Trademark

A Trademark is a type of intellectual property consisting of a recognizable sign, design, or expression which identifies products or services of a particular source from those of others. The trademark owner can be an individual, business organization, or any legal entity. Trademark law primarily aims to prevent unfair competition by applying a series of rights and remedies to protect trademark owners.

History

The first legislative act concerning trademarks was passed in 1266 under the reign of Henry III, granting the bakers of Warwick the right to use a distinctive mark on the bread they sold. The first modern trademark laws emerged in the late 19th century.

Types of trademarks

Trademarks may be of several types including 'trademark', 'service mark', 'collective mark', 'certification mark', 'trade name' and 'well-known mark'.

Trademark law

The law considers a trademark to be a form of property. Proprietary rights in relation to a trademark may be established through actual use in the marketplace, or through registration of the mark with the trademarks office (or 'trademarks registry') of a particular jurisdiction.

Trademark infringement

Trademark infringement is a violation of the exclusive rights attached to a trademark without the authorization of the trademark owner or any licensees.

See also

• Intellectual property
• Copyright
• Patent
• Trade secret

External links

• World Intellectual Property Organization - Trademarks

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