Definition: Trade mark

Category: Business registers

Trade mark refers to words, symbols or other marks which are used by firms to distinguish their products or services from those offered by others. A trade mark may be registered under the Patent Act or the Trademark Act or other such intellectual property legislation as may be applicable. A trade mark may often become equated with the product itself and may be a source of competitive advantage. Trade marks may communicate information about the quality of a good or service to customers. Firms which license their trade marks to retailers may thus require conditions in the licensing contract assuring uniform quality. http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/ramon/statmanuals/files/KS-32-10-216-EN-C-EN.pdf