What is the term used for the protection of a name or logo?

The term used for the protection of a name or logo is trademark. A trademark safeguards distinctive signs, symbols, or expressions that identify and distinguish products or services of a particular source from those of others. This protection aims to prevent confusion among consumers regarding the origin of products or services and helps maintain a brand’s integrity and reputation.

In contrast, copyright protects original works of authorship such as books, music, and art, focusing on the expression of ideas rather than brand identifiers like names and logos. A patent grants an inventor the exclusive rights to an invention, safeguarding the functional aspects of a product or process, which is distinct from branding elements. A service mark is similar to a trademark but specifically applies to services rather than products. While service marks also protect brand identifiers, trademarks are the broader category that encompasses both products and services. Thus, trademark is the appropriate choice for the protection of a name or logo.