One way that you will want to use a professional logo is on all of your advertising. People often remember symbols more than they do names. You will want to get a logo that people will remember when they see it and associate it with your business. This is part of business branding and it sets your business apart from the others. You should get a logo that is simple but directly corresponds to your business. 

Another way to use a professional logo is to have the logo placed on clothing. There are most likely a number of charity events in your town. If you order t-shirts or hats with your logo on them, you can give them to charities to give as gifts to those who turn up at these events. This gets the name of your company as well as the symbol, which is your logo, right out there to the people. Everyone who sees or wears the shirt will be promoting your business.

You should be sure to get logos on all of your business cards and business stationary. You should use your logo as much as you can so that people come to recognize it and associate it with your company. 

When you get a logo design from an online company, you will be able to get an inexpensive, professional logo that you can proudly display. It is a good idea for you to get the logo trademarked so that it belongs to you and so that no one else can use it. You can do this by applying for a trademark at the United States Copyright Office. You can only do this when you have an original logo. If you are using a stock logo, you cannot get it trademarked.  A cheap, stock trademark is a good idea if you are looking for a cheap logo for a short term business venture. 

People take to symbols more than they do to words. Your logo is a symbol that illustrates your business. A professional logo should not be too intricate and should be simple enough so that when people see it, they have some idea of what your business does. Look for a logo design company that will work with you to make sure that you get the ideal business logo to flatter your business and help you brand your company name. 

Q. I am in the retail clothing business and bought some stock from a number of manufacturers. Subsequently I was approached by solicitors from a designer accusing me of infringing copyright as I was selling her designs. What should I do in the circumstances?

A. There are a number of things but the first one is to retain an intellectual property lawyer to deal with this copyright issue. There are any number of questions which come to mind with one of the most important being whether there was any holding out by you whether these particular clothes were in fact designed by the other solicitor’s client. Effectively the matter needs to be negotiated so that your position is fairly put whilst at the same time ensuring that you do everything necessary to prove that there has been no breach of copyright but you have to take the appropriate steps to cure this. Do not forget, if there has been a breach this can involve you in substantial costs including paying for the other party’s legal fees.

Q. I have a unique concept which I want to protect and don’t know what to do in the circumstances?

A. Ideas are not the subject of patents and therefore this protection is not available to you. Where you have a concept and it involves a design it cannot be protected if it is an idea. Where you have an idea it is the expression of that idea for which you can claim copyright. In order to further protect the expression of this idea it might be good to develop a trademark and have it registered.

Q. How is the Copyright Act 1968 protect copyright owners’ risks?

A. Basically the Act gives copyright owners certain exclusive rights to promote creativity and innovation with respect to their works. Normally anyone wishing to copy or reproduce copyright material will need permission from the copyright owner. There are certain exceptions which enable certain classes of persons to use copyright material without permission for restricted purposes.

Q. With digital and other emerging technologies are there traps for the normal consumer apart from copyright owners?

A. Yes. Under new legislation the new amendments will not allow you, for example, to upload a copy of a song from the internet.

Q. Is cybersqatting on the increase given that so much business is now conducted over the internet through specific domain names?

A. Yes. The registration of domain names is fairly simple but it is managing the renewals which a business may have at any one time during its life cycle which causes problems. Obviously businesses need to invest time and money in a comprehensive brand management strategy to protect themselves in this area.

Q. How does cybersquatting normally arise?

A. There are any number of well-known names or brands which are instantly recognisable to the public. Cybersqatters capitalise on this by registering in bad faith domain names which can be confused with or almost indistinguishable from these brands. As a result they take traffic away from the legitimate owners of the brands as they serve to confuse the market place. One strategy is to register a name and hopefully sell it back to the legitimate brand owner at an inflated price.

Q. What should I do to protect my brand as my business is increasing annually and it won’t be long before it is instantly recognisable?

