Strictly speaking, no registration is required for trademark protection in the U.S. - you simply need to have used the mark. Registration is required to bring

Strictly speaking, no registration is required for trademark protection in the U.S. - you simply need to have used the mark. Registration is required to bring suit in Federal court, to prevent infringement from imported goods, to claim protection internationally, and to gain presumption of exclusive ownership nationwide. You can also use the (TM) symbol to assert your claim on the mark without having registered it. From the USPTO website: Is registration of my mark required? No. You can establish rights in a mark based on legitimate use of the mark.