What A Trademark Protects - Step 1

Overview		What It Protects		Trademark Search		Application		Policing Trademarks

A trademark / service mark protects words, logos, phrases or the combination thereof which are specifically associated with goods or services.

There are federal, state and foreign trademarks. You may obtain a federal trademark if you are currently using or intend to use your mark in interstate or interlatta commerce (i.e. commerce that which congress may control). State trademarks are available in each state and are a good option if you do not intend to cross state lines with your business. Foreign marks ar eimportant if you intend to provide your goods or services in other countries. There are of course many countries and the rules in each one of those countries differ, however the use of the Community trademark (covers EU countries) or the Benelux mark (covers Belgium , the Netherlands , and Luxembourg) are both good ways to obtain a lot of coverage without having to file in each country.