What is a Trade Mark?
A Trade Mark is any sign which can distinguish the goods and services of one trader from those of another. This can include words (personal names), designs, letters, numerals, shape of goods and packaging. Trade Marks can be registered in one or more countries and in relation to one or more types of goods or services.
What is Trade Mark Insurance?
Intellectual Property Insurance from Charles Milnes and Company includes Trade Mark Insurance and enables companies to defend themselves against claims they have infringed competitor's trade marks, and to challenge competitors who infringe their own trade marks.
Registration of Trade Marks
In order to register a trade mark, the mark must be capable of:
- being represented graphically
- being distinctive for the goods or services which you are applying to register it for
- not being deceptive, or contrary to law or morality
- not being similar or identical to any earlier marks for the same or similar goods or services
Duration of Trademarks
The duration of protection is potentially indefinite provided that renewal fees are paid every ten years.
It typically takes about 7 months for a UK trademark to be registered and about 18 months for a Community trade mark to be registered.
Rights Granted
Registration provides the owner with exclusive right to use the mark for the classes of goods or services for which it is registered. In some cases the protection will also extend to other types of goods and services and/or to similar marks.
