Register your trademark – don't rely on establishment
[Part 7 of our Brand Rights blog series] Exclusive rights to a trademark can arise not only through registration but in some cases also through the trademark's establishment, although the requirements for establishment are very strict in practice. Our brand rights experts Jani Kaulo and Maria Puronvarsi remind brand owners that registration should always be the primary means of protecting a trademark.
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What does trademark distinctiveness mean and why is it important?
[Part 6 of our Brand Rights blog series] When a company decides on a new brand name to be introduced, it is always worth considering whether the trademark in question is distinctive or descriptive. "Only distinctive trademarks can be registered, meaning only they can be granted exclusive rights," says Jani Kaulo.
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Protecting your trademark through registration – where and how?
[Part 5 of our Brand Rights blog series] Jani Kaulo summarizes the fundamental rules for acquiring a brand right through trademark registration. "A trademark should be registered in countries where the company markets and sells its products or services or manufactures products." Read more about the key basic rules for companies considering trademark registrations.
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Trademark is the core of brand rights
[Part 4 of our Brand Rights blog series] Trademark is the most important and essential brand right for the majority of companies. Jani Kaulo emphasizes the key requirements for a trademark: "A trademark must be distinctive; it should not directly describe the product or its features, and it should not be confused with previous trademarks or company names."
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Chinese character trademarks enjoy lowered distinctivenes in the European Union
The decision of the General Court of the European Union on the low distinctiveness of Chinese character trademarks weakens the position of Chinese trademarks in the European Union, writes Jani Kaulo in an expert article published by the European Communities Trademark Association ECTA and provides background information on the decision.
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