What is a trademark and service mark, what is the difference between the two, and what do they protect?
Q: What is a trademark and service mark, what is the difference between the two, and what do they protect?
A: A trademark is a word, phrase, design or symbol or any combination thereof that serves to identify and distinguish the seller or owner of goods from other sellers or owners. A service mark is the same as a trademark except that it relates to services, not goods. Trademarks and service marks protect brand names, slogans, logos, etc. used in connection with goods or services.
You might be familiar with the symbols TM, SM and ®. These are all designations of trademarks or service marks. Once a trademark or service mark is registered, it is recommended that you use the ® symbol. Prior to registration, TM is used to designate a company’s use of a trademark and SM is used to designate a company’s use of a service mark.
In the casino industry, trademarks and service marks could include the business name of a casino, the names of restaurants or clubs within the casino, particular sweepstakes or other games offered to customers, branding slogans and many more.
