Trademark

A legally protected sign, such as a name or logo, identifying the source of goods or services.

Example

A company registering its product name in its main markets.

Important

An unregistered or conflicting name can force a costly rebrand.

Related terms

• Patent — A legal right granting its owner exclusive use of an invention for a limited period in the territories where it is granted.
• Intellectual property assignment — A written agreement transferring ownership of intellectual property, such as code or designs, from its creator to a company.

Lessons that explain it

• The company's name and inventions may already belong to someone else — Legal IP diligence checks registered rights such as trademarks and patents, and looks for claims by founders' former employers or universities over work the company relies on. (10 min)

All 578 terms in the Investing glossary