IntroductionTo begin with, a "trademark" may refer to any words, names, symbols, devices, or combinations thereof used by merchants or manufacturers of goods and services to identify these specific goods and services, as well as in order to distinguish them from others offered on the market (___________________________). With the registration of a trademark, the trademark is effectively established. This process is essential to guarantee the owner the exclusive right to use the trademark, i.e. the right to prevent all third parties who do not have the owner's consent from using the trademark in commercial operations. Creating and registering trademarks serves several purposes. First, it helps consumers distinguish between substandard and counterfeit goods and services that appear to come from the original merchant. This prevents them from deceiving themselves. Secondly, trademarks protect the owner's investment in reputation and therefore protect the commercial activities with which they are associated (__________________________). Once registered, trademarks are valid for ten years from the date of application...