A. Every business person or owner or company involved in the sale or marketing of goods and/or services should have a brand management strategy which should be totally comprehensive to ensure some level of real protection. One of the best ways of doing this is to closely align the business or company name and/or domain name and/or copyright of a slogan and to register a trademark to ensure the exclusive use of that name. Exclusivity is the key to your identify and therefore maintaining your market share.

Q. I have been running a business for a number of years and as part of my strategy I obtained a domain name but I have been recently contacted by solicitors acting for another party who indicate that I have infringed their trademark. What should I do?

A. Just because you have been operating a business for a number of years it does not necessarily mean that you have exclusive right to use that name. Obviously their client has a registered trademark for that name which provides them with exclusive rights to use the name in their area of business activity. Just because a domain name is available it does not mean that you cannot infringe somebody else’s trademark. Even where this arises inadvertently as appears to be the case here it seems that you are infringing their trademark and obviously they are prepared to take action against you which would prove extremely expensive if you do not retain a lawyer early on to assist you with this matter.

Q. What happens if a business is already operating under a particular name and has a corresponding domain name?

A. First you should consider whether or not you really need this name and if you require exclusivity you trademark it.

Q. Is it easy to register a trademark in Australia?

A. No. You do not know what you are doing and you will not know what outcome you have achieved without seeking expert guidance and assistance. This area of the law is rather complicated and the services of a competent solicitor should be engaged for accurate guidance and assistance. It is of note that the Trademark Act 1995 provides broad grounds for a change in registration so that genuine competitors are not disadvantaged by registration of a mark which they may honestly need to use in the course of their trade or business.

For a long time now big companies have been investing freely in creating a stunning company logo designs. They employ design agencies to design and develop several company logos. These logos are designed after detailed discussions and several brainstorming sessions. The company then picks up one or two logos for further development and finalizes on the design that should represent them to the world.

In case of smaller businesses or individual enterprises, such an elaborate system for <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(’/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.pixellogo.com”>company logo design</a> is not viable. There are many reasons for this. The first is of course the cost factor. Creating a unique logo from scratch through acclaimed professionals is a costly and time-consuming affair. Many design houses are prohibitively expensive. Their cost is justified because their aim is to cater to the needs of a small percentage of top-notch businesses and brands that are already making a lot of money. This means that businesses that are looking for cost-effective solutions need to look elsewhere for their logos.

One of the best ways in which you can create a stunning company logo design at a fraction of the cost is to make use of online design companies that come out with ready-made logo templates. You can browse their catalog and select styles and designs that suit your needs. You can then narrow down your selection and pick out a winning design. Many companies allow you to purchase exclusive ownership of your logo design. Though costlier than simply buying a copy of the design, this feature takes your particular logo off the company’s catalog, while all the files pertaining to the same are sent to you along with a letter of ownership and full copyright control.

With some experience and trial and error, you may modify your logo using a graphics software like Adobe Photoshop. Of course, modifying a logo and coming up with a stunning company logo design of your own may take some amount of time and patience. If you are not interested in spending your time learning something that is not in your field of interest, you may even get the logo modified professionally from the company that supplies logo. At a nominal cost, experienced designers can help change the color, text or font of your logo. Generally, companies charge you according to how extensive your requested changes are. Furthermore, once you have selected a logo design, online services even allow you to insert your logo on stationery items. This helps you establish your new identity speedily and effectively.

If you do not have the money to employ a high end design agency for designing your company logo, then purchasing a ready-made logo from a catalog is the next best option. This way, you can cut costs while ensuring all the other benefits of a custom made company logo design

Internet marketing has many characteristics that separate this marketing method from the mainstream business.

Here are a few positive factors that make Internet marketing a very attractive business opportunity.

You can start and operate an Internet business as an individual    or as a family venture.

You can start part time from home, eliminating the cost of an office. Most homes have computers connected to the Internet; hence there is no need for capital investment.

There are thousands of small Internet businesses operating out of homes, apartments, and mobile homes. They don’t have a neon sign pointing to their location.  It’s not because they wish to be secretive, it’s just because their customers are worldwide and there is no reason to advertise in this manner.

