Understanding the Difference Between a Service Mark and a Trademark

What is the difference between a service mark and a trademark?
The word “”trademark”” can refer to both trademarks and service marks. A trademark is used for goods, while a service mark is used for services. Identifies the source of your goods or services. Provides legal protection for your brand.
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Understanding the many methods of intellectual property protection is crucial when beginning a firm. Service marks and trademarks are two of the most popular types of intellectual property protection. Despite their similarities, the two have a few significant distinctions.

A sort of intellectual property protection known as a service mark is intended to safeguard a service or service-related firm. This can include a name, logo, or other distinguishing feature linked to the services the company offers. Service marks are used to set a company apart from its rivals and make it simple for clients to recognize the services that the company offers.

On the other hand, a trademark is a form of intellectual property protection that is utilized to protect a product or a business that is associated to a product. This can include a name, logo, or other distinguishing feature that is connected to the goods that the company makes. Trademarks are used to set a company’s products apart from those of its rivals and to make it simple for customers to recognize the products the company manufactures.

Can you submit your own trademark application? Yes, you can submit an application for a trademark on your own with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). To make sure that your application is submitted correctly and that your trademark is protected, it is advised that you speak with a lawyer who focuses on intellectual property law.

Do trademarks cost less than patents? The cost of trademark registration is typically lower than that of patent registration. The intricacy of the application and the number of classifications of products or services for which the trademark will be used are two variables that affect the cost of trademark registration.

How much does registering a trademark cost? The intricacy of the application and the number of classifications of products or services for which the trademark will be used are two variables that affect the cost of trademark registration. A trademark application with the USPTO now requires a filing cost of $275 per class of goods or services.

What are the three different categories of trademarks then? There are three categories of trademarks:

Generic trademarks are those that are frequently used to designate a specific class of goods or services. They are ineligible for trademark registration.

2. Descriptive Trademarks: These are logos that give information about a good or service. If they have developed a secondary significance, they may be registered as trademarks.

3. Distinctive Trademarks: These are distinctive and one-of-a-kind trademarks. They are the strongest kind of trademark protection and can be registered as trademarks.

Finally, service marks and trademarks are two sorts of intellectual property protection that are utilized to set apart a company’s goods and services from those of its rivals. Despite their similarities, they are utilized to safeguard various areas of a firm. To make sure that your company is adequately secured, it is crucial to comprehend the distinctions between the two and to speak with a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property law.