Trademarks

A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, design, or other sign that identifies the source of goods or services and helps businesses build brand identity and consumer trust; trademarks are a core part of broader intellectual property protection and can arise through use or by federal registration for stronger nationwide rights.

What counts as a trademark

Trademarks come in many forms—from names and logos to distinctive shapes or slogans—and different categories (such as fanciful, arbitrary, suggestive) affect how easily a mark can be protected; learn how types of marks are evaluated and which qualify for federal protection in Understanding the Different Types of Trademarks.

Symbols and legal status

The symbols ™ and ® communicate a mark’s claimed or registered status—™ (or ℠) signals a claim of common‑law rights, while only a federally registered mark may use the ® symbol; see practical guidance on proper use and meaning in A Guide to the ® and ™ Symbols.

How to register

Federal registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office requires showing use (or intent to use) in commerce, following an application process that includes search, filing, examination, publication, and maintenance steps—follow a clear walkthrough in A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a U.S. Trademark.