A trademark is a word, name, symbol, or device that is used in trade with goods to indicate the source of the goods and to distinguish them from the goods of others. A servicemark is the same as a trademark except that it identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than a product. The terms "trademark" and "mark" are commonly used to refer to both trademarks and servicemarks.

Trademark rights may be used to prevent others from using a confusingly similar mark but not to prevent others from making the same goods or from selling the same goods or services under a clearly different mark.

Trademarks that are used in interstate or foreign commerce may be registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The registration procedure for trademarks and general information concerning trademarks are described in a pamphlet titled "Basic Facts about Trademarks." For more information, go to: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Phone: (800) 786-9199.

The U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress Web site offers a searchable database, publications, and other online resources. Copyright.gov. Phone: (202) 707-3000.

Your state’s Secretary of State offers information on trademarks and how to obtain them.