Company Logos And Trademarking

[Buckly]

I work in investments whereby we may approach a business client offering a service or deal that we can provide. In most these proposals the company's own logo is provided--taken from a company source. If the logo is poor quality we may trace it for the upmost clarity. Here is my question. Many logos are published with the traditional TM or ® registered symbol. Would that be considered part of the 'true' logo. Would it most accurately reflect the 'intent' of the logo to include the TM/® or is this extra and should be left off.

Thank you for your input.

[Buach]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for asking.  

There are a couple of things you should be aware of.  First, be very careful if you are re-tracing someone's trademark.  Trademark law requires trademark owners to defend their marks vigorously, and any misuse or misrepresentation of their mark can cause a company concern that their mark is being diluted, and by law they'd be required to complain(just a word of caution to you, you can learn more about that here if you think its a concern for you:http://www.redpatent.com/avoidingInfringement.htm)

Second, yes, you should leave the marking on the mark, TM and R circle mean different things(TM for unregistered marks and R circle for registered).  

Also, be aware that trademarks or service marks represent a company's products or services, not a company, so a company's name  is not a trademark per se unless it is used to brand a specific product or service.

Here's more info to help you understand - http://www.redpatent.com/nameYourProduct.htm Thanks for asking Tim,

Regards,

Laura