What type of mark is used to indicate the quality of goods or services through a certification?

A certification mark is specifically designed to indicate that goods or services meet certain standards set by the certifying organization. This type of mark is not owned by the producer of the goods or services; instead, it is used to signify that the goods or services have been tested or meet specific criteria related to quality, material, mode of manufacture, or other characteristics. Examples of certification marks include marks that establish origin, materials, or certifications like organic or fair trade.

In contrast, other types of marks serve different purposes. A fanciful mark is a coined term with no prior meaning, designed purely for branding and is distinctive from the start. A collective mark indicates membership in a group and is used by members to signify that the goods or services are associated with that group. A descriptive trademark describes a characteristic or quality of the goods or services but may not be inherently distinctive enough for protection without showing secondary meaning.

Thus, a certification mark uniquely meets the need to assure consumers that certain standards are upheld, which is why it is the correct answer.