Trademarks.

Trademarks can be a word, symbol or words that  are legally registered or established by use, they represent companies or products.

Found on ipo.gov.uk.

"A trademark is a sign which can distinguish your goods and services from those of your competitors (you may refer to your trademark as your "brand"). It can be for example words, logos, or a combination of both. The only way to register your trademark is to apply to us- The Intellectual Property Office.

You can use your trademark as a marketing tool so that customers can recognise your products or services.

Trademarks are acceptable if they are:

- Distinctive for the goods and services you provide. In other words they can be recognised as signs that differentiates your goods or service as different from someone else's.

Trademarks are not registrable if they:

- Describe your goods or services or any characteristics of them, for example, marks which show the quality, quantity, purpose, value or geographical origin of your goods or services;

- How become customary in your line of trade;

- Are not distinctive;

- Are three-dimenshional shapes, if the shape is typical of the goods you are interested in (or part of them), has a function, or adds value to the goods;

- Are specially protected emblems;

- Are offensive;

- Are against the law, for example, promoting illegal drugs;

- Are deceptive. There should be nothing in the mark that would lead the public to think that your goods and services have the quality which they do not.

A registered trademark must be renewed every 10 years to keep it on force.

What is a brand?

A brand is a 'Promise of experience' and conveys to consumers a certain assurance as to the nature of the product or service they will receive. Intellectual Property Rights provide legal protection for some of the most important aspects of a brand.

-Rebecca Hickey