Unregistered Tradmark vs Registered

[ryanb4614]

Do you still need to register with the government to put a TM in front of your store logo? (store being a ecommerce site) I have a very detailed logo, with characters, the characters are throughout my store, they were hand drawn by me, recommendations? I dont have $$ to spend on this but I dont want anyone taking them. What is the TM vs R

[Collabora]

Its a legal thing. You will need an attorney or you can do it yourself. Here is a good diy site:

https://www.legalzoom.com/

[katedelaney]

It's the circle around the R symbol that requires that you have a registered trademark from the US Patents and Trademark office. Anyone can use the TM symbol. It's inherent, but it can reiterate that your images are trademarked. Applying for a registered trademark is a long process and much more complicated than you may think. I'd think twice about pursuing it until you have significant revenues and some real traction with your business.

[nickie]

Until you're making some good chunk of change, worrying about these kinds of things is a distraction and not something that's worth your money or your time. Go build your business first.