Hi everyone! Its been three weeks now that I've made the decision finally start my business and I am still stuck on the whole business name, logo, tagline issue! Today I have a specific question though, I'm wondering if someone could tell me if taglines are or could be copyrighted. What I mean is, the taglines I am coming up with seem pretty generic or general like they could be used for many types of business (not just VA's) so what if I choose one and it is being used by someone somewhere? Anybody know?

That is a great question. I think this article/site may help you get a feel for branding and creating names and taglines. Good luck!

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Rikki Green
www.timeforlifeconcepts.com

That's a really good question - although I think the term referring to protecting a tagline is 'trademark'.

From what I understand a tagline can be trademarked at either or both the state and federal level, but I wouldn't imagine it's a very common practice in the virtual assistant industry.

I think aside from the trademark issue it's also a matter of respect for a mutual business owner. If I found that I had chosen a tagline that another VA was using already I would reword or come up with something different.

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Thank you both very much for the responses. Rikki - that was a great site, full of good tips and information. Thanks for the link!

Tess, I totally agree in regards to the respect factor. I certainly do not want to use something another VA is using, I'm really trying to research as much as possible to make sure that doesn't happen.

I guess I'm just overthinking the fact that its possible I'd choose something that someone in an entirely different profession is using. It would probably have to be something really unique to be trademarked. Besides, if I become aware it was used I could easily change it, since my understanding is it's common for them to be changed occasionally anyway.

Thank you both again, I appreciate the advice!