A trademark is a sign that can be used to designate a business, product or service which sets it apart from others and which is unique to that business, product or service. A trademark can be a symbol, word, design, or any form of marking that identifies and becomes associated with the product it is assigned. A trademark may also at times be an attribute or characteristic particular to an individual. A trademark is considered to be a form of property by law. To maintain trademark rights, actual lawful usage of the trademark must be in effect. In most jurisdictions, the right to a mark will cease normally after five years of no activity or usage.