What I''ve read so far with trademarks is that you can use the TM without actually registering the trademark. But it doesn''t seem to be of any use, since it, by what I''ve read, that only by registering the mark do you have: "the ability to bring an action concerning the mark in federal court".

What I have not found is anything about the kind of trademarks done to protect cartoon and game characters. I found this on the Nintendo Website:

"Trademarks are the distinctive names, words, logos, designs and symbols used to distinguish a product of a particular manufacturer or source. Some of Nintendo''s most widely recognized trademarks include Nintendo®, Game Boy®, Super NES® and Super Mario Bros.®. The Nintendo® trademark has been filed in many countries throughout the world and registrations have been issued in Nintendo''s name in many countries."

I''m a bit confused as to what trademarks are for. I''ve got a cartoon character I''m really proud of having created. We are going to use him in a sidescroller, our next game. I want to do what is appropriate to protect it. So, what is appropriate?

----Steve