Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Here is what I should have posted...I`m getting a trademark, not a patent...

Does anyone know if it is okay to start manufacturing a product (clothing in my case--a t-shirt to be exact) while the trademark is pending on the logo?  I plan to file the trademark application before the end of the year, but I`ve heard it takes nearly a year or longer for the application process to be complete. I don`t want to wait that long to start promoting/advertising/marketing my t-shirts. I`ve seen some products with "patent pending" on them or denoted on their websites.  What do you think? I want to be smart/safe, but I don`t want to waste too much time and prolong this process.  Please help!!

You are actually able to use the "TM" as soon as you create the artwork.  The actual application is to register your trade mark to use the "R" next to your logo.  I`ve seen many company`s that never register their logo and just use the `TM.`

 

Hope this helps.