Trademarks
A trademark is any word, phrase, symbol or design that is used to distinguish one person's products or services from those of another. A trademark represents both the product or service and the reputation of the producer of the product or service. For example, the trademark FED EX identifies both a courier service, and a company, distinct from other courier companies. Trademarks are valuable intellectual properties because they are a proponent of the goodwill of a business. Trademarks can be registered or Common Law.
Registration is proof of ownership of the trademark. Registering a trademark grants an exclusive right to use the word, phrase, symbol or design, and enables you to better protect this right. In the event of a dispute, the onus is on the challenger if a trademark is registered.
A registered trademark can also be a valuable intellectual property, in the sense that it can be licensed and franchised. Trademarks are registered in association with goods, called wares, and/or services all of which fall into specific classifications.
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