More on trademarks
Different types of trademarks
These are the main types of trademarks:
Word mark
A coined or common word, written in capital letters
Word/device mark
A combination of a word and a figurative element
Device mark
A graphic symbol or design without text
Shape marks
The shape of a packaging of goods
Colour marks
A certain colour or a colour combination
Sound marks
A sound or a melody
Position marks
A sign at a certain position on a product
Movement marks
An animation that illustrates a movement
There is furthermore other types such as multimedia marks, scents, holograms etc.
Different expressions and terms
There are different expressions, symbols and terms within the field of trademarks. These appear in various situations. It is an advantage to be familiar with these symbols and terms:
®
international symbol for registered trademark
™
international symbol for a trademark that is not registered
Use requirement
Use requirement means that registered trademarks must be used in registered form during a period of typically five years. If not, they are vulnerable for cancellation.
Declaration of use
Formal statement that a trademark is used according to the form and scope of the registration.
Priority
A possibility to get the same application date as in the first application when filing applications abroad. The opportunity is available for six months after first filing.
Seniority
A possibility to derive rights from an older national trademark right in a subsequent EUTM registration.
