Copyright and Trademark Standards - The Graphic Design: Reference and Specification - page 6

Users can use the symbols ™ (trademark) and sm (service mark) to alert the public to their
claim of rights to a mark, regardless of whether an application has been filed with the United
States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, the federal registration symbol ®can
only be used after the USPTO actually registers a mark and not while an application is pend-
ing. The registration symbol can only be used with the mark on, or in connection with, the
goods and/or services listed in the federal trademark registration.
Registering a trademark or service mark requires filing an application with the United States
Patent and Trademark Office.
USPTO at Commissioner for Trademarks
2900 Crystal Drive
Arlington, VA 22202-3514
[phone] (Trademark Assistance Center)
uspto.gov/trademarks/teas/index.jsp
l e g a l r e s o u r c e s
Although not required, using a private trademark attorney for legal advice in filing an applica-
tion may help you avoid many potential pitfalls. Additionally, several free legal resources may
be helpful in the process. You may also consult free legal resources pertaining to your spe-
cific state of residence.
List of free legal resources
Nolo (nolo.com)
Online library of do-it-yourself legal topics and software for simple legal matters.
Voluteer Lawyers for the Arts (vlany.org)
A New York-based organization that offers volunteer legal services to arts organizations and
individual artists nationwide.