Understanding What a Trademark Really Means At its core, a trademark is a recognizable sign, symbol, or combination that identifies the source of goods or services. Think of it as your brand's fingerprint—unique, irreplaceable, and tied intrinsically to your reputation. In Australia, trademarks can encompass words, phrases, designs, sounds, colors, or even scents, provided they meet criteria for distinctiveness. This versatility allows businesses across sectors, from tech innovators to artisanal creators, to claim ownership over elements that define their market presence. The legal framework distinguishes trademarks from other intellectual properties like patents or copyrights. While patents protect inventions and copyrights safeguard creative works, trademarks guard commercial identifiers. This focus on branding makes them indispensable for maintaining a competitive edge. For instance, a cleverly coined phrase that captures your business's ethos can become a powerful ...