TradeMarks and CopyRights

[BBear]

I have a client that needs a logo and name TradeMarked/CopyRighted but I'm CLUELESS about the procedure. Where do you start? Which one do you start with (or does it matter?)

I see there is a lot of info on the uspto.gov site and it is giving me a headache - should I be sending my client to an attorney to do this? Or is it not as complicated as it looks (meaning they can really do this on their own if they know the starting point)?

I'd just like to make sure I am at least sending them in the right direction, any insight appreciated!

Thanks!

[m2]

They need a trademark (or a service mark) to protect a logo. I paid an attorney for my fist trademark; did the second one myself.

If the logo is truly valuable, pay the attorney; even if a trademark is issued it can be contested.

BTW, suggest they use an attorney that specializes in intellectual property. The first time around I consulted with my business attorney, paid him for his time and he referred me to the specialist.

m2

[BBear]

Thank you m2!

[Arf]

(R) registered trade marks are the ones you pay for.

TM is a designation you can put on any trade mark and it does have some legal authority. I put TM on every logo I create as a matter of course but I've yet to register any of them.