What distinguishes service marks from trademarks?

Service marks are specifically designed to identify and distinguish the services provided by one entity from those offered by others. Unlike trademarks, which apply to goods and products, service marks serve the same purpose but focus on the service aspect. This differentiation is crucial in helping consumers recognize the source of a service, just as trademarks help them identify the source of physical goods.

Understanding this distinction is key in intellectual property law, as both service marks and trademarks play significant roles in branding, but they are applicable in different contexts. Instead of identifying tangible products, service marks emphasize intangibles associated with services, such as financial advising, entertainment, or any service-oriented industry. Thus, the main distinguishing factor is the type of commerce being represented by the mark—services for service marks versus goods for trademarks.