Trademarks are symbols, numbers and letters or logos that an organization uses to identify the organization as the designer of a certain design or term. Trademarks help identify the company’s products and services. Companies who trademark their signs with symbols, logos, or combinations of characters are claiming the rights to that sign and any other companies using those same signs may be breaking the law.
There are several different types of marks you can register as trademarks, including service marks, shape marks, product marks, collective marks, pattern marks, and sound. Although there are different kinds of trademarks, their goal is always the same. Delve into this blog to learn all about different types of trademarks.
1. Product Mark
Product marks are a type of trademark that’s used on anything from a product to software. It can help build the reputation of your company and identify the origins for your good or service.
All the trademark applications that are filed under trademark class 1-34 are classified as product marks because they represent products or goods. The time required for registering a product mark is almost 18-24 months. Some examples of product marks are Nestle and Amul.
Product marks are trademarks that represent products or goods. However, the time required to register a product mark can vary depending on the type of product mark applied for.
2. Service Mark
The service mark is very similar to the product mark, but there is one exception. A service mark can be used for any type of service, not just one that involves a physical product. There are many benefits to using a service mark instead of a standard trademark symbol. The service mark is used to distinguish between the legal proprietors and the legal owners of that service.
In fact, Taj Hotels and Akasa Airlines provide services rather than selling any trade goods. All their application to register trademarks under the trademark class of 35-45 (Applied For) are classified as Service Marks – so it isn’t surprising.
3. Collective Mark
Collective marks are a type of trademark that is owned and used by associations or groups. They’re placed on items or services that represent a collaboration, to let people know they have a quality reputation.
Brands or trademarks can be a way to protect products or services. Individuals or groups, like public institutions, associations, and Section 8 companies can own them. In this type of trademark, the rules are generally set by the trademark’s owner that you’re working with.
It takes some paperwork and follow-up to get approval for a trademark, but those who adopt one have a lot of opportunities. It probably won’t be easy, but Chartered Accountant designation is a common collective mark.
3. Certification Mark
A certification mark is a type of trademark that certifies the origin & other attributes of a product. This type of trademark generally defines a product or service by standard and guarantees that the mark assures quality.
This type of trademark is also used to ensure quality products by showing that any specific product has been tested for adherence to the authority’s standards. Consumers can rest assured about what they are receiving. Certification marks are used on different types of products, including clothes, electronics and toys. You can see examples of Certified merchandise here.
4. Shape Mark
A shape mark is a type of trademark that protects the shape of a product. This helps ensure consumers are aware where an item is coming from, so they can quickly and easily identify the product, then buy it at that same place.
Product shapes can only be recognized if they’re distinctive and memorable. For example, a Pepsi bottle or a Dairy Milk chocolate bar have specific shapes that are recognisable with the business.
5. Pattern Mark
To protect the design of any specific product, manufacturers use a trademark known as ‘pattern mark.’ All companies who produce products with this pattern are provided protection from competitors copying the design.
A pattern mark is a symbol that is only issued to companies or organizations when they can prove their product is different and special. The fashion industry uses the most pattern marks of any industry.Big brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Fendi get Pattern marks for all their products so that no other brand can copy theirs.
Even many individual fashion designers such as Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi get pattern marks for their products so that no other brands can use the same pattern without permission.
6. Sound Mark
When a company receives that sound or tune as a trademark, no other person can use it without the company’s permission. If they do, then the organization can take legal action.
The most well-known sound trademark in India is the tune of the IPL. A company must be original and when the people hear that sound, they should quickly identify the product or service it’s related to.
These are some of the most common types of trademarks that different companies, associations, institutions, or even individuals use for their products and services. If you want to apply for any kind of trademark, you should contact a lawyer specialising in the area.