Historically, the trademark was simply a sign or mark used to identify the origin or ownership of of the goods its was affixed. At first these marks were not adopted in the maker's own interest but was put upon the manufacturer so that its product could be identified if it was of poor workmanship or inferior. Eventually, the trademark came to be regarded as a sign of quality and good reputation. Just a few images of trademarks used as a graphic on some billheads.