# How do I copyright a phrase?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-copyright-a-phrase/948630>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [August 13, 2021, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-copyright-a-phrase/948630 "2021-08-13T21:51:28Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 4

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2021, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-copyright-a-phrase/948630/4 "2021-08-13T22:07:47Z")

</div>

> [@Peanuthead](#):
>
> And for a trademark it has to be for a business, doesn’t it? Guess I’m out of luck. Maybe I’ll just make a meme.

Yes, it generally must be used in some sort of trade. But that could be something as simple as putting it on t-shirts or other merch, sold via an online site like Cafepress.

If it doesn’t fit on a t-shirt, I guess you’re out of luck.

For everything you’d ever want to know about Trademarks, it’s best to go right to the source:

> **[Trademarks](https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks)**
>
> Find out how to register and maintain a trademark in the U.S., apply for an international trademark, and about protecting your registered trademark.

Rules in other countries may be slightly different, but that will give you the basics.

---

_[View the full topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-copyright-a-phrase/948630)._