Arizona intellectual property and social media attorney Ruth Carter explains why you can't register a copyright in a phrase. They are generally too short to qualify as an "original work of authorship."

To qualify for a copyright, you need two things: (1) an original work of authorship that is (2) fixed in a tangible medium. Writing down your phrase creates a tangible medium, but it is still not an original work of authorship.

Depending on how you use your phrase in commerce, it may qualify for trademark protection: http://bit.ly/1fFQCH4. That's why Paris Hilton could register a trademark for "That's hot," but not a copyright.

You can see all the ways to contact and connect with Ruth on the Carter Law Firm website: http://carterlawaz.com/contact/.

Disclaimer: This video does not constitute legal advice. Watching this video does not create an attorneyclient relationship with any viewer. If you need personalized legal advice, hire an attorney.