Legal Advise Thread

So, my dev team and I are working over the summer to create a trailer for our upcoming game. However, I want to make sure that everything goes over smoothly on the legal side. So just a few questions:

-We're no where near completion on the game, but we need to release the trailer for the game. So I'm assuming that the trailer would be considered under the same rules as a movie. But will we have to copyright the trailer and the game separately? Or would it just be better to not copyright the trailer so that way it can be spread freely without fear of the DMCA?

-As far as the elements of the game within the trailer (like the characters, artwork, music), will we have to copyright them separately from the trailer, so they aren't stolen? Or would a copyright from the trailer extend to all elements of the trailer outside of movies?

-Can we trademark the name without a presentable product?

-Any other legal advice?

You can trademark at any time you want. You also don't need to purchase copyright registration to copyright something if you're in the USA. Once you release it the product is copyrighted. Registeration just makes future legal issues easier.

Copyright doesn't prevent ANYONE from steeling, just like banning assault rifles doesn't prevent anyone from killing. Theft is theft irregardless of copyright registration.

If it were me I wouldn't worry about any of this. From what you're asking I'd guess you don't really know what copyright/trademark registration is. I'd suggest check out the govt sites about copyright & trademarks: Copyright.gov Uspto.gov

Out simply, it's just registration, doesn't offer any protection from criminals stealing. The creator/owner also has full control. You can copyright something and let anybody hand it out for free, or you can clamp down and go after anyone who doesn't do what you say with it.

As for other legal advice, a website that specializes in mod listing isn't the place to ask. A lawyer is.