Research Guides: Trademarks & Trade Names: About Trademarks

What is a Trademark?

Making a Mark - An Introduction to Trademarks for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (WIPO)
A brief introduction to trademarks from a business perspective published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Basic Facts About Trademarks (USPTO)
An introduction to the U.S. trademark registration process published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
A Guide to Trademarks (CIPO)
An introduction to the Canadian trademark system published by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
Trademark Basics
Educational materials published by the International Trademark Association (INTA).
Trademarks: The Fingerprints of Commerce (2001)
This educational guide published by the USPTO explains the importance of trademarks.