Whatever form a company’s intellectual property takes, there are mechanisms in place for them to protect it.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) comments that the possibilities for trademark registration are “almost limitless”.
As a consequence, companies can ensure brand protection by claiming the legal rights to words, phrases, drawings, symbols, 3D signs, music or vocal sounds, fragrances, color sequences and much more.
WIPO explains that combinations of words, letters, and numerals – specific to a particular company or organization – can also be registered as a trademark, to prevent their use by rival operators.
“A trademark provides protection to the owner of the mark by ensuring the exclusive right to use it to identify goods or services, or to authorize another to use it in return for payment,” WIPO notes.
“The period of protection varies, but a trademark can be renewed indefinitely beyond the time limit on payment of additional fees.”
The body explained that trademark protection is enforced by the courts, which in most systems have the authority to block infringement.