What is a trademark?

A Trademark is a type of intellectual property right that is afforded to brands which are in a form of a word, phrase, symbol or design that identifies your goods and services and distinguishes brands from competitors. Read more on types of trademarks, how to protect them, and what rights you will receive. Trademarks can include logos, names, phrases, sounds, colors, or even scent and touch. They serve as a source identifier for consumers, allowing them to easily identify and associate a particular product or service with a particular company. The product or service that the trademark is associated with is what is being identified and distinguished by the trademark. So in simple terms, a trademark is a brand which is protected by means on intellectual property law and identifies the source and quality of a product or service. A trademark gives you the exclusive right to use your mark and helps prevent competitors from using a mark that’s the same as or very similar to yours. More information on trademarks and service marks can be uncovered in our article. Simply using a name, logo or slogan in a business gives it some level of trademark protection, though these “common law” trademarks are hard to enforce and apply only in your immediate locality. You can get statewide trademark protection by registering your trademark with your state. But the strongest and most far-reaching trademark protection comes from registering your mark in the country you would like to operate in. Read more on why you should register your trademarks and trademark protection in the USA federal protection vs state protection.