Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of trademarks?

Trademarks are designed to protect brand identity and consumer recognition. They must be distinctive in order to serve their purpose effectively, allowing consumers to identify the source of goods or services. Additionally, they are specific to the industry in which they operate, meaning that a trademark can vary significantly in scope and application depending on the sector it belongs to.

The correct choice highlights that trademarks cannot be used interchangeably with patents. Trademarks and patents serve different purposes: while trademarks protect brand identity and consumer confusion, patents protect inventions and the rights of inventors for a limited time. This distinction is fundamental in intellectual property law, as each type of protection addresses different aspects of business and innovation.