A trademark is the "brand name" by which we identify goods of a particular manufacturer or distributor. Formally, a trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or device, or any combination other than a trade name in its entirety, adopted and used by a person to identify goods and to distinguish them from similar goods made or sold by others.

A service mark is similar to a trademark and is used to identify and distinguish between services sold or advertised by a person from similar services of others.

Registration of a mark used in Michigan gives the owner of the mark certain limited legal protections. Trademarks and service marks adopted and used in Michigan are registered with the Corporation and Land Development Bureau of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

The registration fee is $50 and the registration is in effect for ten years. Trademarks and service marks may also be registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for use throughout the United States.

For additional information, contact:

Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, Corporation Division; (517) 241-6450

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Washington, D.C. 20231, Telephone: 1-800-786-9199

Revised: 5/2005