A trademark is a legally protected word, phrase, symbol, design, or combination identifying and distinguishing the source of goods or services. Trademarks allow consumers to identify products and protect businesses' brand investments. Registration through the Canadian Intellectual Property Office provides national protection and legal remedies against infringement. Unregistered trademarks have some common law protection but registration provides stronger rights. Trademark protection requires active use and enforcement—unused marks can be challenged. Municipalities and other government organizations may trademark logos, programs, or services. Trademark disputes involve allegations of confusingly similar marks causing consumer confusion. The trademark symbol (™) indicates claimed trademark; ® indicates registered trademark.