most popular business models in the online world. They allow your business (and consistent revenue) to grow quickly and reach more people without necessarily adding…
How your interior design business can cost you BIG (S5E153) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:29
To an outsider, interior design or decorating can seem like a fun and easy gig. You pick paint colors, recommend a few pieces of furniture, top your vision off with a few accessories. Done! But actually, interior design…
Scaling in copywriting with Ashlyn Carter (S5E152) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:23
Copywriting can be intimidating to a lot of online business owners. It seems like an elusive yet necessary skill to running your business successfully and increasing sales. But copywriting genius Ashlyn Carter joined us…