I receive many inquiries regarding what a trademark actually is and what it protects. I thought a little info for new entrepreneurs might help!

Generally speaking, a trademark is a word, symbol, device or name that identifies the source of a good or service. Therefore, your trademark could be just a name, or it could be a logo, a slogan, or “tagline.” More recently, trademark law has expanded to the point where you can even register a particular smell as a trademark. At the very core, a trademark is used to associate a good or service with a particular company. Trademarks are intended to prevent consumer confusion by immediately distinguishing the producer of a good or service.

When it comes to registering a trademark I highly recommend using an attorney as opposed to the do-it-yourself legal filing sites. I usually explain it to clients like this: with the advent of WebMD a host of hypochondriacs scampered to their doctors, self-diagnosing ailments and audaciously recommending treatments. Do-it-yourself legal sites have birthed similar results although, unlike WebMD, clients are provided the proverbial needle and stitch. Unequivocally a lot of business comes from fixing botched trademark applications.

Thanks for reading! I hope this helps.
-Josh