A trademark is a distinctive sign which identifies certain goods or services
as those produced or provided by a specific person or enterprise.
Its origin dates back to ancient times, when craftsmen reproduced their
signatures, or "marks" on their artistic or utilitarian products.
Over the years these marks evolved into today's system of trademark registration
and protection. The system helps consumers identify and purchase a product
or service because its nature and quality, indicated by its unique trademark,
meets their needs.
A trademark provides protection to the owner of the mark by
ensuring the exclusive right to use it to identify goods or
services, or to authorize another to use it in return for payment. The
period of protection varies, but a trademark can be renewed indefinitely beyond
the time limit on payment of additional fees. Trademark protection is
enforced by the courts, which in most systems have the authority to block
trademark infringement.
In a larger sense, trademarks promote initiative and enterprise worldwide by
rewarding the owners of trademarks with recognition and financial profit.
Trademark protection also hinders the efforts of unfair competitors, such as
counterfeiters, to use similar distinctive signs to market inferior or different
products or services. The system enables people with skill and enterprise to
produce and market goods and services in the fairest possible conditions,
thereby facilitating international trade.
