Filing a trade name certificate at the local level does not protect your name. If you have a business name or symbol that you consider unique and valuable, you may want to register it as a trademark or service mark. Trademarks are any word, name or symbol, or device, or a combination of these, used to identify the goods of a business and distinguish those goods from the goods of others. Similarly, there are service marks that may be used to identify and distinguish a business that provides a service rather than goods. You are not required to register your trademark or service mark with any governmental agency. Trademarks are protected under common law. However, by registering your mark, you may gain certain exclusive ownership benefits under statutory law. For further information contact the Office of the Secretary of State or visit their website at www.sots.ct.gov.