A trademark is any sign in a trade that identifies and differentiates the goods and services of one entity from another. A trademark is intangible negotiable movable property. A trademark is also used to promote a good or service, make it well known, and increase its value. A trademark can also be used to define the style and image of a product. Another trademark can be registered and used by the applicant once the original owner permits the applicant to use the trademark. A trademark is valid for ten years and is renewable.
A trademark can be fanciful (no specific meaning to the good/service), suggestive/evocative (gives an idea as to what the good/service does), or arbitrary (there is no relation between the trademark and the goods/service). |
Although a trademark registry is automatic upon first usage, registration with the Government is mandatory to receive legal protection.