What can be accepted as a trademark?

A trademark is a symbol used for goods or services purveyed in business in order to distinguish them from goods or services of other traders. Any kind of mark that can be represented graphically may be a trademark if it fulfils the conditions of registration. In most cases, the trademark is a word mark. It may include one or more words.

A trademark may also include

• a figure
• a combination of word and figure
• a combination of letters
• a slogan
• the shape of goods or of their packaging
• a sound, or
• other marks that can be represented graphically.

Collective marks are specific types of trademarks

Collective marks include association marks and certification marks.

An association mark is a trademark intended to be used by members of a collective body in their professional activities. Exclusive right to an association mark is acquired through registration or through the establishing of the mark by means of use.

Authorities, associations and institutions whose duty is to check and supervise goods or services, or to issue directions regarding them, may, through registration, obtain exclusive right to a certification mark to be used on goods or services subject to control or supervision. A certification mark cannot be established by means of use.