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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Service Mark
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A quick definition of Service Mark:
A service mark is a special symbol or name that a company uses to show that their services are different from other companies. It's like a trademark, but for services instead of things you can buy. For example, a restaurant might have a service mark to show that their food and service is unique and special. The law protects service marks so that people can't copy them and pretend to be the same company.
A more thorough explanation:
A service mark is a type of trademark that is used to distinguish the services provided by one person or company from services provided by others. It serves the same purpose as a trademark, but it is used to identify services rather than goods.
For example, the logo and name of a restaurant chain is a service mark because it identifies the services provided by the restaurant, such as food and dining experience. Another example is the logo and name of a consulting firm, which is a service mark because it identifies the services provided by the firm, such as business advice and analysis.
Service marks are protected and regulated under the Lanham Act, which provides that titles, character names, and other distinctive features of radio and television programs may be registered as service marks. The same mark may be registered as both a trademark and a service mark unless the services rendered are too closely related in connection with the sale of trademarked goods.