16/11/2019
I earlier listed things that are protected under intellectual property in my last post, therefore i will begin to discuss three out of list. The trios are Trademarks, Patent and Designs.
TRADEMARKS
trademark is any sign that individualizes the goods of a given enterprise and
distinguishes them from another goods or products.
For practical purposes one can even
simply rely on the distinguishing function of the trademark, and define it as “any visible sign
capable of distinguishing the goods or services of an enterprise from those of other enterprises.”
Signs which May Serve as Trademarks
- Words: This category includes names, surnames, forenames, geographical
names and any other words or sets of words, whether invented or not, and slogans.
- Letters and Numerals: Examples are one or more letters, one or more numerals or any
combination thereof.
- Devices: This category includes fancy devices, drawings and symbols and also two-
dimensional representations of goods or containers.
- Combinations of any of those listed above, including logotypes and labels.
- Colored Marks: This category includes words, devices and any combinations thereof in
color, as well as color combinations and color as such.
- Three-Dimensional Signs: A typical category of three-dimensional signs is the shape of the
goods or their packaging. However, other three-dimensional signs such as the
three-pointed Mercedes star can serve as a trademark.
- Audible Signs (Sound Marks): Two typical categories of sound marks can be distinguished,
namely those that can be transcribed in musical notes or other symbols and others (e.g.
the cry of an animal).
- Olfactory Marks (Smell Marks): Imagine that a company sells its goods (e.g. writing paper)
with a certain fragrance and the consumer becomes accustomed to recognizing the goods
by their smell.
- Other (Invisible) Signs: Examples of these are signs recognized by touch.
To be continued in my next post.
I will explaining the process of registration (trademarks) at the registry of the federal ministry of trade and investment nigeria and the required documents needed for registration.
trademark attorney
ministry of trade and investment
lawyer
to wipo teachings on trademarks
