Trademark

A trademark is a distinctive sign — such as a word, name, logo, slogan, sound, or colour combination — that identifies the commercial origin of goods or services and distinguishes them from those of competitors. Registered trademark rights give the owner the exclusive right to use the sign for the registered goods or services within the protected territory and to act against third parties using identical or confusingly similar signs. What a trademark is used for: • Building and protecting brand recognition. • Safeguarding goodwill and reputation built up over time. • Signalling consistent quality and origin to customers. • Creating licensable assets and supporting franchise or distribution arrangements. • Blocking counterfeiters and look-alike products. Unlike patents, trademarks can be renewed indefinitely as long as the mark remains in use and renewal fees are paid. Protection is granted per jurisdiction and per class of goods and services, although international systems such as the Madrid System allow centralized filings across many countries.