Types of Trademarks

Trademarks are one of the oldest types of intellectual property, having first been used in the Roman Empire as a means of stamping blacksmith goods. Some modern companies have trademarks that date back to the Middle Ages, including Stella Artois beer, which claims to have used its trademark since 1366. Today, you see trademark symbols everywhere, but you may not understand the differences between the various types of trademarks, or what their symbols mean.

What is a Trademark?

Trademarks are a form of intellectual property which usually include some combination of a name, phrase, logo, or symbol which represents a business or its product/service. They are meant to mark and distinguish one company's products from another company's products. If you own a trademarked phrase or design, you can pursue legal action if anyone tries to copy it or otherwise make use of it without your permission.

Types of Trademarks

There are several types of trademarks, each of which is different in the information it conveys.

• TM. The TM symbol designates an unregistered trademark. Unregistered trademarks are used to brand products. These products have yet to be registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• SM. The SM symbol designates an unregistered service mark, similar to a trademark except that it brands a service rather than a product. Again, it is applied to services that have not yet been registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• Registered Trademark ®. The Registered Trademark is a trademark that has been registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Contact Us

If your company is looking for help registering a trademark or bringing litigation against another company for infringing on your trademark, contact the Austin business lawyers of Slater, Kennon & Pugh Ltd.LLP by calling 512-472-2431.