Trade Marks Explained

What are Trade Marks?

A trade mark is a recognisable sign that identifies and distinguishes a product or service from others in the marketplace.  It must be distinctive and differ sufficiently from existing trade mark registrations to avoid confusion for the consumer. 

A trade mark is usually a word, logo or slogan, but it can also be a sound, colour, or a combination of any of these. A typical trade mark example is the brand name of a cleaning product.

Registering a trade mark isn’t just a task for large companies. If you have a product or service that could benefit from a trade mark, you should protect your identity, whatever the size of your operation.

Key Features of Trade Marks

Territorial

Trade marks are territorial and cover either a country or groups of countries.

Scope

Trade marks are limited to a specific range of products and services.

Valid Indefinitely

Valid indefinitely through renewals at defined periods.

Meet our Trade Mark Experts

Whether you know nothing about trade marks or are an industry professional who wants to understand more about our services, we would love to hear from you.

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Richard Stilwell
Richard Stilwell

Richard is a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and heads Lysaght’s contentious trade mark services. He is responsible for the firm’s relationships with agents and clients, as well as maintaining a senior role within the Patents Department.

Tim Noel
Tim Noel

Tim is a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney. He is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of the department, and offers free advice clinics to members of the public as well as sitting on the INTA Trademark Office Practices Committee.

Latest Trade Mark News

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Bermuda: Further delays to the new Trade Mark Act
Bermuda: Further delays to the new Trade Mark Act

The enforcement date for Bermuda’s new Trade Marks Act has been delayed once again, with 1 April 2025 now being considered as the potential start date. However, this remains unconfirmed, and the existing legislation will continue to apply until the new law is officially enacted.

Libya – Revocation of certain Trade Marks; Amendment to Trade Mark Renewal Fees
Libya – Revocation of certain Trade Marks; Amendment to Trade Mark Renewal Fees

Two pieces of news have recently come to light regarding trade mark matters in Libya, which have significant implications for rights holders there. We summarise these developments relating to the cancellation of certain trade marks and an increase in the official fees for renewal payments.

Bermuda: Crucial changes to the Trade Mark Act
Bermuda: Crucial changes to the Trade Mark Act

We are pleased to report that the Bermuda Registry General has now issued an Industry Notice confirming that the new Trade Mark Act has been approved by the Bermudan Parliament.

Trade Mark protection in Iraq and Kurdistan: Update on the Nice Classification
Trade Mark protection in Iraq and Kurdistan: Update on the Nice Classification

In Iraq and the Kurdistan region, effective trade mark registration is increasingly critical as the economy grows and foreign investment rises. An important development in this field will be the adoption of the 11th edition of the Nice Classification in both regions from January 2025.