B. A name, phrase, or other device used to identify and distinguish the services of a certain provider.
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to pronunciation.Legal Definition -
A name, phrase, or other device used to identify and distinguish the services of a certain provider. *Servicemarks identify and afford protection to intangible things such as services; as distinguished from the protection already provided for marks affixed to tangible things such as goods and products. -- Abbreviation SM. -- Often shortened to mark. Also spelled service mark; service-mark.
Black's Law Dictionary® Eighth Edition © 2004
Recent Usage -
"A trademark can be any one or a combination of a word or collection of words, a name, a symbol or logo type. Other types of trademarks can be a design for a container or markings applied to goods, such as stripes on tennis shoes. A service mark has many of the same characteristics as a trademark, except that it identifies services instead of products. In order to acquire rights in a service mark, it must be used in connection with services provided for the benefit of others, not services delivered for the mere benefit of the company using the service mark. For all practical purposes, the same rules apply to service marks as apply to trademarks and the terms are used interchangeably in this article." Trademarks and Marketing 101: Are They at Odds? By A. José Cortina Posted: Jun. 28, 2007