Introduction

Federal trademark registration provides the protection of the U.S. government for any word, name, symbol, design or device or any combination used to identify and distinguish the goods or services of the trademark owner over those of others. A service mark is the same as a trademark, except that it identifies and distinguishes a service rather than a product.

The term "mark" or simply "trademark" is generally used and refers to all categories of trademarks and service marks.

Trademarks identify and distinguish a product or service from that of its competitors. Distinctive words, letters, numbers, sounds, logos, design, packaging, slogans, phrases, characters, packaging and other non-functional features can be protected as trademarks.

• Names - Exxon, Coca-Cola, FedEx, Amazon.com

• Logos - McDonald's Golden Arches, Nike Swoosh, Michelin Man Character.

• Slogans - "The quicker picker-upper" (Bounty), "It's everywhere you want to be" (Visa), "Where do you want to go today?" (Microsoft)

Please use this Trademark Guide we have provided to familiarize yourself with how trademark protection can help you protect your intellectual property and find out more about how the expert team at DirectLegal can help you begin your application today.

By using DirectLegal.com you'll benefit from a quick, easy-to-use online application and highly professional service. You can be confident that the entire application process will be handled smoothly, accurately and to the highest professional standards.

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