You can register a variety of symbols and signs in the UK as trademarks as long as they meet specific criteria.
Words
These trademarks consist of numbers, letters or words. They may be a slogan, brand name, or combination of words to uniquely identify the company or the products and services it offers.
Logos
A logo is a graphical representation that includes symbols, images or designs serving as trademarks. It could be a stylised representation of your brand name. Alternatively, it could be a visual standalone element linked with your business.
Combinations
A combination mark consists of both graphical and word elements, combining distinctive logo and text components to create a fully comprehensive trademark.
Shapes
A shape trademark relates to the particular configuration or shape of your product or the packaging you use. It must be non-functional and distinctive.
Sounds
A sound trademark represents distinctive musical, or audio elements associated with your brand such as a tune, sound, or jingle that is linked exclusively to your product or company.
Distinctive Character
In order to register your trademark in the UK, it must have a distinctive character that allows your business and its services or goods to be distinguished from any other in the marketplace. Any descriptive, purely functional, or generic mark may fail to meet this requirement and, therefore, its registration may be refused.
Rejection Criteria
Certain kinds of marks will generally be denied registration including any mark that is deceptive, offensive, contrary to trademark rights or against public policies. It is, therefore, wise to seek advice from either the UKIPO (UK Intellectual Property Office) or a specialist solicitor to obtain appropriate guidance about eligibility criteria when preparing to register your brand’s trademark in the UK.
For more information or for expert advice on business or personal legal issues, contact us at info@carterbond.co.uk or email us at www.carterbond.co.uk or call us on 020 3475 6751.
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