New technology and affordable equipment gives access to business
opportunities that were once limited to workers in commercial settings.

 Today anyone with some computer experience and Internet connection can built a good business Internet Marketing.  In fact one of the fastest growing segment of home business, is part time Internet Marketing.

Once you dig your way through all the hype, scams and frauds, you find that there is a future in marketing on the Internet.

When you start make sure you wouldn’t be one more of the problems. Check out the governing regulations that effect Internet marketing. Go to; ftc.gov.com.

Get familiar with the regulations and check out some of the other
helpful links to tips, fraud.

If you intend on making a living on the Internet start out part time. The failing rate on the Internet is over 94 percent, mostly because they buy into the MLM Marketer that promises all you have to do is join as a paid member.

In your dealings with others, make sure you have proper disclosures as required by law. To be an effective marketer, don’t be untruthful, make false, misleading statements.  Further remember you are responsible for statements made by the MLM marketer if you are an affiliate selling for them. You too could be charged and fined along with the MLM you are promoting.

 If you do want to sell a product for a MLM make sure you check them out. Then you need to get the script that will shorten the URL you are given to promote with, or learn how to clone the URL so your commission is not stolen.  Join a couple forums, and ask if anyone could give you the script to be able to do either of the above. Most people in forums will help because it also gives them a plug.

 SECURITY

The costs involved for security in the early 2000’s, made this part of Internet marketing the domain of large corporations. However by the middle of 2000, with widespread of network appliances coming online, small business and homeowners have found security is becoming reasonably priced.

Some sound computer advice if followed will not cost you a cent and should be the main most important security you can give to your online marketing experience.  Just don’t get lured into a false sense of security just because you have security software installed. There is no software on the market that can stop a virus from getting on your computer.

Start with a solid password for your computer. Forget your favourite cat or dogs name. Come up with something, like close your eyes over your computer and punch 15-20 keys. Then pick out about 11-12 of the keys you punch and this will be your PW Code. Write it down in a little codebook you can carry in your pocket, never leave it on your computer.

Next never open an attachment unless you know who is sending it and you are expecting it. Be careful when downloading free offers, gifts, too.  Great place for a virus to get a free ride into your computer.

Shaw is my server and they supply me with a free centralized firewall, which check for signs of unwanted visitors. They provide a log of attempted access to my computer, so you know who is trying to get in. This paper trail is for prevention and tracing. Most fraud artist knows this and will go to a less secure site.

LIGHTSIDE

A teacher was getting to know the kids in here class, asking their names, where their dad worked. The little girl answered,” My name is Judy, my father is a postman”. The next child, a boy said, “ my name is Paul and my dad is a striptease artist”

The teacher gasped and quickly changed the subject.  Later, in the schoolyard, the teacher approached Paul and asked him if it was true that his dad was a striptease artist. Little Paul blushed and said, “no, he’s really a Software Information Director at Microsoft Corp, but I am too embarrassed to tell anyone

PUBLIC DOMAIN
If you don’t have anything of your own to sell it may be worth checking out Public Domain. There are many books, movies, newspapers that are in Public Domain.  These are no longer cover by copyright and can be used by anyone, fully, or changed to suit the new author.

Domain Information

When a work is in the public domain, it means that the work is free to use without paying royalties.

When the creator of a work dies, the rights to benefit from a work passes to his/her family and continues for 70 years after the creator’s death; at that point, the work enters the public domain.

There are many books, movies, newspapers that are in Public Domain.  These are no longer cover by copyright and can be used by anyone, fully, or changed to suit the new author.

For example every issue of any magazine, who’s copyright was not renewed in the U.S.A. between the years of 1923 and 1964 becomes Public Domain. Records show only about 1,500 ever renewed their copyrights.  Every issue of any magazine whose copyright was not renewed in the 28th year of first publication is now Public Domain.

