Hello David:
About the trademark, it may be that the forms have been filed and it is not in the system just yet as " pending ". However, I do find it unusual that they did not file well in advance of launching their business.
There is a process known as, " the poor man's copyright " . This still holds up as being legal in the US court system;' it also pertains to trademarks.
All one need do is mail the material to thier own home address, certified mail. When it arrives, sign for it. Next, take the package or envelope and file it all away in a safe place and do not open it unless a legal issue arises over who owns the rights. The court is where you open the package or letter that was delivered to you by the postal carrier who is considered, " an agent of the US federal government. "
You can also enact this same process by creating products that have your company name and or art work on various products. One can produce one item, photograph it and then complete the same process as explained above with the " poor man's copyright."
The US court system will accept what is listed on the Internet and noted as being under copyright or trademarked as long as it is stated on the page(s) correctly.
As an example, go here:
http://www.webspawner.com/users/americanmusicmachine/index.html
Please note that at the very bottom of the page it shows the copyright information.
I had an experience over this same matter months previous, and the person realized that what they were trying to do was going to have them arrested, fined, or both, if they continued.
What ever material one presents on the Internet as being under copyright is held as legal and enforceable in any reasonable US Court. The same goes for trademark. In addition, the global system will acknowledge this as well.
Back to your observations. I too find lack of information and no contact person listed, phone number, etc. a red flag.
I'll have our News affiliate join you in your research. It may be that they are on this one already. We shall see what plays out.
Let's all have a wonderful 2007... please.:)
Joe Buccheri