What is a trademark?

A trademark is a distinctive symbol or logo that serves to identify and distinguish a company's goods or services from those of others in the marketplace. This legal designation provides the owner exclusive rights to use that trademark in connection with the goods or services for which it is registered. Trademarks help consumers recognize and associate certain qualities with a specific brand, enhancing brand loyalty and trust. This identification can be visual (like logos and brand names) or non-visual (like sounds or scents). Therefore, recognizing a trademark as a means for companies to protect their brand identity is essential for understanding intellectual property rights and branding strategies in business.