Which of the following is a characteristic of a trademark?

A trademark primarily serves to safeguard brand names and logos, ensuring that consumers can identify the source of goods or services. This legal protection helps prevent confusion in the marketplace by distinguishing one company's products from those of another. Trademarks can encompass various elements such as logos, symbols, and brand names, and they play a critical role in maintaining brand identity and reputation.

The other responses relate to different areas of intellectual property. For instance, the option concerning novel inventions refers to patents, which protect inventions and processes rather than brand identifiers. Protection of works of authorship pertains to copyrights, which cover creative expressions like literature or music. Finally, industrial designs are also protected through patents, but this refers specifically to the ornamental design of a functional item rather than the brand name or logo itself. Thus, the characteristic that best defines a trademark among the choices given is its role in safeguarding brand names and logos.