• What is a trademark?
• What is a certification mark?
• What is a service mark?
• How long is the trademark protection good for?

What is a trademark? (Back to Top)

It is a word, name, slogan, symbol, or device - or any combination of these - used to identify the source of goods and to distinguish it from those of others. Examples include Coca-Cola®, Google®, Xerox®, Ford automobiles' company sign, Chrysler’s diamond.

What is a certification mark? (Back to Top)

It is a word, name, symbol, device, or a combination used with the owner’s permission by someone other that the owner to certify the quality, material, product, or service, or if the work is performed by members of an organization. You may have seen UL® mark on appliances, signifying that Underwriter Laboratories conducted the safety testing on the product and they certify that the product meets safety requirements.

What is a service mark? (Back to Top)

It is a word, name, symbol, slogan, design, or some combination to identify the source of a service as opposed to a product. Examples may include Master Card® and VISA® financial services.

How long is the trademark protection good for? (Back to Top)

The trademark protection is granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office for 10 years from the registration date, and it can be renewed every 10 years provided it is used in commerce.