Define Servicemark Limits

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What is a servicemark?

Define Servicemark Limits

Know the limits of a servicemark. While it is a required step in franchising, the servicemark alone does not protect your business, ideas or processes.

A servicemark is the same as a trademark except that it identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than a product.

The terms "trademark" and "mark" are commonly used to refer to both trademarks and servicemarks. Registering your mark does not prevent competitors from selling the same goods or services under a different name. It does grant you rights to prevent those competitors from using a confusingly similar name, and thus benefiting from your established name and goodwill.

The USPTO notes that servicemarks provide "notice to the public of the registrant's claim of ownership of the mark, a legal presumption of ownership nationwide, and the exclusive right to use the mark on or in connection with the goods or services set forth in the registration."

   

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