{"id":53464,"date":"2023-03-15T17:32:01","date_gmt":"2023-03-15T12:02:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/?p=53464"},"modified":"2023-03-15T17:32:07","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T12:02:07","slug":"importance-of-eligibility-for-trademark-registration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/importance-of-eligibility-for-trademark-registration\/","title":{"rendered":"Importance of Eligibility for Trademark Registration: A Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Establishing\na brand identity is essential when starting a business to set you apart from\nthe other businesses in the marketplace. A symbol, logo, word or phrase is\nconsidered a trademark. The trademark reflects the image of the company and\nmakes it distinct from the competitors in the market. A legal protection and\nexclusive commercial use rights to use the trademark are the two main\nadvantages of trademark registration. Yet not every trademark qualifies for\nregistration. It is essential to confirm the eligibility for Trademark\nRegistration based on the specific requirements, to ensure that the trademark\nregistration is successful.&nbsp;In this blog, we will discuss eligibility for\nTrademark Registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/importance-of-eligibility-for-trademark-registration\/#Types_of_Trademarks\" >Types of\nTrademarks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/importance-of-eligibility-for-trademark-registration\/#Classification_of_Trademark\" >Classification\nof Trademark<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/importance-of-eligibility-for-trademark-registration\/#Eligibility_for_Trademark_Registration\" >Eligibility\nfor Trademark Registration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/importance-of-eligibility-for-trademark-registration\/#Qualifying_Criteria_for_Trademark_Registration\" >Qualifying\nCriteria for Trademark Registration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/importance-of-eligibility-for-trademark-registration\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Trademarks\"><\/span>Types of\nTrademarks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Word\nMark<\/strong> \u2013 A trademark composed of words, letters\nor numbers used to distinguish goods or services. Coca-Cola, Nike and Apple are\na few examples of word marks.<\/li><li><strong>Service\nMark<\/strong> \u2013 A service mark is a specific mark used\nto set one company\u2019s services apart from another.<\/li><li><strong>Device\nMark<\/strong> &#8211; A mark that consists of an original\ndesign or image that symbolizes the products or services of a business is\ncalled a device mark. The design is the main component of the mark. For\nexample, the Nike Swoosh.<\/li><li><strong>Sound\nMark<\/strong> \u2013 A trademark of a distinctive sound or\njingle is called a sound mark. The MGM\u2019s roar of the lion or the bong sound of\nIntel is examples of sound marks.<\/li><li><strong>Colour\nMark<\/strong> \u2013 A colour mark is a specific colour or\ncolour combination used as a trademark. The purple colour for Cadbury and the\nblue colour of Tiffany &amp; Co. are a few examples of colour marks.<\/li><li><strong>Shape\nMark<\/strong> \u2013 A trademark comprising a distinctive\nthree-dimensional shape is known as a shape mark. The triangular shape of the\nToblerone chocolate is an example of a shape mark.<\/li><li><strong>Certification\nMark<\/strong> \u2013 A certification mark is a form of\ntrademark that is used to show that goods and services satisfy specific\nstandards or qualifications. Governments generally own these marks.<\/li><li><strong>Collective\nMark<\/strong> \u2013 Members of a group or organization use\na collective mark. A collective mark is used to identify goods or services used\nby this specific group or organization. Only the people who satisfy particular\ncriteria are permitted to use it.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Classification_of_Trademark\"><\/span>Classification\nof Trademark<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we discuss the eligibility for Trademark Registration, let\u2019s discuss the classification of Trademark. For the purpose of trademark registration, goods and services are categorized using different trademark classes, also referred to as a Nice Classification. There are a total of forty-five classes in the categorization system. The classes are separated into two types. Classes from 1-34 are for goods, and classes from 35-45 are for services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The classification system is used to ensure that the trademarks are registered for the correct goods or services and to prevent confusion between different goods or services that may have similar names. Each class is recognized by a distinct number and represents a particular category of goods or services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eligibility_for_Trademark_Registration\"><\/span>Eligibility\nfor Trademark Registration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Following is the eligibility for Trademark\nRegistration:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>An\nIndividual<\/strong> \u2013 An individual can file for a trademark\napplication even if they are not a business. They can register a word or a\nsymbol that they intend to use in the future as a trademark.<\/li><li><strong>Joint\nOwners<\/strong> \u2013 When two people decide to file a\ntrademark application jointly, both of their names must be listed on the\ntrademark application.<\/li><li><strong>Partnership\nFirm<\/strong> \u2013 A partnership firm is eligible to\nregister a trademark. All the partners\u2019 names must be listed in the\napplication.<\/li><li><strong>Proprietorship\nFirm<\/strong> \u2013 If a <strong>sole proprietorship<\/strong><sup><a class=\"text-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sole_proprietorship\"><strong>[1]<\/strong><\/a><\/sup> files a trademark\napplication, the application must include the proprietor\u2019s complete name.<\/li><li><strong>Limited\nLiability Partnership (LLP)<\/strong> \u2013 If a limited\npartnership applies for a trademark, the application for registration must be\nsubmitted under the name of the LLP. An LLP has its own identity because it is\nan incorporated body.<\/li><li><strong>Trust\nor Society<\/strong> \u2013 The names of the managing trustee,\nchairman, or secretary who represents the trust or society must be on the\ntrademark application when a trademark is applied for a trust or society.<\/li><li><strong>Foreign\nCompany<\/strong> \u2013 A foreign company must submit its\nregistration application under the name registered in the foreign nation. The\napplicant\u2019s address for service in India should be specified in the application\nif the foreign company does not have its primary place of business there.