What is a trademark?

Essentially, a trademark is used to indicate a source of goods. A trademark serves four major functions:

1. Identify a seller's goods, and to distinguish them from products sold by others.


2. Identify all goods with the same trademark as originating from or controlled by the same source.


3. Signifies that all goods bearing the same trademark are of equal quality.


4. Trademarks act as a prime instrument in advertising and selling the goods.

A trademark can include words, names, slogans, symbols, or any combination to identify and distinguish goods of one manufacturer or seller from another.

Some examples of famous trademarks include:

Words
Kodak, used since 1887 (company website)
Adidas, used since 1952 (company website)
IBM, used since 1955 (earlier expired marks used in the 30s, company website)

Names
Snoop Dogg, aka Calvin Broadus, used since 1998 (he has been using Snoop Doggy Dogg since 1993)
Morgan Freeman, used since 1971
Ralph Lauren, used since 1983 (he has been using his name with a graphic since 1972)

Slogans
I'm loving it (registered by McDonalds)
Made from the best stuff on earth (Snapple, also a trademark)
Everywhere you want to be (Visa, which has also registered the Spanish equivalent, Esta donde quieres llegar)

Symbols/Logos
Nike "swoosh"
Coca-cola Dynamic Ribbon
AT&T

Sounds
NBC chimes (coming soon)
MGM lion roar (coming soon)
Intel chimes (coming soon)

Colors
Orange for wireless phones (Europe)

Combinations
Verizon "V"
Stylized Coca-cola script

A trademark can be one of the most important assets of your business. It can clearly identify you from all of your other competitors, and give consumers a way to know you. It doesn't have to be catchy, but it does have to be something that is different. If you would like help discussing your trademark, please contact Owen