# Trademark

A word, phrase, logo, symbol, or trade dress that identifies the source of goods or services and distinguishes them from those of competitors. Trademarks protect brand identity, not inventions. Unlike patents, trademarks can theoretically last forever as long as the mark is used in commerce and renewals are filed. Federal registration at the USPTO provides nationwide rights and the right to use the ® symbol.

**Full entry:** https://patentbrief.org/glossary/trademark

**All patent terms:** https://patentbrief.org/glossary

---

_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. A plain-English glossary of US patent terms._