Trademark basics: What can be trademarked?
“A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, and/or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others. Some examples include brand names, slogans, and logos.” (USPTO)
Trademarks can be important for your business because they:
- Distinguish your company/brand from other businesses
- Identify the source of goods
- Allow other companies to use your mark for co-branding
- Let members of a similar group/union benefit from one trademark
- Separate your goods and services from others
You can help protect the intellectual property rights of your company and distinguish yourself from competitors by getting a government-issued trademark that protects you by law. Failing to secure a proper trademark can leave your business vulnerable to competitors who can trademark your brand, slogan, logo or color out from under you.
What can’t be trademarked?
Since trademarks have evolved to protect both goods and services, there are more restrictions on what can’t be trademarked:
- Generic terms and phrases
- Proper names
- Vulgar words or phrases
- US Presidents
- Government symbols
- Sounds (These are covered under copyrights.)
Applying for a trademark
Do you have a brand, slogan or logo you want to trademark? Fill out our form to get started!
