This guide is designed solely for informational and educational use and does not constitute legal advice. It should not replace consultation with a qualified intellectual property attorney or legal expert. The resources and examples provided are intended to support research and learning. For authoritative information, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), or consult a qualified legal professional. If you need help obtaining legal representation, the USPTO offers two programs that provide financial assistance for intellectual property legal services.
The Patent & Trademark Resource Center at UT Knoxville Libraries offers one-on-one consultations (online and in-person) to help you navigate patent and trademark resources.
By scheduling a session, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
PTRC staff help with patent and trademark database searches for education only; they do not perform searches or give legal advice. Consult a registered attorney for legal help.
Trademarks |
 |
A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies the source of goods or services and distinguishes them from others. Businesses can use TM (for goods) or SM (for services) to claim rights in a mark even if it’s not federally registered. The ® symbol indicates a trademark that has been officially registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (United States Patent and Trademark Office, What is a Trademark?)
You can trademark words, phrases, logos, symbols, designs, colors, sounds, and even scents—as long as they uniquely identify and distinguish your goods or services from others.
“TIFFANY BLUE,” owned by Tiffany (NJ) LLC, is a registered, active trademark for jewelry featuring the distinctive blue color.
US Serial Number: 86571740
US Registration Number: 4804204
The University of Tennessee’s “T” logo is a trademark for educational services and merchandise. It identifies the university’s brand.
US Serial Number: 97850192
US Registration Number: 7346563
Hasbro’s iconic Play-Doh scent, first used in 1955, became a rare federally registered fragrance mark in 2018.
US Serial Number: 87335817
US Registration Number: 5467089
Nike’s phrase JUST DO IT. is a registered trademark for apparel, first used in 1989. It identifies Nike’s brand and is still active today.
US Serial Number: 73829171
US Registration Number: 1875307
Netflix's “TUDUM” is a pending trademark for electronics, streaming apps, and media—filed with intent to use and approved extensions.
US Serial Number: 90645652
US Registration Number: 7443927
The mark FRISBEE is a trademark by Wham‑O Mfg. Co., first registered July 28, 1958. It identifies the classic disc brand and remains active today.
US Serial Number: 72056220
US Registration Number: 679186
