A trademark is a distinctive symbol, phrase, design, shape, or combination of colors that identifies a brand and sets it apart from competitors. Trademarks serve as a valuable asset for any business because they help customers quickly recognize the brand’s products or services in a competitive market.
With the help of experienced professionals, businesses can apply for Trademark Registration online. This process involves detailed searches, designing unique business logos, and continuous tracking of the application status.
Key Points of Trademark Registration:
- Definition: A trademark can be a logo, design, shape, or a combination of colors used to denote the uniqueness of a brand or product.
- Trademark Classes: There are 45 trademark classes, classified based on business activities. Businesses can register their trademarks under multiple classes as needed.
- Valuable Asset: Like other business assets, trademarks are valuable in protecting a company’s goods and services from infringement.
- Low Cost: The cost of trademark registration is minimal compared to the long-term benefits it provides.
- Legal Protection: Registering a trademark protects the brand from misuse and infringement by competitors.
- Geographical Coverage: Trademark registration offers nationwide protection from competitors.
Trademark Registration Process (Online)
- Document Upload: Submit the necessary documents and details on the web portal.
- Payment: Choose a package and make the payment online.
- Preliminary Check: Check for the uniqueness of the trademark logo, design, or shape.
- Application Preparation: Prepare and obtain the applicant’s signature on the documents.
- Submission: Submit the application to the IPR department.
- Acknowledgment: Receive acknowledgment and continuously track the application status.
Different Types of Trademarks
- Word Marks: Made up of one or more words or combinations, e.g., “ABC Sales.”
- Logos: Combination of figures, shapes, and colors, e.g., the Nissan logo.
- Colors: Specific color(s) used in a trademark. The color must be mentioned in the application.
- 3D Marks: Three-dimensional marks that can be registered.
- Sound Marks: Used when a brand is represented via sound notation or graphical representation of words.
Difference between TM & ® Symbols
- TM: Used once a business successfully files a trademark application.
- ®: Used only after obtaining a Trademark Registration Certificate.
Trademark Search
Before registering a trademark, businesses can search for the availability of the mark using the government trademark search portal by entering the relevant class and name. This helps avoid conflicts with existing trademarks.