What types of brands are there?
April 4, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Ingo Hausdorf
Dear trademark lawyer,
My name is Isabel Engel and I have a question regarding trademarks. I have recently founded my own company and am unsure about the best type of trademark for my business. I have already designed a logo that I would like to protect as a trademark to safeguard my products from imitation.
My company produces sustainable fashion and I place great importance on environmental sustainability and quality. I want my brand to represent these values and for my customers to recognize that my products come from my company. However, I am not sure which type of trademark is best suited for my company and how I can effectively protect my logo.
I am concerned that my logo may be copied by other companies, leading to a loss of revenue. Therefore, I want to ensure that my trademark is legally protected and that I can take action against any infringements.
Can you please explain to me the different types of trademarks and which would be most suitable for my company? How can I best protect my logo and what steps can I take to prevent imitation of my brand? I would be very grateful for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Isabel Engel
Dear Mrs. Engel,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding trademark law. It is understandable that as the founder of a sustainable fashion company, you are concerned about how to best protect your logo and safeguard your brand from imitation. I will be happy to explain to you in more detail the types of trademarks available and which ones may be most suitable for your company.
There are different types of trademarks that you could consider for your company. The most well-known form is the word mark, where a specific word or combination of words is protected as a trademark. This type of mark is suitable if you want to protect your company name or a specific slogan.
Another option is the figurative mark, where a graphic element or logo is protected as a trademark. Since you have already designed a logo that you would like to protect, this could be particularly suitable for your company. By protecting the logo as a figurative mark, you can ensure that your visual trademark is safeguarded from imitation.
Furthermore, there is also the combination mark, where both word and image elements are protected as a trademark. This type of mark can be particularly effective in protecting both your company name and logo.
To effectively protect your logo, I recommend registering your trademark with the relevant trademark office. In Germany, this is the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA). By registering your mark, you will have the exclusive right to use your logo in connection with your products. If other companies attempt to imitate it, you can take legal action and claim damages.
To protect your trademark from imitation, it is also advisable to regularly monitor the market and take action against any trademark infringements. If you find that another company is copying your logo or selling similar products under your brand name, you should take legal steps immediately.
Overall, it is important to protect your trademark early on to secure your intellectual property and safeguard your products from imitation. I am available for further questions or for personalized advice.
Best regards,
Ingo Hausdorf
Trademark Lawyer
