No. In the UK, copyright does not normally protect a business name, brand name or product name. Adding a copyright symbol does not change that.
Copyright arises automatically when an original creative work is produced. It may protect assets such as:
- Logo artwork and illustrations.
- Website copy and articles.
- Photographs and videos.
- Music and sound recordings.
- Software and databases.
- Original packaging artwork.
A trademark performs a different role. It protects the name, logo, tagline, sound or other sign that customers use to identify the source of particular goods or services.
We have seen businesses assume that because they commissioned and paid for a logo, copyright protects the complete brand. This can leave two separate problems. The name itself may remain unprotected, and the business may not own the copyright in the artwork unless ownership was transferred under the contract with the designer.
TMH does not assume that a trademark is the only protection a business needs. We consider what has actually been created, who owns it, how customers recognise the business and where the commercial value sits. A brand may require a combination of trademarks, copyright, registered designs, patents, contracts and licences.
Our article, It May Not Be a Trademark That You Need, explains how different intellectual property rights can protect different parts of a business.
A Trademark Consultation and Audit can establish whether the name, logo or tagline should be registered as a trademark and identify ownership or protection gaps that need separate specialist advice. Where another form of intellectual property protection is required, TMH can coordinate assistance through its trusted panel of regulated partners.
The client avoids relying on the wrong right, understands which assets are actually protected and directs the available budget towards the protection that delivers meaningful commercial value.
To see where your own brand stands, start with a free trademark search, or book a Trademark Consultation and Audit for a closer look.
This answer is for information purposes only and does not constitute trademark advice or guidance.
