From my experience, we started out with a publisher and copyrighting BEFORE putting anything up or out. In otherwords, BMI invited us.*which was good, since they heard some of our songs almost a year ago, hence* I wouldn't go directly with Harry Fox, I've heard not too many good things about them...and supposedly they're kinda slow with
the payments. Alot of people will advise you to either join BMI,ASCAP, orSESAC, but alot of times, your work has to be up-to-par, with alot of caliber artists and songwriters.
Some people will just tell you to self-publish* in my opinion, do whatever feels right* Trademarking is relatively easy, you can do it two ways, *actually alot more*, The most important thing is registering your name,second which is called the "poor man's trademark", is simply getting your name enough recognition, in as many places as you can, **ie, myspace, gigs, the internet** Trust me, there are craploads of hoops to go through,but don't let it discourage you. I'm doing fine and you will as well.
Good Luck.