T-shirt idea, how does one register the slogan?

Question

I am exhausted from trying to figure this out. I have been to the trademark office website, and from what I can understand, it will cost $400 to register the slogan. I totally do not know the options. Could I just make the t-shirts and sell them myself without registering the slogan? I would guess that others could "steal" the idea. If I did register and someone "stole" the idea, it probably would cost more to go after them? Any suggestions or ideas from others who have done this in the past? Thanks.

Answer 1

I have thought about this issue before myself and have come to realize that it's not worth the worry about a trademark on a slogan.  As a t-shirt creator I have already seen "stolen" ideas we have created with our company with in a years time of creation.  

If you checkout places like Cafepress.com you will see repeated slogans from different shop owners.  I feel, it also helps to have an original design that goes with the slogan.

Have fun and be creative as you can be without worrying about anyone copying your ideas.  You'll know from sales which Tee is worth the trademark expense in the future.

John

http://www.spotlighttees.com