INTRODUCTION

A “trademark” is a word, phrase, symbol or design placed on a product or the packaging or advertising for a product. The purpose of a trademark is to distinguish the goods of the trademark owner from the similar or competing goods of others In addition to trademarks, there are “service marks,” which are used in connection with services rather than products. Services include things like construction, transportation, advertising, medical care, and accounting or legal services The word “mark” applies to both trademark and service marks. The most common marks are words and graphic designs, but colors, sounds, shapes and even scents can qualify as trademarks

Applying for a federal trademark is often as much art as science There are numerous considerations which are listed below. If possible, discuss all these considerations before you invest in labels, packaging, advertising, promotional materials, and the like