Trademarks, Service Marks and Patents

What is a Trademark or Service Mark?

• A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or design, or a combination of words, phrases, symbols or designs, 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 a product.

• A patent for an invention is the grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the Patent and Trademark Office.
  

Although registering a trademark is voluntary, the Secretary of State recommends that it be done in order to protect the mark.  Trademarks can be registered at both the federal and state levels.

NC Secretary of State - Trademark Information

SC Secretary of State - Trademark Information

US Patent and Trademark Assistance Center - Trademarks

US Patent and Trademark Assistance Center - Patents