What is a Service Mark?
A service mark (or servicemark) is just like a trademark but it is used in connection with services. A trademark is typically used in connection with goods. A mark is the general term for both a service and a trademark. Generally, service marks relates to companies who provide services instead of manufacturing goods. Just like trademarks, service marks are used as a source identifier with the company who provides services rather than goods.
Most Companies in America provide Services rather than Goods. Photo Credit: Petr Kratochvil
Most companies in America provides services rather than manufacture goods. Since the 1990’s, most job growth has been in the services sector and it has continued to grow for the past two decades. In fact, many of the most familiar brand names in America are for companies who provide services. These include Microsoft, H&R Block, Google and American Express.
Many companies use the TM symbol as a designation of a company’s brand in connection with products or goods while the SM symbol is typically used in connection with a Company’s services. The ® symbol is used with both registered trademarks and service marks. Although “trademarks” are legally different from “service marks” many people informally refer to a service marks as a trademark.
Additional information about trademarks can be found on the trademark section of our website. If you have any questions about protecting or enforcing your service mark rights, please contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.