A work may be in the public domain because:

It was created before copyright laws.

Its copyright protection has expired.

It never had copyright protection or its protection was lost, (example: a work published before March 1, 1989 and did not carry a copyright notice),

It was dedicated to the public domain.

The following items are never covered by copyright:

Works. If created by the U.S. government (except under contract).

Reprints of works in the public domain (but a license may restrict use.)

Ideas, facts, and common property (i.e., calendars and phone books) federal laws and court decisions words, names, slogans and phrases.  Most blank forms, discoveries, procedures, and systems (but not the words that describe them.)

While the Canadian government claims Crown copyright there are images archives at the National Library of Canada that are in the public domain. They include:

While the Canadian government claims Crown copyright there are images archives at the National Library of Canada that are in the public domain. They include:

Early Images of Canada 550 images

GOOGLE, PUBLIC DOMAIN IMAGES
In July/2009, Google announced some exciting news that will definitely impact your ability to find quality Public Domain Images…for the better! They extended the functionality of Google Image Search  to now include the ability of filtering search results based on Usage Rights. To access this new feature, you will want to click on “Advanced Image Search.” With this new feature, Google provides us with a few options:
Not filtered by license (default)
Labelled for reuse

Labelled for commercial reuse
Labelled for reuse with modification
Labelled for commercial reuse with modification.

SELLING VIA E BAY

There are many items around your home, you no longer have use for, but others may want to buy. A friend of mine was a Johnny Cash fan, had a bunch of his records he was going to throw out. Hi son took them, put them on sale on e bay, and sold most of them at $75. Each. Old books, certain T Shirts, are good sellers.  Take a look around your home; you’d be surprised at the stuff you could sell.

Another way is to find a good drop shipper, and find goods you can sell at a profit on eBay, or via your website.

Don’t get sucked into being an affiliate for some MLM scheme. Many are just an extension to chain letters and are not legal. Remember if you do sell for some MLM firm and they are not legal, you too could be charged. Further, you are given a long URL, which most persons will not click on.  In fact you will be just giving free advertising for the MLM, as many will just chop off your affiliate link and deal direct with the firm, getting the commission you should have earned.

Don’t get suck into free websites.  When I first came on the net I seen an ad that promise a free website with 5 streams of income. Just what I needed. Yes my lucky day, a free website bringing in 5 streams of income. The only problem was he also looked after my cpanel. Being a newbie it took me 6 months to catch on the 6 streams of income were going to the guy, not me.

If your not experienced in putting up a website, get someone to do it for you. By reading forums I was lucky enough to contact a young lady by the name of Robyn. She set up a website for me, and showed me how to operate my cpanel, and have received help from her in marketing. She operates ezy-hosts.com, and is a person you can trust. I have been with her since 2003, and have received great service.

 Nothing comes easy. Take time to learn and you will earn.

ARTICLE WORD COUNT: [794]

KEY WORDS: discover your
creativity,creative,creativity,unique,uniqueness,discover,copywri
ter,logo,headline,slogan,bulleted benefits,hypnotic words,Claude
Hopkins,Jay Abraham,Ted Nicholas,develop your
uniqueness,discover your creativity,dream your solutions

SUMMARY: As a growing copywriter and Cyberspace Marketeer, I
often seek new ideas and ways of doing stuff.. But before this
process can happen, I have to “pay my dues.” I do this through
research over the Internet. I get out and socialize, during work
time and play time. Only afterwards am I able to discover and
lay out creative, unique solutions.

Copyright 2005 – by Robert Leggett – All rights reserved

* * * * * * *

You have a choice. Do you want to be constructive and positive
in a unique way? Or do you want to be destructive and negative
in a unique way? History has proven the futility of the latter
goal. So let’s focus on your unique capacity to better yourself
and those around you.

