A trademark is a word, name, symbol or device that is used in trade with goods to indicate the source of the goods and to distinguish them from the goods of others.  A service mark is the same as a trademark except that it identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than a product.  The terms “trademark” and “mark” are commonly used to refer to both trademarks and service marks.

Trademark rights may be used to prevent others from using a confusingly similar mark, but not to prevent others from making the same goods, from selling the same goods, or services, under a clearly different mark, or from using a similar mark on completely different goods.  Trademarks, which are used in interstate or foreign commerce, may be registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Advantia Law Group provides services which include trademark research, selection assistance, clearing services, filing and prosecution of state and U.S. jurisdictions through associate law firms and agents.