Trademarking a logo

[Dan Zollman]

Originally Posted by ebarker

USPTO has an online fast file procedure. Go find the procedure on their site and follow the instructions. Basically you will create the graphics and upload it with some money, $ 35 last time I checked.

I think ebarker might be thinking of a copyright?

You can copyright the logo easily, but a trademark is another matter. It can cost a few hundred dollars, and the process begins with an extensive search to make sure your logo doesn't look like someone else's.

However, you don't necessarily need to file for a trademark in order to claim the right to it--you have a "common law" trademark just by using the logo consistently and prominently.

Moreover, if you're just trying to protect the design of the logo itself, a copyright might be more appropriate.

The USPTO website does have a lot of information about the differences between copyrights and trademarks, and the rules for each.