A trademark is a word logo or package design, or a combination of each, used by a person or company who has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce to identify a good or service from others of like kind.
Per the United States Patent and Trademark Office: “A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services. Although federal registration of a mark is not mandatory, it has several advantages, including notice to the public of the registrant’s claim of ownership of the mark, legal presumption of ownership nationwide, and exclusive right to use the mark on or in connection with the goods/services listed in the registration.”
Most, if not all, successful products and/or services utilize trademark protection to protect the value of their marks. Words, names, symbols, colors, and devices are all trademarkable. Failing to register your mark could mean some other party can capitalize on your own intellectual property.
Remember, your trademark or servicemark distinguishes your good or service from all others. No other process protects your ability to distinguish your good/service so easily, affordably, and relatively quickly, other than federally registering a trademark or servicemark.