The professionalism and complexity of trademark registration are not only reflected in the process of trademark registration, but also the choice of trademark category is an important link in trademark application. Some people may say, isn't the choice of trademark category just the registration of which trademark to produce and provide? Next, let me give you a brief introduction from Shenzhen Rare Intellectual Property Service Co., Ltd.
As a big-name enterprise of the Internet, Baidu's popularity is a household name. However, in the category protection of trademarks, Baidu almost lost the way of category selection. As we all know, there are 45 types of trademark registration. In the early years, a company producing condoms successfully registered the trademark "Baidu" in the category of "medical devices" 10, and used it in its products, which had a great negative impact on Baidu. Although Baidu finally won through several lawsuits, it caused far-reaching brand losses to Baidu.
First, all kinds of protection, brand protection.
The phenomenon of Baidu's "brand name" mentioned above involves all kinds of protection of trademark applications.
Imagine if Mengniu and Wahaha only registered trademarks in one category, and some people registered in agricultural drugs for the sake of "famous brand". What will consumers think? Assuming that "Haier" is only registered in the category of household appliances and washing machines, will we still see Haier cement, Haier feed, Haier leather shoes and other industries now?
It can be seen that it is very necessary to protect brands with established popularity and reputation in multiple categories and all categories. Many well-known enterprises have a high awareness of brand protection, not only registered various trademarks, but also applied for many defensive trademarks to prevent infringement. For example, Wahaha Group has also registered trademarks such as "Haha Wa" and "Wow Haha Wa".
For enterprises that have just established brands, it is even more necessary to classify and lay out trademarks in advance, because with the development of enterprises, the scope of production and operation may be extended to industries or commodities that have not been planned before, so as to better prepare for the expansion of future business scope.
China's Trademark Law stipulates: "The exclusive right to use a registered trademark is limited to the registered trademark and the goods approved for use." This shows that the protection of registered trademarks is limited. If it is registered only in the corresponding category, it will not be protected in the other 45 categories (except well-known trademarks). Only by registering all categories can trademarks have exclusive rights in various fields.
I think all kinds of registered trademarks are actually the most complete in protection. When registering a trademark, the applicant specifies various goods and services, so that its trademark can be protected in all categories. When others register the same or similar trademarks in other categories, the Trademark Office will directly reject such registration applications based on the principle of prior application, effectively avoiding the embarrassing incident of "Baidu" condoms.
The above is from Shenzhen Rare Intellectual Property Service Co., Ltd. I bring you content sharing, hoping to help you.