What is a trademark?

A trademark, or brand, is a symbol that is used to identify the origin of a product or service. The terms "trademark" and "brand" refer to the same thing but from different perspectives: legal and marketing. A registered trademark is legally protected, but it only becomes a brand when it has acquired a positive reputation and is well-known among consumers. In order to establish a strong brand, legal protection is essential. Most countries have adopted a registered trademark system, which provides more extensive protection than unregistered trademarks. If a trademark is not registered, it may be vulnerable to infringement once it becomes popular, and it can be difficult to take legal action against infringers.