What does a trademark primarily protect?

A trademark primarily protects images, phrases, or symbols used for branding as a means of distinguishing goods or services of one entity from those of others. This form of protection aims to prevent consumer confusion in the marketplace by ensuring that consumers can reliably identify the source of products or services. The essence of a trademark lies in its ability to represent the goodwill and reputation associated with a brand, allowing consumers to make informed decisions based on their previous experiences with that brand.

While the other options list valuable forms of intellectual property, they serve different functions. For instance, creative works of literature fall under copyright law, which protects expressions of ideas rather than the brands themselves. Similarly, designs of useful objects are safeguarded by design patents, focusing on the ornamental aspects rather than the branding. Musical compositions are also covered by copyright law, providing protection to the specific arrangements and expressions of the music, but not the branding associated with the musical artist or label unless a trademark is specifically registered for that name or logo.

In contrast, trademarks are uniquely dedicated to branding, making option B the right choice in this context.