General Education Development (GED) Practice Exam

A phrase associated with a product is protected by trademark law because trademarks serve to identify and distinguish the products or services of one seller from those of others. A trademark can encompass words, phrases, symbols, or designs that are used in commerce to indicate the source of goods or services. This means that if a phrase is used in the branding of a product, it can be registered as a trademark, granting exclusive rights to the owner to use that phrase in relation to the goods or services offered.

While copyright law also protects creative expressions like literary works, music, and art, it does not extend to phrases or slogans used to identify products. Therefore, trademark law is specifically designed to address the protection of branding elements, maintaining consumer recognition and preventing confusion in the marketplace.

Choosing trademark law ensures that the phrase maintains its role as a distinctive identifier, which is essential for marketing and consumer trust.