In western music there are 12 notes per each octave on the
keyboard. Only 12 notes. From these simple 12 notes come the
various musical works of Mozart, Brahms, Rossini, Beethoven,
Donizetti, Bach, Strauss, Wagner, Puccini, Verde, Gershwin,
Gilbert & Sullivan, Rogers & Hammerstein. The Beetles, Merle
Haggard, Marti Robbins, Louis Armstrong, Elvis, Aretha Franklin,
Little Richard, Pointer Sisters and countless other unique
performers, composers, and musical forms. What a variety from 12
basic notes!

As a growing copywriter and Cyberspace Marketeer, I often seek
new ideas and ways of doing stuff.. But before this process can
happen, I have to “pay my dues.” I do this through research over
the Internet. I get out and socialize, during work time and play
time. Only afterwards am I able to discover and lay out
creative, unique solutions.

When I am given a set of parameters, I must intensely focus upon
these, and then forget about them. Within a week a unique idea
“pops” into my consciousness. Several weeks ago, I was
consulting with a new client. He had “Hummingbirds” as part of
his logo. He needed a slogan. He is in the restaurant trade. How
can I tie the concept of “hummingbirds” in with food service?
Over time we discovered “Every Bite – Hummingbird Light” Now he
has a powerful slogan. We created a good headline featuring his
current offering. We listed bulleted benefits (yes, a tiny
hummingbird was used as each bullet). And a great slogan. His
publicity pulls very well. He is unique in a positive way.

Logo. This is usually a unique graphic. Sometimes it can be a
simple choice of font face, relative sizes, and placement. But a
“killer” graphic logo is best. The logo reflects your whole,
unique business philosophy and image. It has to be so crystal
clear the public recognizes it instantly. The Colonel’s bucket.
The golden Arches. CocaCola Bottle. No words are needed. Never
Copy. You may Modify. Create New is best. Focus on this task.
Then let it go. You might “dream” the solution. Perfect your own
unique logo.

Headline. Vital to keeping interest of your target market. Going
further with the above “Hummingbirds” copy we told basically
what it was, “Sunday Evening Roast.” Then, right below that
line, we “painted a picture” “Imagine yourself dining with your
special someone on a secluded terrace. Your cozy wooden table
and chair – your temporary sanctuary from a hard plastic world.
Your candle gently flickers with each passing breeze. You are
enjoying the intimate lightness of Hummingbirds’ unparalleled
Sunday Roast.” Needs a little fine tuning – but it works.

Bulleted Benefits. Continuing down Sumptuous Starter-dishes
Mouth-Watering Main Course-dishes Seductive Desert-Your choice
Free Glass of Red, Rosé, White (Enjoy wines a step beyond – We
taste and recommend)

Slogan (modified) follows. “Your Traditional British Roast -
Every Bite – Hummingbird Light”

After that comes phone number, location, directions etc.

However, at the last minute we decided to add in this area.
“Twiggy” 2-Course (price) “Henry VIII” 3-Course (price)

Our target market was the British couple or foursome looking for
a great Sunday Evening Roast.

Over the years I have collected aids and studied various areas
of marketing. Long ago I got copy of active verbs. Recently I
got list of “Hypnotic Words” and successful headlines used over
the years. Also a list how different colors effect emotions.
These are all great references when I am stumped or want to make
my copy even better. Some of the “greats” which come to mind are
Claude Hopkins, Jay Abraham, Ted Nicholas. Actually, some of the
best ideas can be found on current Internet sales letters.
Occasionally I find the rare good headline in SPAM sent me. Yes,
I even study some SPAM.

I have discovered my target market. They need my copywriting
skills…the undercapitalized, open-minded, serious
entrepreneur. Nobody in my immediate vicinity practices
principles of good copywriting. I am unique. I am creative. My
clients are unique. They seek creative solutions. They are fun
to work with. Our creative ideas keep amplifying each other’s.

No matter what profession(s) you are into at this time, develop
your uniqueness, discover your creativity, dream your solutions.
The more you practice, the easier it becomes. By the way, I had
no idea what I would write about this month. I kept thinking and
thinking. Then “pop” – here it is. Now to polish it up 24 hours
from now. 828 words now and finally edited down to 794.

