TradeMarking?

[Astrael]

So I like to think of my username as my company name. My paypal is a registered business paypal under the name of Astrael Websites. I was wondering if I should trademark the term, or if that's a waste of money.. ?

[Eve]

How much will it cost you, if you do?

[Astrael]

I'm not 100% sure to be honest. I was looking it up and every website I found was saying like $150 + government fees. No idea what that would really add up to.

[Eve]

Before you trademark the name, you should secure the domain name, http://domai.nr, and with social networking sites, http://namechk.com. The value of the trademark depends on the association of the brand "Astrael" with recognised goods or services.

Until you develop the brand, it is not worth the trademark. It is similar to a domain, which lacks value until traffic is created.

[Astrael]

I have the domain http://astrael.net so I'm not worried about securing it as a domain. namechk is pretty cool, but hypothetically if I trademark the name would I not be able to contact the social networking site and explain that it's a trademarked term and therefore they cannot use it? I mean it's a dick move, but I think I would be able to do that.

[Eve]

You make a good point. Trademarking can be an insurance policy if registered with an internationally accredited authority. Each social networking site may have its own policy, however, and issues of jurisdiction may apply if a competitor resides in another country. It is best to secure any sites while available and free.

The process of trademarking will be worth the investment. It can also strengthen your resolve to develop the brand.

[Solidus]

You need to notify the PTO.
http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/teas/index.jsp

Read up about it so you fully understand how to do it.