Last Updated on July 1, 2024 by Kanakkupillai
A standard trademark character is a word mark registered independent of font, style, size, or color. Unlike a distinctive design or logo, this kind of trademark registration offers wide protection for the wording. Understanding the idea of standard trademark characters can help companies choose and defend their brand names with knowledge.
Word Marks vs. Design Marks
Two primary types of trademarks are design marks and word marks. Whatever the particular design or logo, a word mark shields the text or lettering itself. If you register “Apple” as a word mark, for instance, you would have the exclusive right to use that term in relation to your goods or services independent of font, style, or color employed.
In contrast, a design mark shields a particular visual design or stylized logo. If you register a design mark, you have to utilize exactly the same design to keep the registration. For example, if you register a design mark for the Apple logo, your branding and marketing campaigns would have to use that particular visual.
Standard characterizing a word mark gives more rights as it covers the wording independent of the style employed. This implies that using the phrase in several fonts, sizes, and colors won’t compromise your trademark rights.
Word Marks’s Trademark Registration
File for a trademark registration for a word mark using a conventional character claim. This assertion suggests that you look for protection for the phrase independent of style, font, or graphic element. If the wording stays the same, you may preserve your mark in many different designs by establishing a standard character claim.
Claiming color for Design Marks
Should you be claiming a design mark, you have to choose between claiming color or black and white. Should you want to claim color, the colors you actually use must exactly match those listed on the applied-for mark. If you say, for instance, the particular shade of red used in the Apple logo, you would have to utilize the same color in your branding.
If you do not claim a color, you can use the mark in any hue. However, you might not be able to stop someone else from adopting a comparable design in other colors.
Uppercase vs lowercase letters
Whether the letters are uppercase or lowercase makes no difference in a conventional character mark application. Word marks were formerly entered in ALLCAPS to show that, independent of the upper or lower case used in actual use, the wording was desired to be registered. Standard character marks can be submitted using any combination of capital and lowercase letters; this practice is no longer required, though.
Conclusion
Businesses trying to guard their brand identities must first understand the idea of conventional trademark characters. Standard character registration of a word mark can help you to guarantee that your mark is safeguarded independent of font, style, size, or color utilized. This registration form lets you use your mark in several styles and formats and offers broad coverage. When choosing and safeguarding your trademark, consider whether a design mark or a wordmark would better suit your company. See a trademark attorney to guarantee the correct registration and protection of your trademark.
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