Ronald J. Koch, P.E.

Trademarks protect the use of text and graphical images for the purpose of source identification. i.e. to inform the public of the source of the goods or services to which the trademark (or service mark for services) is attached. For example, the “golden arches” inform the public that McDonalds is the producer of certain foods.

It is unlawful to use the “®” in association with your symbol unless your mark has been approved by the patent and trademark office. You must use the “™” symbol until that time.

There are many requirements for obtaining a trademark. It is usually more complicated than it may seem to the layperson. Therefore, you should proceed cautiously before using one of the many online “do it yourself” sources. Although this warning is somewhat self serving from my perspective, I do have clients who have tried to do it themselves only to end up in a complicated situation requiring them to have to hire a lawyer. They end up paying even more than they would have had they used an attorney to begin with.