You can only use ® if your mark is actually registered at the federal level with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). If you're an inventor or small business owner, you may be eligible for free legal assistance in preparing and filing a patent application.I decided to take a route that allowed me to qualify without a science degree. I enrolled in 8 science classes online from a community college in my state. If you are filing a patent in the U.S., the law does not require you to have a patent agent or attorney. You can file an application to register your trademark or service mark with an intenttouse (ITU) filing basis. To file online, use the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) or fill out the free application form to get help filing a trademark.