A trademark, trade
mark, or ® is a distinctive sign, design,
sound, smell, color, product configuration, group of
letters or numbers, or combination of these, which is
used by a business to identify itself and or its
products and services to the general consuming public.
A trademark also distinguishes the business and its
products or services made, sold, or provided from those
of other businesses.
The use of a trademark prevents confusion regarding the
source of services or products. It uniquely identifies
the provider of the service or product.
Because consumers identify the
mark with a specific company, the trademark becomes a
valuable business asset to be protected from others who
want to acquire similar trademarks.
A trademark is a business
property which is distinct from other forms of
intellectual business property. In most cases, a
trademark has a name, word, phrase, and in some cases,
it includes a logo or symbol, design, image, or a
combination of these elements.