Once upon a time

[Yai]

Which was the first story ever to use 'Once upon a time' ? And is it a trademark / copyright ?

[jenstar]

The second part is easy: no, it isn't a trademark or copyrighted phrase. Even if it was, it wouldn't mean that you couldn't use it - Microsoft trademarked "Where do you want to go today?" for example, but they would be powerless to prevent you from using the phrase except as an advertising slogan or perhaps a very limited range of uses related to computing.

[Quizmonster]

The earliest-recorded use of the phrase as a story-opening in English was in G Peele's 'Old Wives' Tale', published in 1595. They didn't really have copyright in those days and even today it lasts for just 70 years after an author's death...so you may use it without fear of prosecution!