YouTube has become more than just a platform for sharing videos—it’s a business hub for creators building careers, communities, and valuable brands. Whether you run a gaming channel, vlog, or educational content page, protecting your work isn’t optional. It’s essential. Two of the most powerful tools available to creators are copyrights and trademarks.
Copyright Protects Your Content
Every video you upload, your footage, music, graphics, and even scripts, falls under copyright law the moment it is created however you cannot enforce your rights over the content in court until you have filed for federal copyright protection. Copyright protection ensures that no one can legally copy, distribute, or profit from your content without your permission.
Unfortunately, many YouTubers find out the hard way that others will repost their videos, rip clips for TikTok, or even sell their content elsewhere. Without a registered copyright, enforcing your rights becomes much harder. Registering your copyright strengthens your legal standing, allowing you to take infringers to court and recover damages.
In short: copyright gives you control over your content and the ability to fight back when it’s stolen.
Trademark Protects Your Brand
While copyright protects your videos, a trademark protects the brand behind them. Your channel name, logo, and catchphrases are what set you apart in a crowded space. Registering them as trademarks ensures that no one else can use confusingly similar branding to profit off your reputation.
Imagine building a loyal subscriber base, only to see someone launch a channel with almost the same name or sell merchandise under your logo. Without a trademark, your options are limited. With a registered trademark, you gain exclusive rights to use your brand in commerce, and the ability to shut down copycats.
In short: trademarking your brand secures your identity and prevents others from trading on your success.
Why You Need Both
Copyright and trademark work hand in hand. Copyright locks down your creative output (videos, thumbnails, intros), while trademark secures your brand identity (channel name, logos, slogans). Together, they create a strong legal shield that protects both your content and your reputation.
For YouTubers looking to build long-term careers, these protections aren’t just smart, they’re necessary.
Ready to Protect Your Channel?
At Landry Legal, PLLC, we help creators protect their content and their brands. Whether you need to register a copyright, file a trademark, or stop someone from infringing on your work, we’re here to make sure you stay in control of your career.
📞 Call us today at 888-914-0011 or email us at contact@landrypllc.com to get started.