Deciphering the Various Types of Trademarks in India

The trademark is a brand's unique identifier that is considered its intellectual property. You can establish an exclusive right or ownership over a name, brand, or logo after you register it as a trademark by filing an application with the Trademark Office in India.

The following are a few types of trademarks which can be registered in India:

Words and Service Marks

One of the most common trademarks in India - words and service marks is used to identify the products and services of a trading company or a service-providing company. This type of trademark is used when your product or service is text-based. Service marks help differentiate services that are available in the market. Examples of word marks include Nestlé and FedEx.

Shape Marks

The distinguishing factor of these marks is the appearance of the products. These can be three-dimensional shapes, such as the shape of a product, its packaging or container, and the like. Examples of shape marks are the unique shape of the Coca-Cola bottle and the Toblerone mountain chocolate bar, which is triangular in shape. Shape marks can also be two-dimensional, such as logos or symbols.

Logos and Symbols

A logo or symbol is a figure, design or character (except letters, words or numbers) that is painted or printed. In other words, it is a descriptive trademark. These types of trademarks are used as logos or symbols, and they must be registered in a single application. A good example of this trademark is Apple, which has a registered Logo trademark that is used on every product they introduce.

Collective Marks

This type of trademark is linked with a group of people or services collectively. The owners of this mark are usually an organization, association or institute. Once registered, it can be used by any person who meets the specified standards. Chartered accountants are the most apt example of this type of trademark in India. The term 'CA' can be used by individuals after getting registered as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Certification Marks

The certification mark is a type of trademark that is used to show that a company meets specific standards of quality. Certification marks help create awareness among the public about the trader's certified goods and services. A prominent example of these standards of goods and services trademark is FSSAI, a certification for the specific quality of packaged food products.

Series Marks

Many companies choose to use a series mark in order to protect their investment in the brand name and to distinguish their products from others on the market. A company may have a series of marks that share a common name but differ in terms of price, quality, or type of goods offered. For example, McDonald's has a series of trademarks registered under the name "Mc" that represent a wide range of products, including McChicken, McVeggie, and more. This allows the company to offer a variety of products under the same brand name without confusion among consumers. It also allows the company to expand its product line without having to create a new brand name.

Geographical Indicators Marks

The geographical indicator mark is a type of trademark that is used to protect products that have a unique nature, quality, or reputation. Geographical indicator marks are granted to natural, agricultural, and handicrafts products that have a geographical origin. One of the most well-known is Darjeeling tea. Geographical indicator marks help protect against imitations and ensure that consumers know they are getting the real, authentic product.

Confused about which category your trademark belongs to? Consult with Global Trademark Company today!