What defines a trademark?

A trademark is defined as a brand that is protected by law, granting exclusive rights to the owner. This legal protection allows the owner to prevent others from using a similar mark that could cause confusion among consumers regarding the source of goods or services. Trademarks can include words, phrases, logos, symbols, or even sounds that distinguish the products or services of one entity from those of others.

This legal distinction is crucial because it helps maintain the integrity of brands in the marketplace, thereby enabling consumers to make informed choices. Trademarks are registered with governmental entities, which solidifies their protected status and the rights associated with their use and enforcement. Thus, the strength of a trademark lies in its ability to ensure that ownership is recognized and upheld, which is what makes this definition the most accurate among the choices presented.