What is a trademark or service mark?

• A trademark is generally a word, phrase, symbol, or design, or a combination thereof, that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others.

• A service mark is the same as a trademark, except that it identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than goods. The terms “trademark” and “mark” are often used to refer to both trademarks and service marks.

Do trademarks, copyrights, and patents protect the same things?

No. Trademarks, copyrights, and patents protect different types of intellectual property. A trademark typically protects brand names and logos used on goods and services. A copyright protects an original artistic or literary work. A patent protects an invention. For example, if you invent a new kind of vacuum cleaner, you would apply for a patent to protect the invention itself. You would apply to register a trademark to protect the brand name of the vacuum cleaner. And you might register a copyright for the TV commercial that you use to market the product.

In Pennsylvania, as in the rest of the United States, a trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design, or a combination of these, that identifies and distinguishes the goods of one entity from those of others. A service mark performs a similar function but is used to distinguish the services of one entity from those of others. Both trademarks and service marks are used to protect the brand identity of companies and can be registered at both the state and federal levels. It's important to note that trademarks, copyrights, and patents protect different types of intellectual property. Trademarks protect the use of names, logos, and other markers that distinguish goods and services. Copyrights protect original works of authorship, such as books, music, and art. Patents protect new inventions or discoveries. Each type of intellectual property requires a different registration process and serves to protect different aspects of a creator's or company's assets.