Types of Trademarks | Which One to Choose?

Table Of Content

• What are the Different Types of Trademarks?
• How Do I Know Which Trademark Type Suits Me?
• Conclusion

Are you a business owner, designer, chef, music artist or someone looking to safeguard your brand identity? Then you must understand the important roles and types of Trademarks that can help you protect your brand’s name, logo, groups and many more. Trademarks play a crucial role in distinguishing your brand from competitors and ensuring legal protection. In this session, we will explore the different types of Trademarks in India and worldwide, and discuss how copyrights, patents, and Trademarks are types of assets that contribute to your business’s value. Let’s dive in!

What are the Different Types of Trademarks?

Trademarks are unique identifiers that distinguish your brand from others in the market. But did you know there are different types of Trademarks in India and globally? Let’s check them out:

1. Word Mark: A word mark protects the textual part of your brand, like a company or product name. This means no one else can use the same or similar words for similar services.
2. Logo Mark: A logo mark protects the visual representation of a brand, including symbols, unique fonts, or stylized designs.
   • Example: The bitten apple is the logo mark for Apple. Similarly, the swoosh of Nike is also protected by a Trademark.
3. Shape Mark: If your product has a distinctive shape, you can Trademark it!
   • Example: The bottle shapes Coca-Cola and Fanta, the pyramids of the Toblerone chocolate bar etc
4. Collective Mark: This is used by groups, organizations, or associations to indicate a standard set by them.
5. Certification Mark: Unlike a collective mark, this is used to certify that products meet certain standards.
   • Example: ISI mark (Indian Standards Institution), FSSAI (for food products in India).
6. Pattern Mark: If your brand or design has a unique and novel pattern that you want to keep protected, you can surely Trademark it too. Just keep in mind that the pattern should be unique and have some purpose.

The list of Trademarks is not just limited to these. You can also protect a unique sound, fragrance, service, and taste through a Trademark. Therefore, choosing the right trademark types and registering the Trademark is important.

How Do I Know Which Trademark Type Suits Me?

What to Trademark is a common question in which people get stuck. It depends on what you want to protect.

• If it’s your brand name, go for a word mark.
• If it’s a logo, opt for a logo mark.
• If your brand is recognized by a particular sound, apply for a sound mark.
• If your product’s shape is unique, a shape mark is the way to go.
• If you run an organization or group, a collective mark might be right for you.

Still confused? No worries! Visit our website eDrafters and consult with our lawyer to get accurate legal advice and to make sure you get it right.

How eDrafter can help me in Trademark Registration?

eDrafter has experienced IP Advocate who you can consult with to get the correct legal advice about your Trademark registeration. Whether it is Trademark registration or replying a Trademark objection, we have experts who you can rely on to get you Trademark registered.

Conclusion

We explored the different types of Trademarks in India and around the world. Trademarks play a crucial role in protecting your brand identity, whether it’s a name, logo, sound, or even a colour. Remember, copyrights, patents, and trademarks are types of assets that add value to your business, so securing them is a smart move! Visit eDrafters now.