A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, image, or sound that distinguishes the goods and services made or sold by one company from those made or sold by another company. Trademark registration is an approval-by-examination process, not a first to use process, and the Trademark Office will register a trademark only AFTER a business is selling its goods or services to the public. There are many laws and rules that apply. Please call Gerald R. Prettyman at 925-600-7342 or email grplaw@gmail.com for an appointment to discuss your trademark (fees may apply).