The first step is to give notice. An interloper is not liable for damages until he has been notified of infringement. All this takes is a simple letter sent by registered mail and can be sent by an officer or an agent. Basically you put the interloper on notice that their use is an infringement of a pre-existing trademark right and request discontinuance of the use. If you like you can add a line regarding possible enforcement action, which *can* be pursued based on a non registered mark. As far as using a law office letterhead, if you want to do that I'd suggest that one of you guys write up a letter and send it to me along with the addresses and I'll see what I can do, but let's not make a habit of it. I rarely send out legal papers even on my own behalf these days.

If there is any possibility of a conflict with AGCO my recommendation would be that someone contact their trademark guy and discuss the matter. From what I have been told and from the searches Andy and I did it looks like he has dealt honestly and fairly with us so it is reasonable to expect more of the same. If we weren't happy to hear what he had to say that wasn't necessarily his fault.

The USPTO.gov website contains a wealth of information regarding trademarks, including downloadable registration forms and searchable databases. The registration process is not particularly difficult except for choosing a classification category. My recommendation on that entry line is to leave it blank and let the examiner suggest a classification. There is a fee involved, the current fee schedule is also on the site. If you guys can spend a little time poking about on that site you'll soon know more about it than I do. I'll answer any questions I can. There is also an examiner's manual which should be online, that can give insight into the process used to examine and grant the application.

Jim