A recognizable sign, word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes the goods or services of one business from those of others.
What Is a Trademark?
A trademark is a form of intellectual property that protects brand identifiers, including words, logos, slogans, sounds, colors, and product packaging, that distinguish one company's goods or services in the marketplace. Trademarks help consumers identify the source of products and provide legal protection against unauthorized use by competitors.
## Types of Marks
- **Trademark** protects goods (products)
- **Service mark** protects services
- **Trade dress** protects the overall visual appearance or packaging of a product
- **Collective mark** identifies members of a group or organization
- **Certification mark** certifies quality, origin, or other characteristics
## Registration and Protection
Trademark rights in the United States arise from actual use in commerce, not simply from registration. However, federal registration with the USPTO provides significant advantages, including nationwide priority, a legal presumption of ownership and validity, the ability to use the registered trademark symbol, and access to federal courts. Trademark protection can last indefinitely as long as the mark remains in use and registration is properly maintained through required filings every 10 years.