<\/li><li><strong>Indian\nCompany<\/strong> \u2013 Whether a private limited company, one\nperson company business or limited company applies to register a trademark, the\napplication must be filed under the company\u2019s name.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Qualifying_Criteria_for_Trademark_Registration\"><\/span>Qualifying\nCriteria for Trademark Registration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A\ntrademark must fulfil a set of requirements in order to be qualified for\nregistration with the appropriate trademark office. These criteria are set up\nto make sure that the trademark is capable of distinguishing one company\u2019s\nproduct or services apart from those of another and that it does not conflict\nwith already existing trademarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Distinctiveness<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A\ntrademark must be unique in order to qualify for registration. This implies\nthat the mark must be distinctive and uncommon in the pertinent market.\nConsumers should be able to distinguish the goods or services in the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Non-\nDescriptiveness<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A\ntrademark must not describe and explain the goods or services it stands for.\nFor example, a descriptive mark for a pillow company cannot be \u201cSoft and\nFluffy\u201d as it describes the type of pillows. As per the rule, this mark is not\nsuitable for registration as it lacks distinctiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Non-Deceptiveness<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;A\ntrademark must not in any manner be false or misleading. This means that the\nmark must not give the wrong idea about the characteristics or qualities of the\ngoods or services that it stands for. A mark, for instance, implies that goods\nare manufactured in a particular country when it is not; this would be\nmisleading and ineligible for registration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Not\nAgainst Public Order or Morality<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A\ntrademark cannot contravene morality or public order. This implies that the\nmark must not offend the general public or violate the accepted norms of\nsociety. The registration of trademarks that use offensive or vulgar language\nor that advocate unlawful behaviour is prohibited.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Generic\nTerms<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nwords and phrases that are more commonly used, such as computers or bread etc.,\nare prohibited from registering as a trademark because they are descriptive in\nnature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Descriptive\nPhrases<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nmarks that describe the attributes, features and characteristics of goods or\nservices cannot be registered. For instance, \u201clow calorie\u201d cannot be used for\ndiet foods and drink. Although descriptive terms can be useful to customers,\nthey do not serve as a distinctive source identifier and are not thus eligible\nfor trademark registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Misleading\nStatements<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There\nare words or phrases that have the potential to mislead or deceive consumers.\nSuch marks cannot be registered because they are likely to cause confusion or\ndeception among consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Offensive\nWords or Images<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There\nare words and phrases that some people find scandalous, immoral, or offensive.\nFor example, racial slurs and obscene language. Such trademarks are not allowed\nto be registered because they violate morals or public order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meeting\nthe eligibility for Trademark Registration is essential. When a trademark\napplication does not meet one of the requirements, the application has the risk\nof being denied or challenged by competitors in the business. In order to build\nthe brand identity and protect the market position, the business should\ncarefully analyze and choose a distinctive trademark that meets the qualifying\nconditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Trademark registration is a very crucial component of brand protection for the companies. For a valid trademark registration, the applicant has to make sure the mark satisfies the eligible conditions, such as being distinctive, non-descriptive, and non-deceptive, in order to acquire <strong><a class=\"text-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/trademark-registration\">trademark registration<\/a><\/strong>. Before adopting and utilizing a mark, businesses should perform a trademark search to prevent infringement and other legal issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also Read<\/strong>: <br><a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/online-trademark-registration\/\">Online Trademark Registration: A Detailed Guide\n<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Establishing a brand identity is essential when starting a business to set you apart from the other businesses in the marketplace. A symbol, logo, word or phrase is considered a trademark. The trademark reflects the image of the company and makes it distinct from the competitors in the market. A legal protection and exclusive commercial [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":53465,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2],"tags":[3239],"acf":{"service_id":"18"},"authorName":"Shreya Patel","authorImageUrl":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MicrosoftTeams-image-41.jpg","authorDescription":"I have completed B.A.LL.B (Hons) from The Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda. I have also done a Diploma in Cyber Law and currently pursuing a post graduation diploma in IPR from GNLU.I am an avid researcher. My interest areas are Labour Law, Cyber law and Intellectual Property rights law.","postViews":2348,"readingTime":5,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53464"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=53464"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53464\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":53467,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53464\/revisions\/53467"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/53465"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=53464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=53464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=53464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}