| Trademark Registration |
In simple words, trademarks are special unique signs that are used to identify goods or services from a certain company. They can be designs, pictures, signs or even expressions. It is important because it differentiates your products from the competitions. It can be associated with your brand or product. Trademarks are classified as intellectual property and therefore is protected from infringement. Trademarks and its rights are protected by the Trademark Act, 1999.
o get the protection of trademark rights one has to register the trademark. It is important to register your trademark because it prevents others from copying your mark and misrepresenting other products with your mark. Trademarks help the customers to recognise the brand and the brand value in one look such as the logo of a tick sign for Nike or a jumping wildcat for Puma etc.
Unlike patents, trademark does not have a definite limitation period. Where a patent expires in 20 years a trademark registration expires after 10 years of its registration, but unlike patents, a trademark can be renewed again for another 10 years. This process can be indefinitely done, meaning as long as you keep renewing the trademark it will not expire and will continue to be under the protection of the Act.
Trademark (Sample)
Types Of Trademarks?
An individual or a company who wishes to register their trademark often gets confused with the class and category in which their trademark falls.There are many different kinds of Trademarks, but the following most common ones are given with examples so that the applicant can register as the following:
- Product Mark
- Service Mark
- Collective Mark
- Certification Mark
- Shape Mark
- Pattern Mark
- Sound Mark
Documents Required
To initiate the trademark registration online or brand name registration process in India, you will need to furnish the following initial details:
- Applicant’s Name: The name of the individual, company, or entity applying for the trademark registration.
- Business Type: Specify the type of business entity, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, private limited company, etc.
- Business Objectives: Provide a brief description of your business objectives or activities.
- Brand/Logo/Slogan Name: Clearly mention the name, logo, or slogan that you intend to trademark.
- Registration Address: Furnish the official address of the entity applying for the trademark.
In addition to these details, you will be required to submit the following documents to complete the trademark registration online, or even logo trademark registration process: