Original post 08/09/2013. Corrected typo:
I recently was working with a client to clarify if they needed trademark or copyright protection. Registering a trademark and a copyright are both means of protecting your intellectual property. Copyright is a way to protect an "original work of authorship," including artistic, music, dramatic and certain other creative works. Copyright doesn't cover intellectual property such as names, slogans, titles, short phrases, familiar symbols or designs, or mere variations of typographic ornamentation, lettering or coloring. A trademark protects a word, phrase, symbol or design (or a combination of these) that will identify and distinguish the goods and services of one person or of one company from that of any other. If you need this protection seek legal direction and if you see these symbols or words make sure you honor them.
(Much of the above information was taken from LegalZoom.com. You can look for more information about obtaining a trademark or copyright there or check with your local or online legal professional.)