A trade mark is a 100% exclusive right over a particular name or logo (or a combination of the both).

Without a trademark registration you cannot prevent others from using the term (or a similar term) and indeed, a third party may acquire a trade mark registration for that term and prevent you from using it.

A trademark is one of the most important assets of a company. It is not only used to protect the reputation and goodwill of the company but it can also be licensed and even sold to third parties.

Without a trademark you cannot trade in the knowledge that you own your name and that you will not be prevented from using it. You can also not stop others using the name and free riding off of your reputation and goodwill that you have worked so hard to establish.