add brand research documentation for "Linear Void" trademark and SEO strategy

docs/marketing/brand-research.md

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+# Brand Research: "Linear Void"
+
+## 1. Trademark & Brand Availability (US Market)
+
+Based on searches of the USPTO database and general web usage, **"Linear Void" is highly viable for a video streaming platform.**
+
+Trademark rights are granted based on specific classes of goods and services. Currently, there are no registered trademarks or active companies using "Linear Void" in the media, broadcasting, or entertainment spaces.
+
+**Existing uses of the phrase (Non-conflicting):**
+
+- **Software / Engineering:** There is a well-known CAD/BIM software plugin called **"LINEAR Void Manager"** developed by a German company (LINEAR GmbH) for architects to plan wall openings (voids) in HVAC design. This falls under structural engineering software and does not conflict with media broadcasting.
+- **Astrophysics / Science:** "Linear void" is a common scientific term used in astrophysics to describe the evolution of underdense regions in the universe (cosmic voids).
+- **Music:** There is an electronic music album titled _Linear Void_. Album titles alone do not typically constitute a conflicting brand trademark.
+
+**Trademark Strategy:** Because your product is a self-managed video channel, you would likely file under **Class 38** (Telecommunications / Video broadcasting) and **Class 41** (Entertainment services / Providing non-downloadable videos). You should have a clear path to registration in the US since no one is using the name in these classes.
+
+## 2. Domain Name
+
+Your custom SPA setup requires a strong, memorable domain. We registered `linearvoid.tv` for this purpose. The `.tv` TLD is widely recognized as a media/entertainment domain, making it ideal for your platform.
+
+## 3. SEO & Market Positioning
+
+**Brand Fit:**
+The name "Linear Void" is an excellent thematic fit for your project. "Linear" directly communicates the 24/7 continuous broadcast format (as opposed to VOD), while "Void" implies an independent, deep-internet, or alternative space—perfect for a platform rejecting third-party ecosystems like YouTube or Twitch.
+
+**Search Engine Optimization (SEO):**
+Currently, searching for "Linear Void" brings up highly niche results (the Revit architecture plugin, medical patents, and astrophysics papers).
+
+- **The Advantage:** You are not competing with any established consumer brands, pop culture entities, or other media companies.
+- **The Execution:** Because the existing search results are so strictly confined to academic and B2B engineering niches, an active video platform with decent metadata, a steady stream of traffic, and proper indexing of your HLS stream titles will very quickly overtake the front page of Google for the term "Linear Void".
+
+## Next Steps
+
+- **USPTO Filing:** Prepare filing an "Intent to Use" (1B) trademark application with the USPTO for "Linear Void" under Classes 38 and 41 to lock in your rights before launch.