Anthony Verna appeared on Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life on May 31, 2015.

Anthony discussed the importance of registering a trademark and the difference between “TM” and (R) in trademark protection.  Listen here!

Here is a lightly-edited transcript of the appearance:

Does putting “TM” on my website do anything to help protect my business?

I’m Anthony Verna, managing partner at Vern Law, P.C. We focus on Patent, Trademark, Copyright and Advertising Law.

The short answer is: no.

Many businesses place “TM” on their websites’ advertising and packaging. However, if a business has not done its due diligence and registered its name, slogans, logos, or product lines with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, then its trademarks may not be enforceable.

Due diligence includes a performing a trademark search to find a potential plaintiffs who may already be using similar marks. Then the business may file an enforceable trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

A trademark registered with the patent and trademark office receives the R-in-a-circle symbol and can be enforced under federal law. The trademark owner may have the possibility of retrieving high amounts of damages for infringement.

I’m Anthony Verna and to talk to me about patents, trademarks, copyrights, advertising law or other areas of intellectual property.

You may call Verna Law, P.C. at (914)908-6757.

Verna Law, P.C. is at 80 Theodore Fremd Ave., Rye, NY, 10580. anthony@vernalaw.com