Membership is FREE, giving all registered users unlimited access to every DNForum feature, resource, and tool! Optional membership upgrades unlock exclusive benefits like profile signatures with links, banner placements, appearances in the weekly newsletter, and much more - customized to your membership level!
You can also just register a state trademark for about $50 if you only need protection within that state. Sometimes it's all that may be required and can be done by the applicant himself in a short time. (Read more: http://library.findlaw.com/1999/Jun/1/129232.html)
For more info about a particular state's trademark procedure, go to that Secretary of State's website.