International agreements, such a the Berne Convention, extend U.S. copyright protection to over 100 countries world wide. Software piracy is widespread in Asia and is particularly difficult to enforce in countries such as China. Remedies are readily available within the U.S. and Berne Convention countries for copyright infringement. Trademark and Service Mark Protection Trademark protection applies to the identification of products and services in the market. Other examples are McDonalds golden arches, the NBC peacock, the GM Saturn Logo, and IBM's stylized lettered logotype.
Most states also maintain some system for registration and protection of trademarks.
A trademark registration is required to provide full protection under the law. Trademarks must be distinctive, memorable, creative, or out of the ordinary to be protected. Some trademarks are provided protection because over time the public has come to associate the product with the company. Coined Marks - Words made up and specifically used as a trademark such as Xerox. Fanciful Marks - Words that create imaginative images through its use such as Guess apparel.