What do trademarks protect?

Trademarks protect selected names, words, phrases, symbols, and sounds that distinguish the source of goods or services of one party from those of others. The essence of trademarks lies in their ability to serve as identifiers of the brand, ensuring that consumers can recognize and differentiate between products in the marketplace. This protection helps prevent confusion among consumers, promotes fair competition, and builds brand loyalty.

For example, a well-known brand symbol or logo that is immediately recognized by consumers serves to represent the quality and reputation associated with that brand. By protecting these identifiable traits, trademarks contribute to the integrity of the market and provide legal recourse against unauthorized use that could mislead consumers or dilute the brand's value.

In contrast, other options do not align with the function of trademarks. Business models and strategies are generally covered by different forms of intellectual property. Financial assets relate to ownership and value rather than the identity of goods or services. Employee intellectual contributions typically fall under patents or copyrights, depending on the nature of the creation. Trademarks specifically focus on the indicators of brand identity in commerce.