A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or design used to identify and distinguish the origin of goods sold. A service mark is the same as a trademark except that it identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than a product.
Most business names are service marks.
Marks are symbols of quality. Consumers are assured that each product or service symbolized by a mark originates from and is the same quality as other goods and services of the mark owner. Federal registration secures benefits beyond the rights acquired by merely using a mark. Registration is the only way to establish rights in a mark if you have not yet had interstate sales of goods or services. Any business that adopts a mark confusingly similar to yours cannot later claim ignorance of your rights.