You may have heard of the term ‘Intellectual Property’.  This law pertains to the field in legal practice that covers the protection of creative works found in different forms such as songs, books, inventions and as simple as drawings. 

If you, in any way, ‘steal’ these ideas, you can get sued for it. 

Copyright

Be careful when you use materials or creative works like stories, articles, jokes and other original outputs in your postcard design or copy even if you do not charge for it, like if you are planning to give out these postcards for your marketing campaign. 

You need to ask permission from the individual or institution who owns the work, whether or not you intend to make money out of the creative material.  And care should be taken so as to ensure that the contents or its message are not taken out of context. 

The symbol that represents copyright is the superscript letter C enclosed in a circle.  If the material is not registered, it gets limited protection.  But that does not mean that you cannot get sued.  Think of the money you will be spending and the hassle it will cost you to attend to these legal matters.  It is best to be careful.

Properly and regularly acknowledge the person or people behind the work, big or not. 

Trademark

Trademark is another form of intellectual property protection for names, words or phrases, slogans or catch phrases, logos or symbols.

An example of a violation against this is using a famous slogan.  In some cases, some advertisers, in an effort to draw attention, advertently rides with the popularity of some established products and brands by using the brand logo and manipulating minor details but the result still bears a striking resemblance to the original symbol.  Using a famous cartoon on your ad without permission is another violation.   

Trademark has assigned superscript symbols of TM or encircled letter R.  The R is for registered trademark which is much like the copyright symbol.  However, the TM symbol is not exactly or not yet registered (or possibly in the process of) so it does not get the same level of protection, unlike registered trademark.  For some, recognizing the owner of the intellectual property and citing that it is a trademark is enough to avoid committing a violation against this. 

One of the harming results of copyrights and trademarks violation is the loss of earnings of the person or persons whom you infringed the rights of.  As for you, if you lose the case, you may end up losing more than just that.  To be on the safe and good side, be creative and use your own materials for your postcard design and copy.

1) Symbol Logo- As the word suggests, symbol logo is devoid of letters and words, it contains only images, shapes and symbols. You must be thinking for what type of companies or situations would profit more from symbol logos. If your organization is already well-established venture and is known to the masses, then having stylish and clear symbolic logo helps. When you had used combination logo for quite sometime and want to exceed your brand recognition in the market, the option of symbol logo is a better choice. Having a unique symbol for your company will not make you lost in the rat race of capturing the targeted market. If you have time and energy to make the symbol logo trademark for your company, make it legalize by completing legal formalities.

Selection of symbol has to be made very carefully as it might have diverse meanings in different cultures, especially when your business is spread globally. Many unspoken messages can be communicated through symbols. But if your company is new on the block and it’s just the starting point with a fixed budget then avoid going in for symbol logo.

2) Text Logo – Text logo contains mainly your company’s name, here graphical elements can also be inserted. Borders, lines, boxes, letters, etc can be used in logo designing for better interaction. The use of graphic element should not dominate this type of logos. For situations like the business name being too big and contains many words altogether that cannot be abbreviated, should go for text logo. In case your business has a unique name, using it in text logo gives unforgettable one.

Many times a company offers wide range of products/services that cannot be alone symbolized through a solo image or picture. Here text logo accomplishes the goal of such companies. Text logos should have trademark protection which would make it unique and outstanding.

3) Combination Logo- This type of logo contains both graphic image and business name. It works best for business that are small or medium sized, or a company that has started their business recently. Combination logo helps in creating strong brand recognition and is visually very strong.

The symbol can speak to the services that the company offers, while the company name increases the company recognition.

Those where three main types of logos, their selection is largely based on your business and exact professional requirements. However take suggestions and do research before doting on the final logo design. Logos are essential part of any company and its identity. It also makes easy to beat the competition and build up customer trust and faith in your brand.

Copyright © 2009