PrintIt is now easier than ever to register a trademark without an attorney. Practically everything can be done online. The wealth of information on the Web about trademarking makes it possible to become relatively savvy in a fairly short time, without consulting an attorney. Most of the information you need can be obtained at the US Patent and Trademark Office (also known as the PTO). But, there are numerous other Web sites that explain trademark law and give a general overview of the registration process.
The PTO site answers all of your basic questions and enables you do an online trademark search. You can also access necessary forms and submit the application without so much as getting out of your chair. You can download from the PTO or do things the old fashioned way -- through the mail. The PTO has also established a pilot program called the "Trademark Assistance Center" that helps people obtain general information about the registration process and responds to specific inquiries regarding particular trademark applications and registrations.
As helpful as all this "self-service" information is, there are still gray areas and nuances to trademark law that argue in favor of consulting an experienced trademark lawyer. If you decide to go it alone, be sure to utilize all the online and conventional resources available. Time is of the essence in registering a trademark, but you also want your decisions to be as informed as possible.
