Principal Register

Registration here gives nationwide constructive notice, a legal presumption of validity and ownership, the right to use the R symbol, and the ability to become incontestable after five years. This is what people mean by a registered trademark.

This is what people mean when they say "registered trademark". It carries the presumptions that make enforcement practical: that the mark is valid, that you own it, and that your rights are nationwide rather than limited to where you happen to trade.

1. Check your mark is distinctive enough. Descriptive marks are usually refused here and offered the Supplemental Register instead.
2. File, and expect examination against the existing register.
3. Once registered, start the R symbol on the goods and services covered.
4. Diary the Section 8 at year five to six, and consider Section 15 at the same time.

Two businesses use similar names in different states. The one with a Principal Register registration has nationwide constructive notice from its filing date; the other has rights only where it actually trades. The registration is what converts a local position into a national one.