While the general public loves catchy slogans and unusual or attractive packaging, the companies that apply for and own trademarks do so for much more profitable and important reasons.� Registered trademarks protect the rights and interests of a corporation by preventing unauthorized trademark use.

It’s easy to recognize when an item, title, symbol, slogan, logo, or any other item is an official trademark.� When it’s legally registered with a government trademarks organization, the symbols ® or Reg. ™ will appear.� Those who’ve claimed a trademark but have not registered it with the proper government agency will often include a ™ symbol on the packaging or after the title or slogan.� Unlike patents, there is no “trademark pending” status.

Sometimes trademarks become so popular and well-known that the consumer often uses that particular trademark to describe an entire category of products.� We’ll often hear someone refer to “Xeroxing” a document when indeed they should be saying “photocopy.”� The same holds true to items such as “Q-tips” cotton swabs.� Though many other manufacturers produce cotton swabs, most people refer to the Johnson and Johnson brand in a generic way.

Slogans or mottos can be tricky when it comes to trademarks.� While registered trademarks don’t protect individual words, a particular combination of words can be turned into a trademark, such as “Kentucky Fried Chicken” or Wendy’s famous “Where’s the Beef?” campaign.

Companies who’ve taken the time to establish a trademark will no doubt go to great lengths to protect it.� Over the years, there have been many court battles over trademark infringement.� Some have gained public interest but most are settled without much publicity.