Are Service Marks Different from Trademarks?
Service marks are names, logos, slogans, and other marks that identify the source of a service. Legally, they are the same as a trademark, which is a mark that identifies the source of goods. The terms "service mark" and "trademarks" are often used interchangeably.
While the "SM" symbol is sometimes used to denote a service mark, "TM" will do just as well. However, once registered with the
U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, the "R" symbol is used.Often, businesses will have both service marks and trademarks. For example, visitors at Disney theme parks who want to avoid the long line for attractions can make a reservation, and get whisked to the front of the line at their designated time. Disney named this service, "
FASTPASS," which is a registered service mark. On the other hand the mark, "Mickey Mouse" has been in use since the 1930s, to identify goods like cartoons and comic strips.Labels: goods and services, R, service mark, SM, TM, trademark
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