Frequently Asked Questions

You can trademark any unique element that identifies your brand - names, logos, slogans, or even sounds or colors - provided they're distinctive and directly associated with your goods or services. 

Types of elements you can trademark

• Brand names: Unique names that reflect your business or products, such as "Nike" or "Tesla."

• Logos and symbols: Visual designs that identify your brand, such as the swoosh for Nike's swoosh and McDonald's golden arches.

• Slogans: Consider catchy phrases like "I'm Lovin' It" (McDonald's) or "Think Different" (Apple).

• Sounds: Unique audio identifiers like the MGM lion's roar or the Intel's chime.

• Colors: Distinctive colors associated with a brand, like Tiffany & Co.'s robin's egg blue or UPS's brown.

• Shapes and packaging: Innovative product shapes or packaging designs, for example, the shape and design of Coca-Cola's iconic bottle.

Key requirements

For any of these elements to qualify for a trademark, they must:

• Be distinctive and not generic.

• Be used in commerce to represent your goods or services.

• Not be functional, meaning they can't serve a utilitarian purpose.

Trademarking these elements ensures exclusive rights and prevents competitors from using them, protecting your brand's brand and reputation.