About Trademark Law

Service Mark Specimens

This page explains what makes an acceptable specimen for a service mark application.

“Service marks” are a name or designation used in the manner of a trademark to distinguish an organization’s services. A “trademark” is the same thing but for goods. The word “trademark” is often used interchangeably for “service mark.”

Service marks and trademarks have different specimen requirements.

For trademark specimen requirements, read here.

Is my application for goods or services, or both?

Classes for Goods: 1-34

Classes for Services: 35-45

Use of a Service Mark

A service mark is generally used by either advertising the services or with signage during the rendering of the services.

Examples of acceptable specimens for service marks

Social Media Posts

This Facebook post is an acceptable specimen to advertise an online course, or webinar, for starting a business.