What can’t you copyright?

What Can’t You Copyright? Understanding Words, Phrases, and Simple Designs

When you think of copyright, you probably imagine protecting your creative work—stories, artwork, music, maybe even your website. But it’s important to know that not everything can be copyrighted.

One of the most common misconceptions is that any word, phrase, or slogan you come up with automatically receives copyright protection. In reality, copyright law is quite specific about what qualifies as a protected work.

According to 37 C.F.R. §202.1(a), the following are not subject to copyright:

“Words and short phrases such as names, titles, and slogans; familiar symbols or designs; mere variations of typographic ornamentation, lettering or coloring; mere listing of ingredients or contents.”

Let’s break this down in plain English.

What This Means

Words and Short Phrases

Examples: A product name, a catchy slogan, or a title of a book.
Why Not Copyrighted? Copyright is intended to protect original, creative expression, not the basic building blocks of language. Single words or short phrases simply aren’t considered creative enough.

Familiar Symbols or Designs

Examples: Common shapes like hearts, stars, or simple geometric patterns.
Why Not Copyrighted? Because these are universal symbols, not original works.

Mere Typographic Variations

Examples: Using a fancy font, different colors, or stylized lettering.
Why Not Copyrighted? Typography alone doesn’t make something original enough to warrant copyright protection.

Ingredient Lists or Contents

Examples: A list of ingredients on a cereal box.
Why Not Copyrighted? This is considered factual information, not creative expression.

So How Do You Protect These Things?

While copyright law doesn’t cover names, slogans, or logos, you may still be able to protect them through trademark law. Trademarks safeguard brand identifiers that distinguish your products or services in the marketplace.

For example:

Your company name
Your logo
A distinctive slogan tied to your brand

Trademarks can be powerful tools to prevent others from using confusingly similar marks.

Why It Matters

If you’re a creator or business owner, understanding what copyright covers—and what it doesn’t—helps you make better decisions about:

Branding: When to seek trademark protection.
Content: What creative work to register with the Copyright Office.
Avoiding Infringement: Recognizing that using common words or shapes isn’t usually a copyright violation.

Final Thoughts

Before assuming that everything you create is protected by copyright, take a moment to consider whether it qualifies as an original work of authorship. If it’s simply a name, a short phrase, or a familiar design, copyright won’t apply—but trademark might.

If you’re unsure, consulting an intellectual property attorney can help you determine the best way to protect your creative assets.

Have questions about copyright or trademarks? Contact us!