In principle, individual letters, numbers, words, images, color combinations and three-dimensional designs can be protected as trademarks. However, sound, tactile and design marks are also permissible. The statutory list is not exhaustive, meaning that other designs are also conceivable.
Trademark protection – requirements
The elementary prerequisite for achieving trademark protection is in any case the suitability of the sign. This primarily means being able to distinguish the goods or services of one company from those of other companies. The requirements should be checked before each application.
The application itself is filed with the responsible trademark office, which ultimately decides on the final registration.
Company identifiers and work titles
In addition to the active registration of a sign with the responsible office, company signs and work titles are protected as soon as they are used.
In addition to the names of legal entities and other partnerships, company trademarks also include first names, nicknames and stage names in individual cases. If these are used unlawfully by other companies in the course of business, the respective trademark owner can take legal action against this.
The same applies to unlawfully used work titles. This includes, among other things, the names of printed publications, film works, sound works and stage works.
Protect your products and services
A trademark can be used for trademark protection across the board for certain goods and services offered by a company. This distinguishes the company’s own services from those of other companies. The “Tempo” trademark is a prominent and appropriate example of this. Even though other companies also manufacture handkerchiefs, the “Tempo” brand has become synonymous with an entire product name.