The principal purpose of a trademark is to identify a particular manufacturer’s product and distinguish it from identical or similar competing products. It removes anonymity and helps shape the image and reputation of your company’s products. As a result, consumers see your company as more trustworthy and reliable, which strengthens your position in the market. A trademark belongs in every well-built corporate portfolio, as it can become a valuable business asset.
A trademark is any word, phrase, mark, symbol, design, sound or colour, or any combination of these, that serves to identify your product and distinguish it from others.
Registering a trademark gives your business a competitive edge (rights arising from a trademark are far “stronger” than protection under commercial law “alone”), and these rights come into play precisely when they are infringed: through free-riding, imitation and the like
A registered trademark makes it easier to prove your case, so in such situations the law is on your side.
A logo bearing (R) or (TM) makes it clear to customers and competitors alike who holds the exclusive position.
Depending on the nature of your business, you can choose between a national trademark, an EU (Community) trademark valid throughout the European Union, or an international trademark.
If you only need to register a trademark via the national route, it is enough to file an application with the relevant office in the country concerned.
Examples of well-known trademarks:
Coca Cola (phrase) „Just Do It“ for Nike (phrase) Google (global brand) Mercedes (global brand) The berries in the Blackberry logo (sign) The Mercedes „Tripod“ (mark/symbol) Apple (combination) The magenta colour used by T-mobile (colour) The distinctive shape of the Coca Cola bottle (design) The distinctive T-mobile ringtone (sound)
Frequently Asked Questions About Trademarks
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Domain Disputes and Domain Protection
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How to Defend Yourself If Your Trademark Is Infringed
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Trademarks – Frequently Asked Questions
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What to Do with a Trademark and the Rights It Confers
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The Trademark Registration Process
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Benefits of a Trademark
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Definition of a Trademark
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Trademark Wording
The wording of a trademark must not consist of indications of the type, quality, quantity, intended purpose, price, geographical origin or time of production of goods or provision of services. If our main brand is [...]
Word and Figurative Trademarks
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Duration of a Trademark
A trademark remains in force for 10 years from the date on which the application for registration was filed. Trademark protection can be renewed an unlimited number of times. [...]
Trademark Classes
Trademark registration is limited not only by the number of countries in which the mark will be valid, but also by the kinds and types of goods and services it will cover. Goods and [...]
US Trademark
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EU Trademark
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Slovak Trademark
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International Trademark
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Nice Agreement Countries
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Intellectual Property
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