Intellectual property law is increasingly important to the business bar. This contains an introduction to the law of trademarks and copyright for business practitioners. Introduction to Trademarks Trademarks are words, names, marks, symbols, designs or slogans used by manufacturers of goods. They indicate the origin of particular goods, and distinguish goods from those made and sold by others. Trademarks are used primarily for things that are tangible.
Service marks are similar.
They also distinguish origin and services of one provider from another. The law that applies to service marks is generally the same as for trademarks. This article refers mainly to trademarks but the concepts apply to service marks as well. Trade names do not describe products or services. They identify the manufacturer, dealer or other business entity that provides goods or services.