I've been reading up on the subject and I'm convinced that I want to trademark my brand and incorporate to separate my personal assets from my professional assets. It just seems like a hefty price to pay while I'm still sitting here at ground zero not making any money. 
I'm leaning toward starting the online T-shirt business aimed at my niche market, guerilla marketing it up, and seeing what comes of it in attempt to keep my entry costs as low as possible. I've searched the topic on the boards and understand that I can place a TM next to my brand name until it is actually registered, which is cool with me. I've done some initial research on the TM site and don't think that the name and mark I've chosen will be a problem. (I know that could change with more research, but those are the breaks right?) I'm also thinking that I can hang out as a sole proprieter <sp?> until I start making some real sales, at which point I can incorporate for my own peace of mind.
So what's the worst that can happen to me if I sell first and register/incorporate later? Somebody hijacks my mark? I get sued for (insert reason here) because its the American way? I need to know a worst case scenario so I can decide whether its worth my $600-$1000 up front or if I can hold out and have the business pay for it...
I'm leaning toward starting the online T-shirt business aimed at my niche market, guerilla marketing it up, and seeing what comes of it in attempt to keep my entry costs as low as possible. I've searched the topic on the boards and understand that I can place a TM next to my brand name until it is actually registered, which is cool with me. I've done some initial research on the TM site and don't think that the name and mark I've chosen will be a problem. (I know that could change with more research, but those are the breaks right?) I'm also thinking that I can hang out as a sole proprieter <sp?> until I start making some real sales, at which point I can incorporate for my own peace of mind.
So what's the worst that can happen to me if I sell first and register/incorporate later? Somebody hijacks my mark? I get sued for (insert reason here) because its the American way? I need to know a worst case scenario so I can decide whether its worth my $600-$1000 up front or if I can hold out and have the business pay for it...