A
Copyright protects original creative works such as books,
movies, songs, paintings, photographs, TV shows, web content,
and choreography.
Registered may only be used after the US Government grants a
Federal registration certificate. The ® symbol may not be used
while the Federal application is pending.
A Trademark protects names, terms and symbols that are used to
identify the source of goods and/or services on the market.
Trademarks include brand names such as "Coca-Cola" and images
such as Nike's famous "swoosh" and taglines such as "just do
it." Your business can use the ™ symbol whenever it
wishes to claim a trademark. You do not need to file any
paperwork to receive permission to use the ™ symbol. Use of the
™ symbol can put your competition on notice that your business
considers a mark to be your trademark.