Intellectual property protection comes in several forms. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right tool.
ArticleWhat is a trademark?
A trademark is any sign that distinguishes your goods or services from those of other businesses. It is the legal foundation of your brand.
A trademark can be a word, logo, slogan, colour, shape, sound, or any combination of these. Once registered, it gives you the exclusive right to use it in connection with the goods or services you have registered it for, in the territory where the registration is valid.
Why register?
Without registration, your rights are limited and difficult to enforce. Registered trademarks are indexed in public databases, act as a deterrent to imitators, and give you a legal tool to challenge infringers through official channels.
Symbols
The ™ symbol indicates an unregistered mark you claim ownership of. The ® symbol may only be used once the mark is officially registered. Using ® before registration is illegal in most jurisdictions.
More articles
The European Union Intellectual Property Office manages EU trademarks and designs - covering all 27 member states in a single registration.
Registering a trademark follows a structured process. Understanding each stage helps you set the right expectations and avoid delays.
Registration timelines vary by office and complexity. A straightforward EU trademark typically takes 4 to 6 months from filing to registration.
There are two separate reasons a trademark application can fail. Either the name is not something any single business is allowed to monopolise, or it collides with a trademark that already exists. The two are assessed at different stages, and they need different fixes.
Trademarks are registered for specific goods and services, organised into 45 classes under the Nice Agreement - a global system used by over 150 countries.
A structured overview of all 45 trademark classes, grouped by goods and services.
Registration is not the end of the process - it is the beginning. Monitoring ensures your mark is not diluted or infringed without your knowledge.
If a newly published trademark conflicts with yours, you can challenge it during the opposition period. Here is how the process works.
Registered trademarks must be renewed every 10 years. Failure to renew results in expiry and loss of protection.
A registered trademark can be cancelled if it has not been genuinely used for 5 consecutive years. Here is what you need to know.
