You cannot trademark a proper noun, a place name, someone else’s name, or the common term for a product or service. You also cannot trademark a slogan or informational sentence unless it’s closely tied to a specific product or service. In addition, trademark law requires that your trademark be unique and “distinctive” so that people can instantly recognize your brand. In addition, to qualify for trademark protection, your logo or brand name must be associated with specific products or services. A trademark only protects your exclusive right to use the logo or brand name for the products or services listed on your trademark application. You cannot reserve or “sandbag” a trademark name or phrase for later use with unidentified products or services.