Copyrights/Trademarks/Patents? (For a design I made)?

I tried using Google for help, but since I%26#039;m new to this area, I don%26#039;t know the correct search terms. =(

Here%26#039;s my problem: A while ago, I created some cute designs (inspired a bit by something that I%26#039;m pretty sure is public domain). I%26#039;d like to protect my designs and later use them on T-shirts, cups, etc.

Based on the above info:

1) Is this correct (ie: did I use the right [terms])?:

--I%26#039;d [patent] my actual design/characters

--I%26#039;d [trademark] my company logo

...Would I need to patent (or copyright) ANYTHING else during this process?

2) How long are copyrights/trademarks/patents going to be in effect? I heard that copyrights last %26quot;70 years after my date of death%26quot;, but how do I keep it forever? What did Walt Disney do with Mickey Mouse, Goofy, etc.?

3) What are some OFFICIAL sites that handle copyrights, etc.? I%26#039;d hate to find a scam site...

4) I heard copyrights/etc. are EXPENSIVE. Are there cheap[er] sites out there, or sites with payment plans?

Please help if you can! %26lt;3

Copyrights/Trademarks/Patents? (For a design I made)?

1. Designs and characters can be protected under copyright and trademark. Similarly, a logo can be protected under copyright and trademark.

There is no way to %26quot;trademark%26quot; a company logo in the abstract. Trademark rights are established through use in commerce.

A design patent is for an ornamental design of a functional item. If I understand your facts correctly, a design patent is simply not applicable to your problem.

2. Patents are enforceable for 20 years after the filing of a patent application. Trademarks can be enforceable perpetually. Copyright term depends on a number of different facts. A chart for copyright term is below.

http://www.copyright.cornell.edu/public_...

3. Two good sites are the US Copyright Office site and the Chilling Effects site. Both are linked below.

http://www.copyright.gov/

http://www.chillingeffects.org/copyright...

4. Copyright is actually free. Once your work is %26quot;fixed,%26quot; you automatically receive copyright protection for your work, generally speaking. A registration with the Copyright Office provides a number of additional benefits, such as enhanced damages and the ability to sue others. The current filing fee to register a copyright is $45.

Copyrights/Trademarks/Patents? (For a design I made)?

I don%26#039;t know enough about copyrights to help you. I hope the links below help. For more info Google copyrights and you should get plenty of info. If you want to narrow your search you can add plus sign and name of your country (+France).