Trademarks are a form of intellectual property that protect brand names, logos, symbols, or any other distinguishing features that identify and distinguish products or services from others in the marketplace.
There are several types of trademarks that can be registered and protected under trademark laws. Here are some of the most common types:
Word Mark:
A word mark is a trademark that consists solely of a word or words, without any design elements or stylization. Examples of word marks include “Google”, “Nike” or “Coca-Cola.”
A tagline slogan is a type of word mark that consists of a catchy phrase or slogan used to promote a product or service. Examples include Nike’s “Just Do It” or Mc Donald’s “I’m Loving it”
Device Mark:
A device mark is a trademark that includes a specific design, logo, or graphical element. It may or may not contain words. The words or combination of text within a device mark will not be protected under Device mark. The Nike “swoosh” logo is an example of a Device mark.
Composite Mark:
A composite mark combines both words and design elements to create a distinctive trademark. Examples include the McDonald’s logo, which features the word “McDonald’s” along with the iconic golden arches.
Sound Mark:
A sound mark is a trademark that consists of a distinctive sound or audio sequence. It can be a musical jingle, a sound effect, or any other unique auditory element. The NBC chimes or the Intel jingle are examples of sound marks.
Color Mark:
A color mark is a trademark that protects a specific color or combination of colors used to identify a product or service. Examples include the Tiffany Blue used by Tiffany & Co. or the red soles of Christian Louboutin shoes.
Shape Mark or Trade Dress:
Shape Mark or Trade dress refers to the visual appearance and overall image of a product or its packaging that signifies its source. It can include the shape, color, texture, or other aesthetic features. The distinctive shape of the Coca-Cola bottle, Toblerone Chocolate, Hershey Kisses Chocolate are example of shape mark.
Certification Mark:
A certification mark is a trademark used to indicate that certain goods or services meet specific standards or qualifications. Examples include the “UL” mark for electrical safety or the “Organic” mark for certified organic products.
Collective Mark:
A collective mark is a trademark used by a collective group or organization to indicate membership or affiliation. It represents the collective identity of the group rather than an individual member. Examples include professional associations or trade unions that use a specific logo or symbol.
