---
title: What is a trade mark?
description: A trade mark is a legally protected sign that distinguishes your goods or services from others, and understanding what it covers is the first step to protecting your brand in Singapore. A trade mark is a legally protected symbol, word,…
url: "https://ami-ip.xyz/docs/what-is-a-trade-mark/"
updated: "2026-07-07"
category: Trade Marks
---

# What is a trade mark?

A trade mark is a legally protected sign that distinguishes your goods or services from others, and understanding what it covers is the first step to protecting your brand in Singapore.

A trade mark is a legally protected symbol, word, phrase, logo, design, or combination thereof that identifies and distinguishes the goods or services of one company or individual from those of others.

## What a Trade Mark Protects

[Trade marks](https://ami-ip.xyz/docs/what-does-tm-mean/) are a form of [intellectual property](https://ami-ip.xyz/docs/why-is-trade-mark-registration-important/) that help consumers [recognize a brand](https://ami-ip.xyz/2026/01/12/trademark-branding-why-protecting-your-brand-with-trademarks-is-essential-in-2026/) and ensure consistent quality, while protecting the brand owner from unauthorized use or imitation.

## Trade Mark vs Brand vs Business Name

A trade mark protects the signs that identify your goods or services, whereas a company and brand name are registered and protected through different routes.

### *Related*