An Overview We all rely on trademarks every day.
Trademarks are words or designs that identify products to consumers.
Similarly, service marks are words or designs used in the sale or advertising of services. Trademarks indicate the source or origin of goods or services and distinguish the goods or services from the goods or services of others. Although trademarks do not prevent others from making or selling the same goods or services under a different trademark, they protect a proprietary name or symbol used with the goods or services. Often the success of a product or service depends more on its name or packaging than on the product or service itself. We avoid products and services we dislike, by name.