If I add an R or TM symbol to a logo, and it is not really a registered trademark, is that considered illegal?

Question

It seems like it should be up to the on-looker to look up whether or not it is actually registered. If the person does not want to look it up, then he just assumes that he can't steal it. My ultimate question is can I get away without registering? and is the registration process really just to make sure your *** is covered?

Answer 1

You can just add the symbol but it would offer you little to no protection if someone was to steal your idea and register it.  If the property has value, you'd probably want to protect the value.

"Looking it up" is actually really simple and there are many inventors who have lost rights because someone beat them to the patent office.

Answer 2

It's OK to add those symbols to your creations without actually registering them.