Are Tag Lines Protected Under Federal Law?

Individuals who have created a movie or who are simply interested in the process of these sorts of things might be wondering are tag lines protected under federal law?

The issue is a little bit complicated. However, the basic answer is that yes, tag lines generally can be protected under the law. They are usually only protected under trademark law though, and not by copyright law-unless there are graphics involved-or patent law.

The Protection of Tag Lines

Furthermore, you do not have to wait for a tag line to come out in order to protect it. You are able to file an application to register for protection based upon the intent to use it. Do you understand why this is important? Once a tag line comes out, it is out there for the public to hear and see. If it is not immediately protected, what can happen in those days leading up to when the application for protection is received and approved? Messy complications can certainly arise. The way the program is set up allows for tag lines to be protected as soon as the public hears or sees them.

Punishment

A wide range of punishments are available for people who steal other peoples' or companies' tag lines. Sometimes, they will walk away with not much more than a slap on the wrist, while other times the penalty will be much more severe. For example, all of the products or intellectual property bearing the stolen tag line would have to be removed from the market. Another possible punishment, if the copying is a deliberate attempt to injure, is a payment of up to three times the total amount of damages. As you can see, stealing a tag line is serious business!